Winter is a season of slowdown in your garden, which can easily be mistaken for a full pause on feeding and actively nurturing your lawn, plants, shrubs and trees.

The truth is, winter garden care involves being intentional about setting your plants up to survive the cold extremes, and come out strong and thriving when spring shows its face.

The added bonus? Proper nutrition during winter lowers your garden’s vulnerability to common problems when the weather warms up.

In this winter plant nutrition guide, we cover all things to do with winter fertiliser, to ensure your garden stays healthy and vibrant – no matter the season. Read on to discover winter fertilising tips for beginners, what nutrients plants need in winter, and get your winter lawn and garden feeding guide.

What happens if you stop feeding your garden completely?

So, why does winter feeding still matter for plants?

Winter signals a slow growth period for your garden, but don’t mistake it for a ‘no growth’ period. Feeding plants in winter with the right nutrients supports root development and sets the foundation for a vibrant spring.

Fertilising in winter should be adjusted to support plant growth, without risking root burn.

If you stop feeding your garden completely, plants won’t get the added support for strong root development, and your plants miss out on a headstart for spring.

Which plants benefit most from winter feeding?

At the heart of winter, there are a few areas in your garden that can benefit from a winter plant nutrition boost.

Winter-flowering annuals like pansies, petunias, portulaca and salvia will appreciate a feeding of foliar fertiliser every couple of weeks to boost flower production. And for the hydrangea lovers, give yours a feed of an organic 2:3:2 fertiliser.

Citrus like lemon and orange trees are in their growth season, and respond well to a 3:1:5 slow-release fertiliser, while cool-season lawns like All Seasons Evergreen deserve an application of either 3:1:5 or 5:1:5.

Last but not least: ensure your winter vegetables get the TLC they need with a balanced, naturally enriched fertiliser like Wonder Veggie Garden.

The best fertilisers to use in winter

Low-nitrogen, high-potassium formulas are generally better for winter application in your garden for the best winter garden care.

High potassium content strengthens plant roots, improves cold tolerance and, importantly, protects against disease. A 3:1:5 fertiliser like Wonder Fruit & Flower has the ideal balance of nutrients for this.

Then, if you’re on the fence about choosing granular or liquid fertiliser, allow your natural rainfall patterns to guide you here. For winter rainfall regions, a granular fertiliser is well matched, whereas for summer rainfall regions, a liquid fertiliser aids in keeping soil moist, being easily dissolvable in water.

Have more questions about fertiliser in your garden? We answer them here.

How often should you feed plants during winter?

Since winter garden care means slowing down on your usual fertiliser routine, use a slow-release fertiliser every 6 – 8 weeks, unless your plants are actively flowering annuals.

For those winter plants actively producing flowers, feeding every 2 – 3 weeks should do.

Preparing your garden for a strong spring recovery

Fertilising in winter complements a range of other winter garden care activities you can prioritise to ready your plants, lawn, shrubs and trees for an abundant spring.

Here are some other to-dos to keep on your winter gardening list:

• Prune: July is a great time to remove any deadwood, leaves and diseased branches. Pruning roses encourages bigger, better blooms. Mid-July to mid-August is a good time to prune hybrid roses, tea roses and miniature roses.
• Prune summer- and autumn-flowering climbers and shrubs such as barleria, cassia, clematis, golden shower and ribbon bush.
• Cut back trees that are getting too big.
• Stop pests in their tracks: Use either Efekto Malasol or Efekto Oleum to get rid of scale on citrus trees.
• To keep your vegetable garden healthy and strong, continue to water deeply once a week.

Grow a winter garden ready to reward you

Taking care to tend to your garden even during the winter slowdown will reward you with beauty in spring.

Have questions, or need to stock up on some fertiliser and other feeding essentials? Your nearest Stodels Garden Centre has it all – plus expert garden consultants to advise you on specific gardening needs.