Prepare your garden for the frost and cold

Spring is a popular season for gardening, but much of the groundwork for a beautiful garden is actually carried out now in the autumn, before the cold really sets in. We had a chat with Torgeir Koteng, master gardener and general manager of landscaping company Hagespesialisten, who shares seven things you should do in the garden this October.

To-do list before winter hits the garden.

1. Drain garden hoses

The first tip is the most important:

“If there’s one thing you must do, it’s make sure all garden hoses are drained of water,” says Koteng.

Also check other products in which water is transported, such as the sprinkler. In addition, you should remember to turn off outdoor taps and ensure that rain- and meltwater can move freely down drains and gutters.

2. Cut and prune hedges and trees

Autumn is a great time to cut and prune trees and hedges in the garden.

“It's good to trim long branches, and neatly cut trees and shrubs so they don’t grow out into driveways and sightlines,” says Koteng.

You will, of course, the equipment you need at Biltema. How about this smart three-piece cutting set containing branch cutters, hedge trimmers, and pruning shears?

If you have a large hedge, we recommend using an electric hedge trimmer. Remember the batteries and charger – these can be used on a variety of Biltema products (view the full range here).

“But don’t overdo it,” warns Koteng.

“Different plants need different types of pruning, some can be heavily cut, while others should only be lightly trimmed. Also remember that the hedge should be narrowest at the top and widest at the bottom so that the light reaches all the way down.”

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3. Use the compost

When collecting your garden waste, a wheelbarrow and garbage bags are good to have. And if you don’t already have compost, make sure to do this first. Read our article for great tips on composting and the products you need for the job.

To compress the waste, a compost shredder is very useful. Our compost shredder earned the ‘Godt Kjøp’ (good buy) award in Gjør det selv magazine’s compost shredder test in 2023. As the magazine stated: “You get a good compost shredder for your money.”

And now we come to tip number three, which is to clean the flowerbed:

“Clear away stalks that are dead or have no flowers, and cover with some good compost so the perennials survive the winter as best as possible,” says Koteng.

Good compost tips

  • Start by adding a layer of airy material to the bottom of the compost, such as branches or twigs from hedge trimming. Then fill the compost with waste from the garden or kitchen. One tip is to mix the waste so that there are no even layers of a particular material.
  • Sprinkle on a few litres of garden soil or old compost from time to time to speed up decomposition.
  • The time it takes for your compost to be ready depends on the weather and the type of waste you’ve added. Periodically check that the contents of the compost are sufficiently moist. You can also stir the compost occasionally, as this adds oxygen and speeds up the composting process.
  • The compost should preferably not be left in direct sunlight or exposed to wind. Too much sunlight causes the compost to dry out. Rather place it in the shade of a tree or a large bush. If the roots grow into the compost, that’s only positive. The compost benefits from the nutrition.
  • The more readily available the compost, the more likely you are to succeed with your project.

4. Leave the leaves, but mow the lawn

Have you stored away your lawnmower already? It’s a little early, because according to Koteng, it’s important to mow the lawn while it is still growing:

“If your lawn is too long when the snow comes, it can take a long time for it to become green again in the spring.”

If you want to clean up your garden properly, it's nice to rake away leaves – or use a leaf blower. Our leaf blower also has a vacuum function, which shreds leaves to a tenth of their size.

But did you know that leaves can actually be left on the lawn – and that it is recommended?

“Run your lawnmower over the leaves – preferably on a warm autumn evening. The crushed leaves provide good nourishment for the lawn when spring comes,” tips Koteng.

When you have finished using your lawnmower, clean it thoroughly before storing it in a dry, preferably frost-free area.

5. Check cables and outdoor lighting

Tip number five is to check cables and outdoor lighting:

“Make sure connections and transformers are not left under water and snow,” says Koteng. “If the transformer for the Christmas lights is left under snow, it will eventually stop working.”

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6. Protect your outdoor furniture

Now the patio is almost ready for autumn, but we still have a few more tips.

Tip number six is to cover your outdoor furniture and place it under a roof if possible.

At Biltema you will find, among other things, this smart cover for your outdoor furniture. Don’t forget to wash and wipe down your outdoor furniture before covering it. If needed, you can also apply a coat of oil or stain – view our range here.

Also, remember to pack away the cushions in a storage bag, for example, which you can safely store in the shed.

7. Clean – and remember the first tip

Finally, Koteng reminds you to clean any tools you have used:

“They will last longer, and it’s also better to have clean equipment when the spring comes again.”

After that, remind yourself of the first tip you read in this article: Remember to shut off taps and drain all water hoses, and you’ll be ready for autumn!