Winter work in the garden

Protect your plants

Winter in Perth isn't harsh, but just to be on the safe side, look after tender pot plants by moving them to sheltered areas and safe from some of our more spectacular storms.

Get rid of gutter gunk

If you have deciduous trees in your garden, gutters can quickly fill with leaves and debris. Spend a sunny winter day cleaning out your gutters (or even better and safer - hire someone to do it!) to prevent water damage to your home and ensure that your garden's drainage system is doing its job.

Pruning

Winter is the perfect time to prune deciduous trees. Without their leaves, it’s easier to see the structure of the plants and make smart cuts that promote healthy growth. Also, prune roses in mid-June to early July to encourage robust spring growth.

Pest patrol

Keep an eye out for sneaky snails and slugs that love the wet conditions. A little vigilance goes a long way in preventing these critters from taking over. Use eco-friendly methods where possible, like beer traps for slugs and hand-picking snails.

Water wisely

Winter water restrictions start on June 1st – which means no sprinklers until August 31st. Switch off those automatic sprinklers and embrace hand watering when necessary. It's a great way to stay connected with your plants and only give them the moisture they need, which isn’t much during winter. You can also check for exemptions if you're setting up a new garden, as these are available under specific conditions.

Winter planting

• Plant garlic, radishes, and leafy greens such as spinach and kale, which thrive in cooler weather, providing fresh produce even in winter.

• Brighten your garden with winter-flowering plants like jonquils and camellias.

Get a head start by planting trees, shrubs, and certain bulbs like tulips and daffodils that will bloom beautifully in spring.

Weed out those weeds

Tackle weeds during these dormant months to prevent a larger spring problem. Weeds appear in autumn and are in full growth by early winter – they’re best tackled before flower heads and seeds appear.

Applying a layer of mulch to your garden beds helps to protect plant roots from the cold, suppresses weeds, and keeps moisture in the soil. It's like giving your garden a cosy blanket.

Tool care

Take some time to care for your gardening tools. A clean, sharp tool makes gardening more effective and enjoyable. Sharpen those pruners and shears, oil any moving parts, and you’ll be all set for a busy spring. Also think about servicing your lawnmower and other machinery, to make sure everything is in top condition for the busier gardening seasons.

Sweep and rake

Sweep or rake up fallen leaves as they can quickly rot in the wet weather and turn into a dangerous slip hazard.

Garden indoors!

And if you really don't fancy spending a lot of time in your winter garden, bring it inside! Start a herb garden indoors with staples like rosemary and mint or grow microgreens on your kitchen bench for a quick, nutritious harvest.

Focus on your houseplants. With less outdoor work to do, it’s a great chance to give your indoor greenery some extra attention.