Winter Gardening Tips in Suffolk Gardens
Gardens and growing spaces still hold plenty of interest during the chill of winter. While the landscape may seem quiet, there’s lots you can do to support your garden through the colder months and prepare it for a vibrant spring.
At Woolpit Nurseries, we’re here to help with expert winter gardening in Suffolk gardens — from pruning and planting to protecting tender plants and choosing winter colour.
1. Prune Your Roses in Winter
January and February are ideal months for pruning roses, just before new growth starts. Trim away any dead, damaged or diseased stems and aim to open up the centre of the plant to encourage airflow and healthier flowering in spring.
2. Plant & Prune Trees and Fruit Bushes
Winter is the best time to plant new ornamental and fruit trees, as well as deciduous shrubs and bushes — so long as the ground isn’t frozen. It’s also the right time to prune existing trees by removing dead or crossing branches to improve structure and long-term health.
3. Care for Herbaceous Perennials
Leave some stems standing on herbaceous perennials to provide shelter for insects and wildlife through winter. This not only helps biodiversity, but also adds interesting texture to your borders.
4. Protect Outdoor Taps and Pipes
Prevent frost damage by draining and isolating outdoor taps. If this isn’t possible, insulate pipes and fit tap covers to stop them from freezing. A simple but important winter job!
5. Protect Tender Garden Plants
Move potted tender plants to a sheltered spot, greenhouse or cold frame. Wrap pots with fleece or straw, and keep them dry to improve survival rates. We stock winter protection supplies at the nursery to help you keep your plants safe.
Best Plants for Winter Colour in Suffolk
Even in the coldest months, your garden can shine with winter-flowering plants. Try adding:
- Snowdrops – Delicate white blooms from Jan–March
- Cyclamen – Hardy Mediterranean flowers ideal for Suffolk
- Crocus – Great for pots and borders
- Winter Aconites – Cheery yellow flowers in late winter
- Glory of the Snow – Dazzling blue blooms against frosty backdrops
- Hellebores – Known as winter roses, these come in white, pink and deep plum
You can find many of these winter plants at Woolpit Nurseries throughout the season.
Make the Most of the Indoors
On colder days, use your time inside to get organised for spring:
- Sketch out new planting layouts
- Plan your seed orders
- Start a gardening diary or calendar
- Divide and pot up perennials left over from autumn
Our team is always happy to help with seasonal planting advice and planning tips — just get in touch or pop in for a chat.
Build a Resilient Garden Year-Round
Winter is all about preparing your garden for the seasons ahead. By pruning, planting, and protecting now, you’re setting your garden up for success in spring and beyond. Encouraging wildlife, using cold-tolerant plants, and maintaining structure will keep your garden looking good all winter long.
And remember — Woolpit Nurseries is open all year round, offering a wide range of seasonal garden plants, composts, containers, and tools to help keep your outdoor space thriving in every season.
Visit us in Woolpit, Suffolk to browse our seasonal stock and get real advice for real gardens.
