By admin 
As winter approaches with more extreme weather, garden experts have pointed out the ‘biggest’ blunders enthusiasts often make when caring for their plants.
With the foliage at the mercy of rain, wind and freezing temperatures, gardeners are keen to safeguard their green investments. According to the RHS, this typically includes creating shelters, staking, pot protection, mulching and rotating plants.
While plants can face tough conditions, two horticultural experts have revealed eight essential tips to help your vegetables thrive in tough times.
1. Avoid overzealous winter cleanups
Alice Vincent, who writes about gardening for the Guardian, warns against clearing away robust perennials prematurely: “One of the biggest mistakes people make when winter gardening is clearing away their more structural perennials too early.”
She explains that plants such as grasses, Phlomis russeliana, fennel, sedum, hydrangea and echinacea create enchanting silhouettes against the soft glow of the winter sun and provide seeds for birds. Her advice: leave these plants alone until the end of February at the earliest.
2. Embrace evergreens
Alice advocates planting evergreens such as holly and ivy, noting that plants like Fatsia japonica bring “drama” to the garden with their expansive, tropical leaves. She also emphasizes that Clematis urophylla can bloom even on the bleakest of days.
3. Make sure the bulbs are planted
The article recommends making sure your spring bulbs are planted well in the ground so they can burst forth when the season turns.
The columnist advised that bulbs can be planted until January, suggesting a loose color palette and the use of a cloche to protect the pot.
4. Be aware of window sills
Giselle Leon, the publication’s houseplant expert, warned of the temperature drop on windowsills caused by heavy curtains, which can affect your plants.
5. Don’t place your plants next to the radiator
It may seem tempting, but placing your plants next to the radiator is not recommended as the heat can dry them out. Sunlight is always the best option.
6. Put the watering can away
Overwatering can lead to root rot, a plant-killing disease, so put the watering can away.
7. Remember the 12C rule
Cacti and succulents at temperatures below this can be at risk, so keep them warm.
8. Wait with the fertilizer
It’s important to remember that plants need to rest in winter, which means you can damage them if you add fertilizer.
Fiona Jenkins, a gardening expert at MyJobQuotepreviously told the Express that walking on frozen grass can cause it to break and die.
Preparing your grass for the cold consists of simple steps before the cold starts. All you need for this is a lawn mower and an aerator.
Gardening expert Fiona advised homeowners on lawn care ahead of the cold season, urging: “Before winter arrives, there are things you can do to protect your grass. Increase the height of the mower blades in autumn to keep the grass from growing lower. then mow two to three centimeters.”
She added: “This allows it to absorb enough nutrients and moisture to survive the cold weather.”