Preparing The Garden For Winter

Q1 My lawn is not in good condition. In some areas it does not drain well and there are bare patches where the children have been playing on it. How can I get it looking good for next spring?

A1 One benefit of repairing the grass over winter is that the children will not be playing on it and this will give it a chance to recover.

First, remove the turf over the worn patches of grass and replace it. This should be done with either turf or adding top soil then reseeding the area using a grass seed for heavy wear areas. Autumn is an ideal time to lay turf or sow seed. Fill in any hollows by peeling away the turf that covers the hollow and adding top- soil to raise the level and so remove the hollow. Replace the turf and add some grass seed in areas where the patches of turf do not meet.

The poor drainage may be caused in areas of lawn that have been compacted due to heavy use. These areas need to be aerated and helped to drain away. To do this, use a hollow-tine fork or a garden fork pushed a least 75mm (3 inches) into the lawn and then rocked backwards and forwards to create drainage and air holes.
Remove the build up of dead grass and moss, often referred to as thatch, using a spring-tine rake or an electric scarifier - this action is referred to as scarifying. When this has been done, add a top-dressing fertiliser that is specially formulated for the job. Given the winter to respond, the lawn should recover well ready for next year.

Remove the build up of dead grass and moss, often referred to as thatch, using a spring-tine rake or an electric scarifier - this action is referred to as scarifying. When this has been done, add a top-dressing fertiliser that is specially formulated for the job. Given the winter to respond, the lawn should recover well ready for next year.

Q2 Last year I bought a set of pine garden furniture. Now it is beginning to look as though it needs some care and attention. What is the best way to look after it? Do I need to put it away in the winter?

A2 Try and move the furniture inside so that it can dry out. When it is dry, sand it down to remove flaking stain or dirt and then apply one or two coats of Cuprinol Garden Furniture Preserver. Try to do this every year - perhaps in the spring when the furniture has just come out of storage and is dry. If the furniture is looking a little tatty during the summer, treat it again using the same preserver.

In the late autumn, when there is no more need for the furniture, store it in the garage or shed to allow it to dry out and protect it from the winter weather. If you cannot do this cover the furniture with a waterproof sheet taking care to allow plenty of air circulation so that the furniture is not damp all winter.

Q3 My garden fence is looking a little neglected and in need of care. When is the best time to do this and what type of protection should I give it?

A3 I find late autumn is the best time to work on fences - the flowers in any borders that are alongside the fence have died back and walking on the area will not damage them too much. Check that there is a protective rail along the top of the fence to stop rain penetrating into the timber. Also make sure that each post has a cap on it.

I find late autumn is the best time to work on fences - the flowers in any borders that are alongside the fence have died back and walking on the area will not damage them too much. Check that there is a protective rail along the top of the fence to stop rain penetrating into the timber. Also make sure that each post has a cap on it.

Q4 I've been trying to paint the outside of the windows of my house but have not managed to finish. They have all been rubbed down and filled ready to paint. Some have been primed and some have been primed and undercoated. Others are still bare wood. Do I have to top coat them all before the winter starts?

A4 I know exactly how you feel but don't despair. You need to get a coat of primer onto all the bare wood. Try to do this when the wood is dry. Then, if you can, apply an undercoat to all those windows that have been primed. If this is all you have time to do before winter sets in, the windows will survive the winter. However, you must try to get another coat of undercoat and a topcoat on the windows next year. I would sand the unfinished windows down to remove all traces of dirt and lichen that may have accumulated over the winter before you apply any more paint. Do not do this too early in the year. July or August would be about the right time when the paint has had time to dry out.