Prepare Your Garden For Winter

As the days shorten and temperatures drop, your garden needs care to rest, recover, and thrive next spring. With the right preparation, you can protect your lawn, plants, and outdoor spaces from harsh winter conditions.

Weather-Dependent Timing

Avoid putting your garden to bed too early; you want plants to flourish as long as possible. However, preparation should begin before freezing temperatures or other adverse weather arrive. Grass growth slows below 5°C, signaling that your lawn is entering dormancy and it’s time for essential winter prep.

Month Indicators

Look for signs of seasonal change, such as the shifting colors of trees and leaves. September is a good time to evaluate your garden, with most preparation tasks starting in October and November.

• Mow for Autumn and Winter - Give your lawn its final cut of the year.

Height: Set mower to 35–45mm (1.5–2 inches) to protect grass from frost while still allowing photosynthesis.

Tip: If a mild spell occurs, you can give it a gentle cut, but only when frost-free and dry.

• Aerate Your Lawn

Pierce small holes into the soil using a garden fork or aerator tool to improve air circulation, nutrient absorption, and water drainage. This prevents compaction and strengthens roots for winter.

• Fertilise for Winter Strength

Apply a nutrient-rich fertiliser to boost root strength and improve resilience.

Recommended: Amvista G9 Autumn & Winter Fertiliser or Ultimate Autumn Winter Fertiliser (formulated with potassium and iron).

Apply from September onwards, avoiding frosty days.

• Repair Bare Patches

Overseed thinning or bare areas with winter grass seed.

Recommended: A1 Lawn Winter Repair Grass Seed – germinates in temperatures as low as 3°C and is durable for high foot traffic.

• Trim Surrounding Plants

Prune nearby shrubs and trees to allow sunlight to reach the lawn during dim winter days. Trim perennials to soil level to protect roots and encourage spring growth.

• Clear Dead or Dying Plant

Remove plant debris to prevent pests and disease. Healthy plant matter can be composted; diseased material should be discarded.

• Tidy Up Leaves and Garden Debris

Rake fallen leaves, twigs, and debris to prevent fungal growth.

Dampened leaves can be bagged to create leaf mould for compost or mulch.

• Sow Wildflowers

Autumn is ideal for sowing wildflower seeds, especially varieties that require frost for germination. These often flower earlier in spring.

• Keep Hard Surfaces Clean

Slippery moss and algae can pose hazards during frost.

Recommended products: AlgoClear Pro, MAC Hi Power, and softwashing bundles.

Regular cleaning prevents stains and slip risks.

• Mulch Your Beds

Apply a layer of organic matter (wood chips, bark, ash) to insulate soil, retain moisture, and protect roots.

• Control Weeds

Even in winter, weeds can take hold. Apply weed suppressants or a selective lawn weedkiller such as Kurtail Lawn.

• Clean dirt and oil from tools to prevent winter damage.
• Drain hoses and turn off water sources to avoid freezing.
• Service and sharpen equipment before storage.
• Store garden furniture in a dry place.
• Inspect fences and sheds for winter damage.

• Hard Surface Cleaning: Keep patios, decking, and gravel areas clean to prevent damage from moisture and dirt.
• Rodent Control: Colder weather drives rodents indoors; stay proactive with rodenticides and regular checks.
• Online Training: Take advantage of more indoor time by completing gardening or outdoor skills courses.

Timing is everything: Begin preparation before freezing weather but not too early.

• Lawn care matters: Mow, aerate, fertilise, overseed, and trim surrounding plants.
• Garden maintenance: Clear leaves, prune perennials, mulch beds, clean hard surfaces, and control weeds.
• Tool care: Clean, store, and service equipment to avoid winter damage.
• Proactive planning: Hard surface cleaning, rodent control, and skill development can continue through winter.
• With these steps, your garden will enter winter well-prepared and emerge in spring healthy, vibrant, and ready to flourish. For product recommendations or personalized advice, our technical team is happy to help.