Kathrine Frich
With the new year just days away, gardeners are being encouraged to make the most of the quiet winter period.
A few simple tasks carried out now could make a noticeable difference once spring arrives.
A gardening expert says the final days of the year offer an ideal window to prepare soil, plants and borders for the months ahead.
Getting ahead early
Gardening expert and TikTok creator Ish has shared a list of jobs he says are worth tackling before the calendar turns to 2026. In a video shared online, he outlined easy but effective ways to set gardens up for success.
“Here are some quick and easy jobs you can do in your garden to prep it for next year, and there’s so much you can do too,” Ish wrote in the caption. “I’ll be talking about prepping borders and flower beds, pruning trees and planting soft fruit plants.”
He said even small efforts made now can deliver long-term rewards.
Feeding the soil
One of Ish’s main recommendations is to focus on soil health. Winter weather, he said, can help nutrients move naturally through flowerbeds and borders.
“Now’s a really good time to build up some nutrients in your flowerbeds and borders,” he said. “And a really simple way to do that is by getting some multi-purpose compost or some mulch, and simply shoving it straight over the top.”
He added: “By doing that, you’ll introduce a lot of nutrients at the top, and with the mix of rain and cold coming through from the weather, it’ll soak it right down, getting it nice and fresh for next year’s flowers.”
Spotting the gaps
Ish also advised gardeners to walk around their gardens and note any bare or thinning areas. Empty spaces, he said, often indicate plants that failed to survive the year.
By identifying these gaps now, gardeners can plan ahead and create a clear list of plants and flowers to buy once the new season begins.
This approach helps avoid impulse purchases and supports a more structured planting plan.
Winter pruning time
Late December is also a suitable moment to prune deciduous trees, according to Ish. These include acers, apple and pear trees, as well as wisteria.
“Ideally, what you want to do is stop it from feeling over-crowded and cut back as best as you can,” he said. “And as a result, a lot of new growth will grow through in the spring and look absolutely stunning.”
He said careful pruning now can encourage healthier and more attractive growth later.
Planning for spring
Alongside feeding and pruning, Ish encouraged gardeners to think ahead to planting soft fruit and refreshing borders in the new year.
“Taking stock before January,” he said, “allows gardeners to start spring with a clear plan rather than playing catch-up once growth resumes.”
Sources: TikTok, gardening expert Ish, Express.
