Article Source: Dobbies
First Published: 12 January 2022 13:49
Updated: 12 January 2022 13:49
Winter is a fantastic time to prep your outdoor space for the warmer seasons, and Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has outlined the best gardening jobs to get stuck into during winter on their latest podcast.
In episode 21, Winter gardening tips, guest host and Dobbies’ Ambassador, Daisy Payne chats to Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles to find out what people can be doing in winter to prepare their gardens for spring and summer.
Tidy up
Marcus said: “We’re in that period where we want to be cutting back our herbaceous plants and getting rid of a lot of the debris that’s around. Do think about keeping some of the seed heads and branches that can give you some structure in the garden though, don’t go too crazy on tidying up.”
Mulching is another tip that Marcus has for getting your garden looking polished in winter, with Daisy agreeing that it’s one of the best jobs to do at this time of year. Daisy said: “Mulching is one of my favourite things to do in the garden. One of the things I really love about it is that in itself, it tidies the garden up a bit and gives it a completeness in your borders and where you’ve got all your plants.”
Planting
Although a lot of people may think that winter is a time for shut down in the garden, Marcus points out that there are still plenty of options for those looking to do some planting in the winter. “In winter, you can plant Skimmia, which is a fantastic hardy shrub with beautiful flowers that look like berries at this time of year because they’re really tight and red. You can also plant winter Heathers, and Dobbies has a fantastic collection of these in stores now.” When discussing where best to place plants, Marcus recommends arranging winter containers near your back door so you can admire them from the comfort of your home without having to step outside.
Grow your own
Growing vegetables is something you can make a start on in winter and something that Marcus recommends if you’d like to reap the benefits earlier this year. Marcus said: “It’s a bit more of a challenge to grow vegetables in winter but things like broad beans can still be planted and protected with a cloche, as well as onions and garlic, and green crops like winter gem lettuce will tolerate lower temperatures. Just make sure you check on varieties and give them as much protection as possible.”
Pruning
Another important job for during the winter months is pruning to ensure any harsh weather doesn’t interfere too much with your garden. Marcus recommends taking the stems down by half to stop the wind catching plants as much over winter, and then in spring, he suggests pruning back the fresh shoots which will give nice structure for the plants ready to flower next year.
Marcus and Daisy also discuss their top picks for must-have gardening accessories, perfect for gifting to loved ones who want to get into gardening this year.
Head over to Spotify or iTunes to listen to the podcasts and get more hints and tips on how to get your garden looking its best this winter. Browse all Dobbies podcast episodes here >>
Theatre Royal, Glasgow is thrilled to announce first casting for a brand-new stage adaptation of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel which will run at the Hope Street venue this autumn.
Buchanan Galleries has partnered with brand favourites to give guests the chance to win their perfect spring outfit, worth £450, ready for the warmer months ahead.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is calling for people in the local community to become Collection Can Volunteers to help raise vital funds.
Artist tenants at The Briggait welcomed visitors to joined them in their creative studios.
Two former Glasgow university students throw down the gauntlet for a chess match to celebrate the launch of their latest 3D chess set which celebrates the beauty of Edinburgh.
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, will host Bookbug Week from Monday 16 May – Sunday 22 May.
Scotland's longest-running licensed trade awards - dubbed the hospitality Oscars, have launched their search to find Scotland's top pubs and best-loved bars today.
Glasgow Craft Beer Festival announces legendary DJs Optimo and Greg Wilson to join music line-up!
The Glasgow Mela, the city's annual celebration of its many diverse cultures and communities returns to Kelvingrove Park on Sunday 26th June!
Alert the piper and summon the brides and grooms, Scotland's biggest wedding showcase is back for a show-stopping 20th anniversary event, and tickets go on sale tomorrow!
Fore Play Crazy Golf is planning an un-fore-gettable Father's Day, launching a search for the ultimate caddies - from DILFs to guilty crushes, silver foxes to heartthrobs... Who's Your Caddy?
The King's Theatre is thrilled to announce that The National Theatre's critically acclaimed adaptation of Neil Gaiman's The Ocean At The End Of The Lane will come to Glasgow next year!
Glasgow Jazz Festival has unveiled its programme for 2022, as it makes its long-awaited return to the city with a full suite of performances from some of the best jazz musicians on the scene.
A series of floral installations, themed events and photo opportunities are blossoming at Buchanan Galleries this month.
Princes Square in Buchanan Street is delighted to announce Suit Direct, one of the fastest growing suit retailers in the UK, will open their first stand-alone store in the city on Saturday 14th May.
Set against a stunning waterside location on the Ayrshire coast, a new restaurant, The Rabbit, and its sister bar, The Seal, are set to open within the landmark Marine Troon.
Aldi Scotland has taken a Scottish twist on a family favourite for any Cinco De Mayo parties this weekend by creating none other than hearty, haggis fajitas.
Despite the weather today, one of Glasgow's most iconic venues - Platform in the old Arches, has today unveiled a new spectacular outdoor beer garden and exciting menu ahead of summer!
Gaming and entertainment retailer Gamersheek, has expanded and opened a bigger store in the heart of Glasgow's retail scene.
The Glasgow Science Festival is setting out to make a splash as it returns with an expanded programme of in-person events in June under the theme of 'Glasgow's Making Waves'.
Sir Tom Hunter has issued a heartfelt thanks to Kiltwalk Heroes who put their best foot forward for last week's Glasgow event, revealing they helped to raise over £4 million, a record-breaking sum.
Laugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring seven of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!
Glasgow's Aye Write book festival starts tomorrow (6th May) with a star-packed weekend kicking off the programme running across the next three weekends!
BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night is searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.
If you are retired or semi-retired, and would like to meet people of a similar age for a variety of fun and interesting activities read on...
Young musicians across Scotland are set to benefit from a special £50k funding scheme to commemorate five years since the loss of 14-year-old musician Eilidh MacLeod in the Manchester Arena attack.
Food fans and families have landed a first look inside the hotly anticipated new family seafood restaurant and takeaway – The Scallop's Tale which opens today in Bearsden.
Glasgow's OVO Hydro is the first arena in the world to achieve a Greener Arena (AGA) certification to sustainability!
Glasgow's Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel has scooped two awards in The Incorporation of Gardeners of Glasgow's 'Let Glasgow Flourish' awards.
cinch presents TRNSMT Festival has today announced the final additions to this summer's musical tour de force at Glasgow Green.