Getting your garden in top shape this winter, with Dobbies
With January now in full swing, the New Year brings a fresh start for all, including in our gardens.
Article Source: Dobbies
Last 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 >>
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour
Comedian, actor, singer and presenter is latest big name to announce date at venue.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!
Ahoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!
READ MORE
Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent
Much loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Grab your free reusable cup!
Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?
READ MORE
Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire
Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils
Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions
After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community
The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.
READ MORE
Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings
Councillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens
Voting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.
READ MORE
Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Crowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
XSite Braehead accelerates into summer with a major car event
On Saturday, 28th June, Chrome 'n' Classics will host its annual event in the XSite car park for the first time – showcasing over 200 classic, custom, American, and vintage cars!
READ MORE
Programme revealed for the 2025 Sma Shot Day celebrations
Paisley town centre will host a day-long programme of entertainment this summer to celebrate Sma' Shot Day – one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.
READ MORE
Ready, Steady, Go! Paisley CarFest is back this weekend!
Paisley's CarFest is returning to Paisley town centre this Saturday, 14th June, with a fun day out for all the family guaranteed!
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Star supporting Gary Barlow visits Kibble kids in Paisley for music session
Rising music star and Channel 4's The Piano winner Brad Kella visited Kibble's Goudie Academy to meet with care-experienced young people, share his story and inspire the next generation of musicians.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Local people invited to have their say on proposed Brown Institute garden
Renfrewshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses and partners to have their say on proposals for a public garden on the site of the former Brown Institute in Renfrew.
READ MORE
MINISO debuts this week at Braehead Shopping Centre
Braehead Shopping Centre is pleased to officially welcome MINISO, the brand's first store in the West of Scotland, opening at 12pm on Friday 6th June.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links