Get ready for spring

Winter is the perfect time to prepare for the growing season, as long as you have the right partner

We're often told that with cooler weather comes less gardening. But is it true? While it's correct that most plants slow down, die back and drop leaves, and the soil gets colder which affects surface conditions and plant growth, does it mean there's less for us to do in the garden? Do we need to slow down, too?

The answer to these questions is an absolute no. While we might prefer to curl up on a couch indoors with the heating turned up to our favourite comfort setting, the work we do in our gardens now will not only set them up to flourish in spring, it will also maximise their ability to withstand the cold. Slowing down is simply not an option if you want to help your garden thrive year-round.

KEEP AN EYE ON LEAF MATTER

One thing we shouldn't be doing too much of is rake up fallen leaves under plants. While they can look a little disorderly in your garden bed, they actually serve a very important purpose.

In nature, deciduous leaves are broken down by soil organisms and the enzymes they produce, creating a layer of mulch that keeps the soil surface warmer than it would be otherwise, and ensuring the soil remains open around the roots. Without these vital organisms, though, the soil tends to become compacted and hydrophobic, which means it won't accept spring rains.