19/11/2019
Keep the wildlife in your garden healthy this winter
Another summer has come and gone. It’s now time to start prepping and packing your garden up ready for the wintery weather.
Preparing the lawn for winter
We all love the crispy crunch of the golden leaves underfoot during the Autumn, but to maintain a healthy, wintry garden it’s important to sweep them away.
The good news is the leaves don’t necessarily need to be thrown away. Why not create a cosy home for the likes of hedgehogs and insects to snuggle down for the winter? Simply create a couple of bundles of the swept leaves into a sheltered and quiet area of your garden and watch the wildlife move in.
Create a bug hotel
They’re usually easily forgotten ‘out of sight, out of mind’ however, our tiny insects’ friends are hugely affected by the winter and take drastic measures to adjust. Similar to other animals, finding the right place to hibernate is crucial.
Why not have a rummage within the woods or at the end of your garden for any logs to create an insect friendly log cabin. The gnarlyer the better! Bugs will love all the nooks and crannies to cosy up in. Ladybirds, ants, worms and the like will seek warmth and comfort under here to survive the bleak winter.
We know that bugs attract the birds. Give them an extra treat to keep them coming back; make your own bird feeder.
Winter pond care
It’s really important to make sure sheets of ice don’t form across your pond over the winter months. The ice can create a barrier trapping in toxic gasses potentially harmful to your fish and other wildlife living on the pond bed.
Breaking the ice on your pond will no longer be an awkward task with this one easy tip; Simply boil a pan of water and rest it on the surface, melting the ice and creating a small hole through to your pond.
Make sure all leaves and any foliage is removed from the pond before the frosty weather comes. As leaves continue to breakdown they will, like ice, release unwanted and harmful toxins and possibly form into algae.
Take care of your tools
It’s no secret that our children are keen to make a difference and lead sustainable lives. With this in mind I’m sure many have mini tools for when they want to lend a helping hand in the garden.
This time of the year is the prime time to extend the lifespan of your tools by giving them a scrub and a polish. Use warm water to soak the tools and if any rust is present remove with sandpaper. Finally, find an old tea towel or a rag to wipe over the surface.
Been inspired? Get even more winter gardening tips from the experts. You can also get more gardening tips for kids to keep them busy outdoors!
Its time to wrap up, put your wellies back on and brave the chilly days!
Let us know if you have any tips on how to prepare the garden for winter in the comments below.