Bourne in Bloom: Winter Prep Tasks to Protect Your Plants

Preparing your garden in Bourne, UK, for winter is crucial, especially given the heavy clay and chalk mix common in Lincolnshire, which retains moisture and makes plants susceptible to frost damage and waterlogging. Taking proactive steps now ensures your garden emerges strong and healthy for the next Bourne in Bloom season.

The average temperature in Lincolnshire throughout December is usually around 2°, making winter preparation very important for all residents in the area who want to protect their garden. There's many ways to do this, so it's about understanding what works and what doesn't to get the best results.

This guide will give you some advice as to the winter prep you can do to keep your plants protected against the Bourne climate. Continue reading to find out more.

Protect Vulnerable Plants

Use Mulch

Applying a thick layer of organic mulch like shredded bark or compost around the base of vulnerable plants can help them to stay warm during the winter in Lincolnshire. This acts as an insulating blanket that stabilises the soil temperature and prevents the ground from rapidly freezing, which can damage roots and stop plants growing to their potential. It's a quick eco- friendly home improvement technique that will benefit your garden in the winter.

Wrap Tender Shrubs

For borderline hardy plants like mature Fuchsias or Phormiums, lightly tie the branches together and wrap them in layers of fleece. Avoid using plastic, which traps moisture and encourages rot during the winter which can stunt the growth of the plants in your garden. This can actually benefit their growth in the future too, as it can moisturise the roots.

Insulate Containers

Potted plants are highly susceptible to frost as the cold can penetrate the pot sides. Move smaller containers to a sheltered spot like under a canopy to keep them insulated from harsh conditions. For larger pots, wrap the sides with bubble wrap and raise them off the ground using pot feet to ensure drainage.

Essential Drainage

Clear Gutters

Ensure all rainwater pipes and greenhouse gutters are clear of fallen leaves and debris during the winter, as efficient water runoff prevents flooding in borders and keeps water away from building foundations. One of the worst things you can do is overwater your plants during the winter, especially if you live in a cold rural area of Lincolnshire.

Pruning

Removing any diseased or damaged foliage from plants will give them the best chance to continue growth during the winter. Clear annual debris to reduce overwintering pests and fungal spores too to help with this. You can leave the spent seed heads of plants like Sedum and ornamental grasses though, as they provide structure and shelter for wildlife.

Protect Vegetable Beds

Since you're likely to have heavy clay in the winter while living in Bourne, fork over the empty vegetable beds lightly to expose the soil to the frost. The freezing and thawing process helps break down the heavy clumps, improving the soil's structure for spring planting.

Equipment Maintenance

Clean Tools

Cleaning your tools, such as pruners or heavy duty hedge trimmers is very important for winter gardening. You want to ensure that you remove any sap or mud, which can harbour pests or rust that can harm your plants in the long term. Oil the metal parts and sharpen any cutting edges to keep them performing optimally.

Empty Water Systems

Disconnect hoses, turn off exterior taps and completely drain all watering cans and irrigation systems to prevent freezing, which can burst pipes and plastic fittings. This can damage your plants during the winter when those freezing cold temperatures hit your property in Bourne. Finding ways to keep your plants hydrated without a water system will be most effective.

Service the Mower

Clean the underside of your lawnmower and sharpen the blades so that you're still able to trim the grass during the winter, if you've let it grow beforehand. A well-maintained mower is essential for the first cut of the lawn come early spring too, so it's a good idea to get this ready in time for your Bourne in Bloom garden.

Final Thoughts

Think of this preparation not as tedious winter work, but as a crucial investment to your gardening during the winter period. Ensuring that when the spring sun returns, your garden will be healthy and ready to confidently flourish in the next Bourne in Bloom season, making your neighbours slightly jealous in the process.