With many people enjoying a well-earned break over the Christmas period, they may have more time on their hands.
While most won’t think of spending this extra time outside, there are some tasks worth doing now to get the most out of your garden, according to an expert.
While it is easy to think, “why bother planting in December?”, gardening expert and owner at Trusted Landscaper Marcin Ptak said it can give you a great headstart on next year.
The expert told GB News: “Hardy annuals sown now will most likely flower weeks earlier than those sown in spring.
“Plus, keeping those flower beds filled with plants will stop soil erosion from any torrential winter rainfall and also keep the nutrients in the soil from washing away.”
So, what in particular should you look to plant now? The expert suggested sweet peas, snapdragons, hardy cyclamen, tulips and winter-flowering shrubs. Here is everything you need to know when plating these flowers and watching them succeed.
Sweet peas
Marcin said: “These fragile beauties love a bit of winter chill. Sow them indoors in cardboard tubes or small pots, and once they’ve germinated, pop them in a cold frame, unheated greenhouse, or lean-to.
“Come the spring, you’ll be able to enjoy armfuls of their sweet-smelling blooms.”
Expert tip: Soak sweet pea seeds overnight before planting to help them germinate faster.
Snapdragons
He advised: “These cheerful blooms are robust and ready for planting out in a cool greenhouse now, so you can enjoy early summer colour.”
Expert tip: Pinch out the tips of young snapdragon plants to encourage bushy growth and more flowers.
Hardy cyclamen
“These colourful winter warmers can be sown in pots and kept at a cool temperature of around 13-16°C,” he added.
Expert tip: Cyclamen like well-drained soil, so add some grit to your compost to prevent their corms from rotting.
Tulips
Marcin recommended planting the bulbs you have not yet had time to. He explained: “If you didn’t get around to planting up your bulbs this year, don’t despair.
“It isn’t too late to plant tulips for a spectacular spring display. You do need to get your skates on though.” This may be the last opportunity to do it before it is too late for the year.
Expert tip: Plant your tulip bulbs at a depth of about three times their height and add a layer of mulch to keep them protected from the cold.
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Winter-flowering shrubs
Gardeners keen to see some “instant impact” in their outdoor space should consider the below shrubs and winter bedding plants.
Marcin explained: “Brighten up even the gloomiest winter days with fragrant Sarcococca (Sweet Box) or cheerful Mahonia (Oregon Grape) in your borders or containers.”
Expert tips: These winter-flowering shrubs need a sheltered spot.
Winter bedding plants
“Give your garden an instant lift with colourful pansies, violas, and primroses in borders or containers.”
Expert tip: Deadhead regularly to keep winter bedding plants flowering throughout the worst of winter.
For more gardening advice, an expert shared how to care for aloe plants at home.
