Preparing your garden for winter: Keep it thriving through the cold season

Start by giving your plants a little extra care. Prune back dead or damaged branches to prevent decay and diseases from spreading, and mulch around the base of trees and shrubs to insulate their roots. Potted plants are particularly vulnerable to frost, so consider bringing them indoors or placing them in sheltered spots. For those staying outside, pot insulators or fleece wraps can provide a much-needed buffer against the cold.

To take this one step further, a greenhouse can be a game-changer during the colder months, providing a safe haven for tender plants like herbs and winter salads that are especially vulnerable to frost. These plants thrive best in a protected environment where they can continue to grow even as temperatures drop. Building your own greenhouse is easier than you might think, especially with our durable ONDUCLAIR PC polycarbonate sheets.

Your garden shed or outdoor storage should also be ready to face winter’s challenges. Now is the ideal time to inspect your garden shed roof for any signs of damage, such as leaks or loose tiles.

Onduline’s lightweight and waterproof roofing sheets are an excellent option for ensuring your shed stays watertight and secure through heavy rain or snow. A sturdy, weather-resistant roof will keep your tools, outdoor furniture, and other valuables safe from dampness and frost.

Don’t forget about your lawn and garden beds. Clear fallen leaves to allow light and air to reach the grass beneath, preventing mould or rot. Late autumn is a good time to aerate your lawn, allowing water to drain efficiently and avoiding waterlogging. In garden beds, cover exposed soil with compost or a layer of mulch to nourish it and protect it from erosion. These steps will give your garden the best start when spring arrives.

Winter can be especially challenging for the wildlife that calls your garden home, as food and shelter become harder to find. By creating a welcoming retreat, you can provide vital support for these animals while enriching your garden. One simple way to help is by leaving a corner of your garden wild, with piles of leaves, logs, or twigs where hedgehogs and insects can find shelter from the cold. These natural hideaways are invaluable for small animals seeking warmth and safety.

In addition, many birds, particularly non-migratory species, face challenges during the winter months as food becomes scarcer and shelter harder to find. To support them, keep your bird feeders well-stocked with seeds and nuts. Why not go a step further and create a cosy birdhouse for extra protection? You could even match it to your garden shed by using an Onduline corrugated roofing sheet - its excellent waterproofing will ensure the birdhouse stays dry and durable through the harshest weather.

Finally, think about the aesthetics of your garden. Stringing up some solar-powered lights can bring a warm, festive glow to dark evenings. Repair or repaint fences, touch up garden furniture, and organise pathways to keep your outdoor area looking its best even in the bleakest weather. By taking these steps, you’ll have a garden that’s ready to weather the storm while remaining a beautiful and practical space all season long.

Don’t forget our range of lightweight and easy-to-install roofing solutions can be purchased via B&Q and Wickes.

You can also check out our full list of stockists here.