Planning Next Season From the Winter Window
Choose a small number of changes tied to actual problems, checking mature size, light and local suitability before selecting replacements.
THE GARDEN JOURNAL
The garden journal.
Good growing starts with a little understanding. Find practical ideas for your plants, your patch and your everyday home.
Cleaning and Storing Garden Tools Between Seasons
Remove soil, clean the working surfaces appropriately and dry tools before placing them in a secure dry location.
Checking Stored Pots Before Reusing Them
Clean reusable containers according to suitable material and product guidance, then let them dry before storing or refilling.
Adjusting to an Unusually Wet Growing Season
Pause unnecessary irrigation and keep existing drains and surface routes clear where safe and appropriate.
Gardening Through an Unusually Dry Spring
Prioritize watering where root moisture is genuinely low and use slow controlled applications that soak the active root zone.
Recognizing Seasonal Rest in Perennial Plants
Mark the position and avoid unnecessary digging while checking the crown area for obvious waterlogging or disturbance.
Timing Shrub Pruning by the Plant Not the Month
Remove only the material justified by the plant condition and pruning goal, using suitable clean tools and cuts appropriate to that species.
Reintroducing Feeding When Growth Resumes
Use a suitable product only when there is a clear reason, following the label rate and method. A soil test can inform significant garden soil decisions.
Ending the Growing Season With Useful Notes
Choose a few clear observations and a small set of changes, separating genuine recurring problems from one unusual weather event.