Winterising the garden

In short: In autumn tender plants are protected, water pipes drained, leaves used sensibly and tools maintained. A little untidiness helps animals overwinter.

In more detail: The aim is to avoid frost damage and prepare the soil for next year.

In detail

• Outdoor water: Drain pipes and close the tap so they do not freeze and burst.
• Tender plants: Overwinter potted plants frost-free, earth up roses, use fleece.
• Leaves: Do not remove completely. Leave under hedges and shrubs as mulch and hedgehog shelter (igel-im-garten-schuetzen).
• Perennials: Cut back only in spring; seed heads feed birds.
• Beds: Cover with mulch or green manure, do not dig over (mulchen-im-garten).
• Tools: Clean, sharpen, store dry. Service petrol mowers with antifreeze.
• Pond: Keep ice-free so that gases can escape.