Winter might feel like the time to retreat indoors, but for gardeners, it’s one of the most powerful seasons of the whole year. While everything above ground slows down, what you do now has a massive impact on how effortlessly your garden flourishes in spring. Think of winter as your garden’s reset button!
Winter gardening is all about smart, simple jobs that set you up for success - a chance to prepare, protect, and get ahead before the rush of warmer weather arrives. From planting last-minute bulbs to protecting your favourite plants from frost, these winter gardening jobs will save you hours in spring and help you create your best garden yet.
Let’s dive into what you can (and should!) be doing outdoors right now.
What Gardening Can I Do in Winter?
There are a lot more winter gardening jobs than you might think! Winter is the ideal time for all the tasks that often get forgotten during the busy growing months.
Winter gardening includes things like:
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Planting spring bulbs while the soil is still workable.
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Mulching to lock in moisture and protect roots.
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Collecting fallen leaves to turn into nutrient-rich leaf mould.
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Cleaning and sharpening your tools so they’re ready to go.
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Installing or repairing raised beds and garden structures.
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Wrapping tender plants in fleece to protect them from frost.
These simple tasks don’t just keep you connected to your garden over the colder months, they also make a huge difference when spring arrives.
Winter Gardening Jobs You Should Prioritise
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Plant Stunning Spring Bulbs
The most exciting thing you can do throughout Autumn and Winter is start planting your Spring bulbs! Don’t worry, if you’re wondering “Is it too late to plant spring bulbs?” Although November is the best time for many varieties, you can still plant throughout December as long as the ground isn’t frozen.
Bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths and alliums are popular choices. Add them to borders or create colourful container displays and when Spring comes, your garden will come back to life with an array of beautiful flowers!
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Install or Refresh Raised Beds
If you’ve been thinking about creating or upgrading raised beds, winter is the ideal time. With fewer plants in the way and soil easier to manage, you can install new beds, repair old ones or completely redesign your growing space.
Raised beds offer multiple benefits:
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Improved drainage and soil quality
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Easier access for planting and harvesting
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Better temperature control for roots, especially in early spring
Whether you’re adding a new raised bed or refreshing an existing one, this winter task sets the stage for a productive and beautiful garden come spring.
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Mulch Beds for Protection & Soil Health
Mulching is one of those winter gardening jobs that pays off big time in spring. By covering your borders and beds with a layer of organic mulch, you protect soil from frost, retain moisture, and suppress weeds before they even appear.
The best winter mulch options include bark chips, composted leaves or well-rotted manure. Apply a 5–10cm layer around your plants, keeping mulch slightly away from stems to prevent rot. Not only does mulching improve soil structure, but it also gives your garden a neat, cared-for look during the colder months.
Come spring, your plants will have a healthy, nutrient-rich environment to thrive in, and you’ll save yourself hours of weeding and watering.
3. Collect Leaves & Make Leaf Mould
Leaves might seem like a nuisance at first, but they’re a hidden goldmine for gardeners. Collecting fallen leaves and turning them into leaf mould creates a rich, crumbly material that improves soil structure, retains moisture and feeds your plants.
To make leaf mould, simply gather leaves in a compost bin or leaf bag, keep them slightly damp and leave them to decompose over several months. Unlike compost, leaf mould doesn’t heat up, so it’s perfect to prepare in winter and have it ready by spring. Not only is this sustainable, but it’s also a simple way to recycle natural materials and give your garden a nutrient boost.
4. Protect Tender Plants from Frost
Winter frost can damage or even kill tender plants if they’re not properly protected. One of the easiest and most effective ways to safeguard them is by using plant fleece. This lightweight, breathable material traps warmth while allowing light and water through, giving your plants a cosy layer of protection.
How to Wrap a Plant in Fleece (Step-by-Step)
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When to use fleece: Apply at the first sign of frost or when temperatures dip below freezing.
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How to anchor it: Drape the fleece over your plant, ensuring it reaches the ground, and secure with stakes, clips, or even bricks around the edges. Avoid tying too tightly around stems.
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Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t wrap plants too tightly, and make sure there’s no trapped moisture, which can encourage rot.
By taking these simple precautions, your tender plants will survive the winter and burst back into life when warmer weather returns.
5. Clean and Sharpen Garden Tools
Winter is the perfect time to give your garden tools some TLC. Cleaning and sharpening your tools now not only extends their life but also makes spring gardening much easier and more efficient. Dirty or blunt tools can damage plants and make tasks more laborious, so taking the time to maintain them is a real winter win.
Quick guide to cleaning and sharpening:
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Wash: Remove soil, sap, and debris with warm, soapy water.
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Dry: Make sure tools are completely dry to prevent rust.
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Sharpen: Use a sharpening stone or file for shears, secateurs, and spades.
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Oil: Apply a thin layer of oil to metal parts to protect against corrosion.
It’s a little boring but by tackling this job in winter, your tools will be ready for action when spring arrives, saving you time and effort while helping your garden look its best.
Don’t fear, if you’ve got the gardening itch there’s still plenty to be doing in the garden over Winter!