It won't be long before the leaves start to fall and the weather begins to turn; winter is on the horizon. The autumn is a fantastic time to get jobs done in the garden. Once the summer growth starts to slow, it free's up more time to tackle those essential jobs and get your garden ship shape for the winter. Read on to see what you need to do to give your garden that all-important protection.
1. Inspect and Repair Your Current Fence
Before winter sets in, take a walk around your garden to inspect your fence. Look for signs of damage such as rust, rot, or loose posts. Whether you have a wooden, metal, or hexagonal wire mesh fence, it's crucial to ensure that it's in good shape. Repair any loose or broken sections to prevent winter winds or snow from causing further damage. A quick repair now can save you the hassle and cost of replacing a fence later.
2. Treat Your Fence for Winter
If your current fence is made of wood, applying a weatherproof sealant or stain is an important step to protect it from moisture and frost. For metal fences, such as welded wire mesh or hexagonal wire mesh, applying a rust-preventive coating can help them endure the winter without corroding. Properly treated fences not only last longer but also keep your garden looking tidy throughout the colder months.
3. Check For Post Rot
With winter weather come winter winds. If your fence posts are rotten, this could have the potential to pull down your entire fence or gateway, leaving you with an eye-watering bill. To test your posts, hold each post firmly and give them a wobble. If there's excessive movement, the posts will need replacing. If you find rot and decide to replace the post, switching to metal post can offer long-term durability and reduce maintenance.
4. Cover Up Your Garden Beds
Just like your fence, your garden beds need protection as well. For the green-fingered among you, you'll know the importance of a layer of finished compost for your beds. A little addition of compost helps to prevent soil erosion, limits weed growth and gives your soil a chance to absorb some well-earned nutrients over the winter months. Add a layer of 1-2 inches thick, not too much more, though, as the soil beneath won't be able to freeze over the winter. The winter freeze is key to killing off any unwanted soil diseases. Covering up your garden beds for winter with garden mesh is a great way to protect your soil and plants.
5. Organise The Shed
Once the final jobs in the garden are complete, it's always an excellent opportunity to sort through the shed and get everything ready for the spring so you can hit the ground running. First, why not clean off those tools and check for any damage? Then, wash off any dirt and dry it before returning to the shed to keep them in good shape and ready for the spring.
