IN THE GARDEN
begonias – a dry mulch of straw will help them get through the winter in situ. Dahlias can be lifted and overwintered, but this requires careful lifting (once the plants have been scorched by the first frosts) and cleaning of the tubers. They should be stored upside down in a dry, frost-free location until they are thoroughly dried, then placed in a tray or wooden box and covered with dry sand, soil or compost until the spring. At this point, you can start watering them and bringing them back into growth before planting out. Cannas, pelargoniums and fuchsias can all be cut back and brought into a dry, frost-free environment over winter – such as a greenhouse, shed or garage – and kept on the dry side over winter until the new growing season, when you can start to increase the amount of water you give them. If you have enough space on your windowsill for overwintering pelargoniums indoors, they may not need to be cut back. Meanwhile, tuberous begonias and gladioli can be cut back, cleaned of all compost and stored within paper bags in a dry location. Tender bulbs and plants may also be left in the garden, but should be covered with a dry mulch of straw or compost to protect them from wet and cold, especially if you’re gardening on clay soil, which tends to sit very wet in winter. Dealing with snow If you’re tempted to hunker down and do nothing in the garden over winter, be GREEN FINGERS Pelargonium ‘ Pink capitatum’ (right, far right), Dahlia coccinea (top) and Verbena rigida (purple flowers, far right) may need some specific attention during winter
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK DECEMBER 2025 97 Sally Petitt is head of horticulture at Cambridge University Botanic Garden gardening-free season, be warned: there really is no such thing as a complete break in the gardening calendar! mindful that excessive snow load can damage established shrubs and hedges. Even if you choose not to move your potted plants or mulch tender perennials, it’s still a good idea to knock heavy snow loads from cherished plantings. Heavy snow can also damage features such as fencing, trellises, polytunnels and greenhouses (especially if they are old or have broken glass), so it’s worth taking a few minutes to clear snow from these. Planning ahead for winter It’s impossible to predict how severe any winter might be, but taking a few simple steps can help protect treasured plants from the ravages of harsh weather – and it may also save you time and money in replacing losses. For those of you dreaming of a
Powered by FlippingBook