Winter garden activities

Winter in the garden is just as busy as other seasons. There’s always something to do to keep plants healthy and weeds under control. For us,  it's mainly about pruning and planting right now - and weeding, always weeding.
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This month we’re weeding then gathering any fallen leaves and using them as mulch in the garden. Also sowing cover crops in bare areas for all the great reasons mentioned in this blog post.

Gathered fallen leaves as mulch. When we trim the lavender, we put the trimmings on the garden too. It all helps the soil and consequently, the plants.

​Winter pruning
On fruit trees we're pruning dead, damaged, diseased branches. Then pruning to have space between branches for air and pollination, to  let the sun in for the fruit to ripen and keep the branches reachable for picking. These all help reduce pests and disease. We’re after strong healthy branches with lots of fruit spurs. Check out Kath Irvine’s helpful pruning videos.

We’ve started pruning roses. Lopping off branches that cross and rub as these allow disease to enter the plant through the damaged area. Taking out some of the older branches to encourage new growth and pruning to an outward facing bud on healthy branches. 
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After pruning, where there have been pest problems, we’re thoroughly spraying the tree with copper to deal with any overwintering pests. Otherwise we’re spraying the neem oil to deter those nasties. 
Grapes have also been getting pruned, trained and sprayed.

Espaliered pear at Brooklyn Community Orchard, Wellington.

Planting
We’re planting shrubs and trees. Whether it’s natives for shelter and food for wildlife, or fruit trees and shrubs for homegrown goodies. Now’s the time to get them in.
This is the best time to plant strawberries. Remember they will need protection from birds.