JUST because the weather has turned, don’t stop giving your outdoor areas some love and attention.
Making the effort over autumn and winter will not only give you a space to enjoy when it’s chilly, but will help save cash in the long run.
Follow these tips . . .
TIDY UP: Use sunny late autumn days to rake up dead leaves, branches and other debris.
Nigel Lawton, plant buyer at Dobbies garden centres, says this will prevent diseases from spreading and allow air and sunlight to circulate.
He adds: “If the weather allows, you can still mow your lawn, but avoid walking on it when it’s frosty, as this can damage the blades and leave yellow footprint marks.”
READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS
PROTECT: As the temperatures drop, protect plants from storms and frost so that you don’t end up with dead shrubs that need replacing come spring.
Secure larger plants and climbers against gusts, and check tree stakes to make sure they are properly in place and providing support.
Nigel says: “Move pots close to the house to benefit from the warmth of the wall and raise containers off the ground to prevent frost damage and improve drainage.”
PRUNE: It’s an important time to prune plants, but make sure you know what should and shouldn’t be cut back.
Nigel says: “Now is a great time to prune selected fruit trees as this encourages healthy growth.
But avoid pruning stone fruits such as plum trees when they are not in leaf as they’re more prone to disease at this time of year.”
DECOR: You can still enjoy your outdoor space in the cold. Add some bird feeders and water to encourage wildlife.
Give a colour pop by refreshing containers with affordable bedding plants. Cyclamen in shades of red give a fab seasonal touch, and you can usually buy them for less than a fiver.
Twinkly outdoor fairy lights fixed to a fence or wall create a lovely lift on dark and gloomy days.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
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