Harvesting hardy crops, protecting the soil, and planning for the next season. Key activities include pruning fruit trees, mulching empty beds to prevent weed growth and protect soil, and protecting vulnerable plants from frost.

It's also an excellent time for major clearing, preparing new beds, and planning your crop rotation for the spring.

Harvesting and crop protection

• Harvest: Collect hardy winter crops like brassicas (cabbages, cauliflower), leeks, parsnips, and swedes.

• Protect root crops: Cover parsnips with a thick layer of leaves or straw to protect them from frost.

• Store leeks: Heel leeks into a trench to keep them fresh but accessible, especially if the ground becomes waterlogged.

• Protect tender plants: Wrap tender plants or move them to a more sheltered spot.

• Keep the greenhouse tidy: Clean out mildew and mold, and insulate plants to protect them from cold.

Soil and bed preparation

• Clear beds: Use winter to clear old crops and weeds, which are often easier to remove from bare soil.

• Mulch and cover: Spread well-rotted manure or compost over empty beds to protect the soil from winter weather, prevent nutrient loss, and suppress weeds. You can also cover empty beds with black plastic or horticultural fleece.

• Add compost: Dig in plenty of fresh compost to prepare beds for spring planting.

Planning and maintenance

• Plan for spring: Use the winter months to plan your crop rotation, looking at successes and failures from the previous year.

• Order seeds: Order seeds for the upcoming season.

• Prune fruit trees: Winter is the ideal time to prune established apple and pear trees to remove dead branches and improve airflow. Avoid pruning plum trees in winter to prevent silver leaf disease.

• Plant new fruit: Plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes while they are dormant.

• Clear structures: Take down old pea and bean supports and check netting and fencing for any damage from the wind.

• Maintain tools: Clean and sharpen your tools.

• Winter tasks: Sow hardy seeds like broad beans and peas in pots under cover for an early start in the spring.

Other helpful tips

• Keep warm: Dress in layers to stay warm while working outdoors, and take a flask of hot soup for breaks.

• Help the birds: Keep water and food supplies topped up for birds, as they struggle to find food and water in winter.

• Check your shed: Clear out your shed and check for any pests that may have sought shelter there.

• Winter storms: check structures for weakness or damage and repair and secure to prevent further damage.

Winter on the allotment