Month: May 2025

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Winter proofing your garden

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Don’t let winter freeze your garden!

South Africa’s cold can harm your plants, but with some preparation, you can protect them from frost and snow. Use GARDENA’s tips to keep your plants warm and ready to thrive in spring. Keep your garden happy this winter!
 
Understanding Your Garden’s Needs
Before wrapping your plants for winter, assess their needs. Some plants thrive in cold, while others require extra care. Make a note of what you have and what each plant needs. This will help you decide who needs protection and who can handle the cold!
Hardiness Zones

Knowing your zone is essential for winter survival—they reveal the average minimum temperatures and help you choose the best plants for your area. 
Proper plant selection and watering are key to a thriving garden. Dive in and let your garden flourish!
Preparing the Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a resilient garden. Before winter sets in, take steps to improve the soil’s structure and fertility.
 
 
Mulching 🌿✨

Winter-proof your garden with a cozy blanket of organic mulch! Straw, wood chips, or compost will keep your soil snug, moisture-rich, and weed-free. Plus, it stops erosion in its tracks. 
 
Composting 🌱💪

Boost your soil’s winter resilience with compost or well-rotted manure! These organic goodies enrich the soil, improve its structure, and help plants brave the freeze-thaw dance.
 
Covering Plants with frost cover

Not all plants are winter warriors! 🌬️🌿Give your garden a cozy shield with burlap, frost cloths, or old blankets. This simple trick keeps frost, wind, and snow at bay, ensuring a snug environment. Just remember to secure those covers tightly against gusty winds.
Constructing mini greenhouses 🌨️🌿

Build a quick winter fortress for your plants! Use glass or plastic with a frame to create a transparent cover. This mini greenhouse traps heat, creating a cozy microclimate to shield plants from the bitter cold.
 
Watering Wisely 💧🌿

A pre-frost drink helps soil retain heat, shielding plants from the cold. Just avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. GARDENA’s range of Water Controls help you schedule irrigation depending on your plant’s watering needs. The Water Meter AquaCount measures the water flow, ensuring each plant gets the perfect amount.
Protecting Perennials and Bulbs
Perennials and bulbs can be vulnerable to winter conditions, but with the right care, they can come back strong in the spring.
Cutting Back Perennials 🌿✂️

Cut back the dead foliage of perennials to about 2-3 inches above the ground after the first frost. This helps prevent disease and pest problems while also making it easier to apply mulch and other protective measures.
 
Mulching Bulbs 🌷❄️

Give your bulbs a cozy winter blanket! A thick mulch layer over tulip and daffodil beds insulates them from extreme cold and temperature fluctuations, ensuring a stunning spring bloom.
 
Maintaining Garden Structures

Winter-proof your garden structures! Check fences, trellises, and beds for damage. Fix any weak spots to keep them sturdy and your plants safe.🛠️