Garden Work during Winter: Sissinghurst's Head Gardener Details Winter Tasks
## Winter Gardening Jobs: A Guide for a Blooming Summer
As the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, it's easy to think that the garden has entered a state of hibernation. However, winter is a crucial time for garden maintenance, and every task done now will contribute to a more vibrant garden in the summer months. Here's a rundown of some recommended winter gardening jobs to help you prepare your garden for the upcoming season.
### 1. Planting Bulbs
Winter is an ideal time to **plant bulbs** for spring flowers. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are among the most popular choices, and they should be planted in the fall to ensure blooms in the spring. In some regions, planting can be done in early winter if the soil is still workable.
### 2. Marking Plants
**Marking plants** is essential during winter to ensure you can identify them when foliage is minimal. Use labels or stakes to mark the location of different plants, especially perennials and new plantings.
### 3. Taking Cuttings
**Taking cuttings** from deciduous shrubs and trees is best done in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. This allows for better rooting and establishment before the growing season begins.
### 4. Coppicing Hazel
**Coppicing hazel** involves cutting back the stems of hazel trees to near ground level. This should be done in late winter, typically around February, to promote new growth and maintain the health of the tree.
### 5. Bare-Root Planting
**Bare-root planting** is best done in late winter or early spring, when plants are dormant. This method involves planting shrubs, trees, and roses without soil around their roots, which is more cost-effective and often leads to quicker establishment.
### 6. Pruning Roses
**Pruning roses** should be done in late winter or early spring, depending on the type of rose. Prune hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras in late winter to promote new growth and encourage blooming in the spring. Climbing roses and ramblers should be pruned immediately after they finish blooming in summer or early fall, while shrub roses can be pruned lightly in late winter.
### Other Tasks
- **Prepare Soil**: Winter is a good time to prepare the soil for spring planting by adding organic matter and mulching. - **Prune Trees and Shrubs**: Late winter is ideal for pruning most trees and shrubs, excluding spring-blooming varieties. - **Protect from Weather**: Use covers to protect plants from frost and hail, common during winter months.
Interestingly, the renowned Sissinghurst Castle Gardens in Kent, England, follow many of these winter gardening practices. The gardens, open daily from 11am-5.30pm, with admission costing £17, are home to a collection of 'old roses' (roses bred before 1867) and a nuttery made up of Kentish cobnuts. Sissinghurst Castle can be found at Biddenden Road, nr Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB, and can be contacted at 01580 710700.
So, as the winter chill sets in, remember that the garden still needs love and care. Embrace the season and get ready for a blooming summer!
Winter is an excellent time for gardening jobs, such as planting bulbs for spring flowers, marking plants for identification, and taking cuttings from deciduous shrubs and trees for better rooting. Additionally, consider coppicing hazel, bare-root planting, pruning roses, preparing soil, pruning trees and shrubs, and protecting plants from weather during the winter months. These tasks contribute to a more vibrant garden in the summer season, making your home-and-garden lifestyle bloom throughout the year.
