Autumn is here and winter is just around the corner. So that means we should start considering how the change in climate and conditions might affect our gardens. Extreme weather—including rain, hail and thunderstorms—can damage and cause the swift deterioration of many features in our outdoor spaces, from plants to garden sheds.
But don’t panic, there are plenty of ways you can minimise the harm caused by adverse weather. Check out some of these protective tips that can help you keep your garden safe from harsh weather this year.
Clear clutter
Take the time to wander around your garden and tidy up any loose belongings, such as toys, tools, and twigs or branches. Debris blowing about your garden during a thunderstorm might not just damage the item itself, but it could also break windows, scratch decking and cause other harm.
Neat and trim
It’s a great idea to cut big hedges and rose bushes as much as you can during this season. This is because top-heavy flowering plants have a higher risk of being uprooted if there is a particularly forceful wind, so trimming these can enhance their resistance.
Stay clear of the grass
Just had a storm? Then, don’t step on your lawn! Torrential rain can cause grass to become waterlogged. This means that pushing a wheelbarrow or placing another heavy object on it (such as a swing or slide) may cause ruts, as the soil cannot support this extra weight.
Protect the pots
Many of us have ceramic pots and hanging baskets in our garden which will also need protecting from high winds. If you have the space, put these in your shed when bad weather is due. You can also lie potted trees or other large shrubs on their sides to better protect them from bad weather.
Tie up loose ends
Tie down garden furniture as securely as you can, or better still, place chairs and tables in the garage to make sure they aren’t damaged by the weather or blown onto windows during a storm. Climbing plants can also be harmed by bad weather, so tie vines to their supportive structures with twine to help make sure they don’t snap. While you’re at it, you should also stalk younger plants to give them extra support on windy days. Make sure not to tie the twine too tightly, as it’s best that the trunk can move slightly with the wind.
Protect smaller plants
For smaller plants that you can’t fit indoors, place buckets or plastic containers over the top of them and weigh these down with rocks or bricks. It’s also a good idea to wash off any mud that might be stuck on your plants’ leaves after a storm, as this can affect photosynthesis and harm growth. Lastly, you can protect seeds by putting fabric over the top and using pegs to secure the edges to keep off heavy rain.
Now you have all the tips you need to protect your garden from harsh weather this season—good luck!
