Gardening tasks for owners of garden sheds

09:10:20 18th October 2010

The end of autumn can be the ideal time to start making preparations to protect plants for the winter cold, as well as improving soil for spring.

According to Lia Leendertz of the Guardian, horticultural fleece is a good way to insulate plants during the winter months.

While it keeps them warm, it is also breathable meaning any plants underneath will be able to grow as usual, rather than rotting as they would under materials such as plastic.

And wooden garden items should also be prepared for the winter, according to Kate Hodge of Ronseal, who recommends treating furniture now to prevent damage from the elements.

Owners of wooden garden sheds may want to treat their buildings as part of their winter garden preparations.

Meanwhile, Ms Leendertz also recommends putting together a no-dig bed - a concept originally outlined by Charles Dowding.

This means that, rather than digging compost into the soil, the compost is layered on top and left for the worms to work through. Doing this now should see the soil ready to receive plants in the springtime.