How to get your garden ready for the first cold snap

It’s safe to say that summer has officially come to a close if that wasn’t already obvious from the grey skies and somewhat miserable weather; that being said, the work is not over yet! September is the perfect time to get out in the garden and tackle some of the most important jobs that will help prepare your blooms, neaten up your space and keep your garden damage-free through autumn and winter.

And that’s where we come in at Smiths Hire. We’ve been providing our customers with reliable tool hire services for over 50 years, and that includes all the gardening tools you could ever need to keep your garden ship-shape throughout the first cold snap and into the seasons to come. So, let’s dive in!

Protect your plants

If you’ve grown yourself some beautiful plants over the warmer months and you’re looking to do your best to keep them alive and kicking over the winter, there’s a few things you can do. The easiest way to help your plants survive the cold is to move them to a warmer spot. This could just be somewhere protected from the elements, like a cosy corner of the garden by the house. However, if you’re really serious about keeping them alive, you can even bring them indoors to a conservatory or sunny windowsill.

In an ideal world, a greenhouse is the perfect outdoor solution for cold-sensitive plants, but not everyone has the space for one, and we get that. Portable mini greenhouses make a great alternative! You can pick them up at most garden shops. These compact greenhouses are perfect for protecting your potted plants during winter. They can fit easily onto decking, in the corner of your yard or patio, or even on a balcony, making them ideal if you’re working with limited space. Similarly, if you have a shed, summer house, or other sheltered structure, moving your plants into it can be a big help when it comes to providing that extra warmth.

Trim back any low hanging tree branches

Now that autumn is quickly approaching, it’s wise to tackle any overhanging branches in your garden before the windy weather weakens them. Pruning these branches keeps your garden tidy and helps prevent potential damage to your garden fencing, decking, or other furniture.

If you’ve got a few close-to-the-ground branches to take care of, an Electric Chainsaw is ideal for cutting and pruning. If you need to reach high branches, then a Petrol Telescopic Chainsaw/Pruner is better suited as they’re light, powerful, and you won’t need to break out the ladder. After you’ve finished cutting everything back, why not use the branches for firewood for a cosy autumnal bonfire? Or, if you have a greener thumb, you can process them with our heavy-duty petrol wood chipper to make garden mulch – waste not, want not!

Give your garden beds a boost with compost

It’s still early days yet, but as we move further into autumn, you never know when the weather will turn for the worst, especially here in England. So, when you’ve harvested your final vegetable or the last of your summer plants are on their way out, it’s the perfect time to give your lawn a little extra care before the brunt of the winter weather sets in.

Start by giving your garden beds a boost with a layer of compost; this could be from your own compost bin, or you can pick up a bag or two at your local garden centre. This simple yet effective step will enrich the soil and make your spring planting much more enjoyable when the time comes. Adding compost improves soil structure, boosts its nutrient content, and supports a healthy ecosystem making it the perfect environment for planting your spring bulbs.

Check on your fencing and decking

Last but certainly not least, give your decking and fencing a bit of TLC before the first cold snap hits. Start by checking your fence for any signs of damage, like loose panels or broken posts, and make any repairs where needed while it’s still mild outside. Don’t make the mistake of leaving any weakened panels for spring because the weather will worsen the damage, and it may end up being a more costly job.

For your decking, a good clean will remove any dirt and debris that could trap moisture and lead to damage. Follow up the cleaning with a coat of sealant to protect it from the winter weather (if necessary). Even if you don’t think that there’s anything that needs doing, giving them a quick once-over before you put the idea to bed is always a good idea. It’s often the small jobs that end up being the most important!

Getting your garden ready for the colder weather doesn’t have to be complicated; with a few spare hours, a bit of elbow grease and the right garden tools, your garden will be ready to take on the winter weather in no time. And, if you’re looking for the perfect tools to get the job done, look no further.

With half a century of expertise to our name, we’re the top choice for reliable tool and equipment hire, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional tradesperson. Our 17 depots across the North West and Yorkshire, including major city locations in Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds, are stocked with everything you need. If you have any questions or need assistance, our friendly team is available on 0333 323 2100. We’re always here to lend a hand!