Back to all articles
Winter10 May 2026
Winter Garden Maintenance: What to Do in the Cold Months
Winter might seem like the quietest time in the garden, but there's still plenty to do — and the work you do now will pay dividends come spring.
Pruning
- Hard prune wisteria and other vigorous climbers in January.
- Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches from fruit trees while they're dormant.
- Coppice dogwoods and willows grown for colourful winter stems.
Planning
- Order seed catalogues and plan next year's sowing schedule.
- Sketch out any garden changes you want to make — new beds, paths, or structures.
- Browse plant nursery websites for bare-root hedging while stocks are available.
Wildlife
- Leave log piles and leaf litter for hedgehogs and invertebrates.
- Keep bird feeders topped up — this is when birds need them most.
- Don't clear frost-covered plants until temperatures rise; the frosted foliage protects the crown.
Protection
- Fleece tender plants on nights of heavy frost.
- Keep an eye on potted plants — pots can freeze solid, killing roots.
- Clear paths of ice and moss before it becomes a slip hazard.
Tip: Even on mild winter days, get outside to enjoy the garden — winter light and structure can be just as beautiful as summer flowers.