Jack Stooks, a former royal gardener who spent over two decades tending the gardens at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, offers expert advice on winter gardening. While cold, frosty days and long nights can be tough on plants and lawns, Jack says there are plenty of smart ways to care for your garden during the colder months to ensure a vibrant spring and summer.
One task Jack swears by is salvaging plants like dahlias before the frost gets too severe. “Ideally, these should be lifted by now, but if not, there’s still time,” he explains. After the first frosts, cut back the foliage and gently dig up the tubers. Remove excess soil and let them dry in a shed. Once dry, store them in a container filled with dry compost in a cool, frost-free place. Come spring, you can replant them for blooming beauty.
Jack also cautions against hastily cutting back plants that appear dead. “Trim anything obviously dead, but be patient with those that might still regrow,” he advises. If by late spring there’s no sign of life, you can safely replace the plant with the same variety or choose a hardier alternative.
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For those yet to plant bulbs, now is the perfect moment. Late daffodils and other spring bulbs need to be planted soon to bloom beautifully. Additionally, bare-root roses are an excellent winter garden addition and make thoughtful, long-lasting gifts. These roses bloom year after year, enhancing any garden.
Jack also recommends putting used coffee grounds to work in your winter garden instead of tossing them out. Coffee grounds are a rich source of nitrogen and speed up compost decomposition, enriching your soil’s nutrients. You can add them to your compost heap or sprinkle them directly onto the soil as mulch. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature around your plants.
However, there is one winter gardening job Jack firmly advises against: tending to your lawn. “Winter is not the time for lawn maintenance,” he warns. The cold, frosty, and wet conditions make grass vulnerable. Walking on or cutting the lawn now can compact the soil, damage roots, and increase susceptibility to disease. Instead, wait for spring when the sun returns and the grass begins growing again to resume lawn care.
By following these winter gardening dos and don’ts, you’ll protect your garden through the cold months and set the stage for a flourishing growing season ahead.