Winter in Aotearoa might feel like a time for the garden to sleep, but beneath the soil, there is plenty of work to be done. A little mahi now prevents winter damage and ensures your garden is the first to burst into life when the spring sun returns.
Here are five expert tips to nurture your garden through the big chill.
The "Golden Rule" of Pruning
Winter is the dormant season, making it the perfect time to prune deciduous fruit trees (like apples and pears) and roses. Pruning now encourages better airflow and redirects the plant's energy toward a bumper crop or vibrant blooms in the coming months.
Give Your Lawn a Winter Boost
The grass will grow more slowly in winter, but it still needs love. Keep your mow height a little higher than usual to protect the soil and discourage moss. If your lawn looks a bit patchy, winter is a great time to apply a slow-release winter fertiliser to strengthen the roots against the frost.
Mulch: The Gardens Winter Blanket
Apply a thick layer of mulch (bark chips or leaf mould) to your garden beds. This acts as an insulator for plant roots, keeping them warm while suppressing hardy winter weeds that thrive in damp conditions.. Just remember: keep the mulch away from the direct stems of your plants to prevent rot!
Gutter & Drainage Check
With heavy winter rain comes the risk of blockages. Regularly clear leaves and twigs from your gutters to prevent water from backing up and damaging your eaves. Ensuring your garden paths and driveways are clear of wet leaves also prevents them from becoming slippery and hazardous.
Protect the Delicate Ones
For those "tender" plants that don't love the frost, use frost cloths or move pots into more sheltered spots. NZ natives like Hebe and Camellia are hardy, but even they appreciate a bit of shelter from wild southerly winds.
Need a Hand in the Cold? From the tricky cuts of rose pruning to the heavy lifting of mulching and gutter cleaning, the Green Acres team is ready to get stuck in so you can stay warm inside. We can set up a Seasonal Maintenance Plan to ensure your garden is winter-proofed without you lifting a finger.
👉 Book Your Winter Garden Refresh
👉Check out our Winter Home Cleaning Tips
Work with Us
Proud Winners
Connect in your favourite space:
Visit our sister companies:
