Winter Gardening Tips with Roots & Roses Nursery

Winter might seem like a time to retreat indoors and hibernate, but for garden enthusiasts, it’s an opportunity to nurture and prepare for the vibrant burst of spring. Rainer and Ludwig, owners of ROOTS & ROSES Napier Village Nursery, are passionate about winter gardening and eager to share their expert tips to keep your garden thriving during the colder months. Join us every Saturday at the Hermanus Country Market, where we bring a delightful selection of fynbos, succulents, grasses, and roses.

Below, we share with you how you can make the most of your winter garden.

The Essentials of Winter Gardening

Just like their summer counterparts, winter gardens need sun, good soil, and water:

• Sunlight: Ensure your plants receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
• Soil and Water: Winter gardens generally require less water. High water-use plants need watering 2-3 times every fortnight, moderate water-use plants once a month, and low water-use plants only once every two months. Adjust based on rainfall.

Tip: Protect your soil from wind, cold, and frost with a layer of mulch to prevent erosion and compaction.

Winter Gardening Activities

General Maintenance

Winter is ideal for garden upkeep:

• De-weeding: opt for eco-friendly weed solutions. Mix 4 cups of white vinegar with 1 cup of salt and ½ teaspoon of liquid soap. Spray on a sunny day, avoiding desirable plants.
• Tool Care: Clean your gardening tools and equipment.
• Leaf Raking: Clear remaining autumn leaves from unwanted areas.

Pruning and Cleanup

• Pruning: Winter is perfect for pruning shrubs and trees, particularly those that flower or fruit. Pruning helps distribute nutrients evenly, improving plant health and yield. Use sharp, clean tools for best results.
• Removing Dead Foliage: Cut back overgrown branches and stems to enhance your garden’s appearance.

Winter Vegetables to Grow

Enhance your garden with winter vegetables:

• Root Vegetables: Beetroot, carrots, onions, turnips, radishes.
• Greens: Mustard greens, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, lettuce.
• Others: Peas, spring onions, leeks, celery, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and endives.

Winter Flowering Plants

Add colour with winter bloomers:

• Favourites: Azaleas, camellias, daisies, gladiolus, pansies, primulas, phlox, proteas, snapdragons, strelitzias.
• Succulents: Aloes, Abtenia cordifolia, Bulbine frutescens, Cotyledon sp., Crassula sp., Curio repens, Delosperma echinatum, Euphorbia clavaroides, Kalanchoe sexangularis, Agave sp.

Did You Know? Many succulents change colour in cooler weather, adding a unique beauty to your winter garden.

Winter Harvests

Enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of your labour:

• Harvest: Apples, guavas, butternut, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and spinach.

Preparing for Spring

Winter is also the time to plan for spring planting. Begin by clearing space and enriching your soil with compost. Consider what you want to plant and create a layout that will support growth when the warmer weather arrives.

For more tips and to explore their range of plants, visit ROOTS & ROSES at the Hermanus Country Market every Saturday, or connect with them on Instagram or follow on Facebook.  Whether you’re looking for hardy succulents, beautiful roses, or unique fynbos, we have everything you need to keep your garden flourishing through winter and beyond.

Keep your garden thriving during the colder months