Just because winter is getting closer doesn’t mean your green thumb should take a break. Use this time to plan the next season, start planting indoors, organize your tools, or even learn a new skill. Check out our curated list of ideas to keep you busy until spring.
Switch to indoor gardening
Growing indoor plants is a go-to winter garden project. Give your houseplant collection some TLC or consider expanding it with new varieties. A bunch of beautiful greenery on your windowsill will bring a touch of nature to your space and become a mood booster on gloomy days.
Develop a planting plan
Winter gives you plenty of time to pause and plan for the upcoming growing season. Take a break to jot down what proved effective in your garden and what didn’t. Use those insights to guide your future planting decisions, all while cozying up on a couch with a cup of tea.
Expand your gardening knowledge
With a few quiet months ahead, you can focus on educating yourself. Take online gardening courses, attend workshops, read books or magazines, or join local gardening groups to enrich your knowledge and hone some skills.
Declutter the shed
Use the cold season to tidy up your shed. By the end of summer, it can be a real mess with the tools scattered around and covered in soil, compost littering the floor, and extension cords tangled in a heap. Buckle down and do a thorough clean. Throw out anything you won’t use, then clean and fix your gardening equipment. You’ll definitely thank yourself for the effort come spring.
Order bulbs and seeds
Don’t wait until spring to shop for seeds and bulbs. Do this early on to enjoy beautiful displays next growing season. To prepare for spring planting, sift through new catalogs and pick out your favorite varieties.
To take care of the dug-up tubers or bulbs you have, place them in cardboard boxes, but make sure to layer them with newspaper so they don’t touch. Find a cool, dry, and dark spot, like a shed or garage, for winter storage.
Nurture your creativity
Feeling crafty? Winter is the perfect time to engage with your creative side. Consider making evergreen wreaths to liven up your space. Decorating pots is another fun activity to keep your hands busy. And if you collected and dried flowers and seed heads during the warmer months, you can turn them into beautiful hanging arrangements or small posies.
Support the wildlife
Don’t forget the local feathered friends. Even though it’s cold, they’re still active and need your support. Set up bird feeders and provide a water source for them. These simple steps will help the animals survive the winter, while giving you the added perks of pest control and better pollination later in the season.
Hopefully, these ideas spark some inspiration. But no matter what you do, make sure you enjoy it so that your winter months are as fulfilling as possible.