How to Prepare Your Wooden Garden Planters and Plants for a British Winter

As the days shorten and temperatures drop, it’s time to start preparing your garden for winter. Properly looking after your wooden garden planters and plants can ensure they’ll thrive again when spring rolls around. Here’s our guide on how to protect your wooden planters and plants from the colder months ahead.

Preparing Your Wooden Garden Planters for Winter

1. Clean and Inspect
   Begin by clearing any debris or dead plant material from your planters. Check for any signs of damage or wear, especially along the edges. A gentle scrub with water and a soft brush will remove any build-up of dirt or algae that could damage the wood.

2. Apply a Protective Treatment
   Although your Highland Wood planters are crafted with structural-grade FSC timber and organic treatment, adding an extra layer of protection is always beneficial. Consider applying a weather-resistant wood stain or paint specifically designed for outdoor use. This additional coating will seal the wood from excess moisture and frost, reducing the chances of rot or cracking.

3. Elevate and Drain
   Ensure your planters are raised slightly above the ground to allow for adequate drainage and prevent water from pooling around the base. Use pot feet or small bricks to lift the planter, helping to prevent the wood from becoming saturated during wet weather.

4. Mulch and Insulate
   Add a layer of mulch or straw on top of the soil to insulate the roots of your plants. This acts as a natural blanket, helping to retain heat and moisture within the soil and reducing temperature fluctuations.

Top 10 Garden Jobs to Get Your British Garden Winter-Ready

1. Clear Leaves and Debris
   Rake up fallen leaves and compost them if possible. Leaves left on lawns can smother grass and encourage disease.

2. Prune Back Perennials
   Trim back dead foliage on perennials to encourage healthy growth next spring. This also tidies up your garden for the winter months.

3. Protect Delicate Plants
   For any plants sensitive to frost, add a layer of mulch around the base or wrap them in horticultural fleece.

4. Plant Spring Bulbs
   Now’s the perfect time to plant bulbs like daffodils, crocuses, and tulips so that they’re ready to bloom when spring arrives.

5. Cut Back Hedges
   Trim hedges one last time before winter to prevent them from becoming overgrown.

6. Tidy the Greenhouse
   Clean out your greenhouse to remove any pests and disease that could harm plants over the winter. You may want to insulate it with bubble wrap to retain warmth.

7. Move Potted Plants Indoors
   Bring any frost-sensitive potted plants indoors or into a sheltered location to keep them safe from freezing temperatures.

8. Maintain Garden Tools
   Clean and sharpen your garden tools so they’re ready for use next season. Oiling metal parts will prevent rust.

9. Cover Water Features
   If you have a pond or water feature, consider using a pond cover to prevent debris from accumulating and clogging filters.

10. Plan for Next Year
    Winter is a great time to plan your garden’s layout for the coming year. Think about what worked well, what didn’t, and perhaps start designing your ideal garden.