7 things to declutter from your garden before winter hits
With summer over, temperatures are already starting to drop. And while most of us will want to retreat into our warm and cosy homes at this time of year. It’s a good idea to give your garden a little TLC before winter hits. We’re not talking about gardening chores specifically, although there are four jobs to do in the garden this winter. We’re talking about decluttering.
Most think of decluttering as an indoor activity, but your garden can benefit from it just as much. In fact, by decluttering now, you can save your plants from some winter damage and help your tools last longer too. Here’s where to start:
1. Toys
Our gardens see most use during the summer, and while that’s no bad thing it does mean rogue items can be left behind. So, start by picking up any remnants of summer and storing them where they belong. Look out for sprinklers, footballs, plastic toys, paddling pools and push lawnmowers.
If you’ve got a trampoline in your garden that won’t see use over the winter (and you're lacking the space to store it), it’s worth removing the net and attaching a trampoline cover to protect it from the elements. Use an anchor kit to weigh it down if you don’t have one already. Always follow the manufacturer's directions for winter storage.
For any playhouses, give it a good clean with soapy water and a hose, then leave to dry completely with the doors and windows open. If you can’t store it, fit a cover and lift it off the ground with bricks or a pallet to protect it from water damage and mould.
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2. Garden tools
Our garden tools can end up scattered around the greenhouse, shed, garage and even on the lawn itself. And seeing that they’re unlikely to be used in the colder months, they need collecting, cleaning and storing properly. You don’t want mud or moisture left on these items as it will encourage rust.
For stubborn mud or rust on trowels, spades and forks, use a wire brush to remove the excess, then wash in soapy water to remove what remains and dry. Once you've done this, spritz with a disinfectant such as Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner, following the directions on pack. Leave for as long as specified, then rinse and dry. Finally, wipe over with an oily rag before storing away; this will keep rust at bay.
GHI Tip: WD-40 can work as a general-purpose oil to prevent rust.
For tools with scissor-like blades, like secateurs and loppers, carefully wipe residue away with steel wool. You can also apply a little resin remover, use a sap eraser or even spritz on some WD-40 to help shift any sap. Rinse away what remains and then disinfect as mentioned above before applying oil and storing away. Always make sure tools are completely dry before storing.
Tools should be stored separately so they don't damage one another, each with a dedicated space so you can see what's stored where. Blades should be locked closed, and any sharp or dangerous tools should have a cover for safety. Such tools should also be kept out of reach of children; keep the door locked when not in use for this reason. Power tools should be stored lower down the wall, to create less stress from the weight.
3. Empty pots and seed trays
Remove any empty pots and seeds trays for cleaning and long-term storage. That way they’re ready for use again in the spring. Brush away any leftover soil, then wash in warm, soapy water, rinse and dry. Finally disinfect with a suitable disinfectant. If you don’t have one to hand, you can soak in one part bleach to nine parts water for 10 minutes.
Once clean and dry, pots and trays can be stacked for easy storage. Place some newspaper between each pot to stop them from sticking together. If any pots are damaged, rather than throwing them away, break them up and use them as crocks to provide better drainage for your larger pots. Wear protective gardening gloves as shards may be sharp.
4. Open packets
Any open packs of product, such as fertiliser, seeds and water retaining crystals, should be properly sealed and labelled. This stops the damp from getting to them and potentially ruining the product. Sealing any bird seeds in an airtight container is important to prevent rats from making their way in too.
It might be worth investing in a dedicated seed box, so you can better organise what you have and when it needs planting next year.
5. Greenhouse
The first step is removing everything from your greenhouse, which may include some of the items mentioned above. Do this on a mild day if possible so as not to shock your plants.
Once everything is out, sort through items by creating piles for what you want to keep, donate, sell and throw away. It helps if you keep categories of items together as you sort through; this makes it easier to replace once you’re finished, and it helps you see the total volume of each type of item. For instance, you may not have realised you have several pairs of gardening gloves!
Don’t forget to sort through your plants as well. If your greenhouse is particularly overcrowded, this could end up stifling the plants and hinder their health. So it might be worth giving away a plant or two.
For instance, if your greenhouse is abundant with tomato plants, perhaps your neighbour would appreciate one? Just make sure it’s free of disease first! Check all of your plants for disease before replacing them; separate any affected into quarantine until treated and healthy again.
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Once you’ve removed any items you no longer need, you’ve got the chance to give the space a well-needed clean. Start by sweeping out any leaves and debris with a stiff brush and clearing any cobwebs. Then clean the panes with warm water and a little detergent.
You can use a pressure washer on your greenhouse to make the task easier, but take great care not to set the pressure too high and to wash from a distance to prevent damage. If it’s fragile, best to stick to cleaning by hand. A window vacuum can help to dry the panes streak-free once you’re finished. Disinfectants are widely available which can be used in the greenhouse to prevent the spreading of disease too.
Once clean, consider the layout of your greenhouse. Could things be improved? For instance, are the plants best placed for adequate sunlight; refer to the care label to check this. You may want to create areas for different types of plants and label them accordingly, or even have a dedicated space for potting and seeding. Perhaps more shelves are necessary to achieve this. Changes such as these could ultimately help your plants.
6. Shed
First, everything needs removing and decluttering. You can generally follow the same steps as mentioned for the greenhouse above. Although, a lot of clutter can end up in the shed, so this can be more time-consuming.
In my experience, more sentimental items can end up in the shed too, with a lot of old toys and games stored here. Try not to let such items trip you up and instead consider whether you knew they were even there in the first place, or how likely you would be to use them again. Could another child get some value out of the item? These questions can help you to sort through. Don’t be tempted to replace items until you’re finished sorting through or you will be less motivated to declutter and more determined to squeeze everything into the space!
Once it’s empty and you’ve had a chance to declutter, it’s time to clean the space. After sweeping, apply a little detergent and warm water (this combined with a stiff brush will help to remove algae from your shed). Scrub in the direction of the wood grain and rinse once finished. It’s a good idea to wipe down any windows in your shed with diluted vinegar too (one part vinegar to nine parts water), otherwise any stored plants will struggle for light. Try to tackle any mould with a proprietary mould remover, making sure it’s suitable for the surface.
Once your shed is clean, the next step is assessing whether you could improve the storage here. Everything should have its own place, so it might be worth investing in a tool rack, or putting up some shelves. All miscellaneous items should be labelled so you know what they are and what they’re for, along with an expiration date if applicable. Keep everything accessible and try not to overcrowd the space; this keeps it better ventilated. Any sharp tools should be stored out of reach of children.
7. Loose leaves
As they begin to fall, leaves will quickly clutter up your garden. Some may choose to leave them alone; after all, they’re providing a natural mulch and will benefit your soil. But, they can also suffocate your lawn and become a slipping hazard once wet. So some maintenance may be necessary.
Raking your lawn will quickly clear it of leaves, as will sweeping your patio, or even using a leaf blower. Any leaves you collect can be used for mulch or compost. Or you can just pile them up to create a shelter for insects prior to spring.
This is a good time to inspect and clear your gutters of leaves too. Once blocked, your gutters can overspill down the sides of your house, leading to water damage. And should the water freeze, your gutters themselves can expand and crack.
You’ll want to keep leaves out of your water butt too, or they can encourage bacterial growth. Keep a lid on top and check it regularly to remove any that find their way in.
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