Top Tips To Keep Working In The Garden Over Winter

Last Updated on September 3rd, 2020

Winter is often thought of as a quiet time in the garden, with not a lot to do or enjoy. If you find that you miss working in the garden when winter hits, you might be surprised that there are actually still things to do in the garden during the colder months. Here are some ideas to keep you in the garden over winter.

1. Make use of evergreens. Choose a range of evergreen plants, such as box balls and topiary, or large shrubs to add some structure to an otherwise plain garden over the winter. Choose an evergreen plant, so you get some shape and color even in the depths of winter.
2. Create cover. Winter sometimes has some bright, sunny days, even when it is coldest, so you might want to wrap up warm and get out to enjoy some rare winter sun. Make your outside space more comfortable by adding some cover in the garden to protect you from the elements. Fencing, climbing plants, umbrellas, or a pergola from Austex Fence and Deck are all good choices. Add a patio heater to keep you cozy.
3. Plant bare-root plants. Winter is the perfect time to plant bare-root plants. A bare-root plant is one that is sold without any soil around the roots. When you choose bare-root plants, you can find a wider variety of fruit trees and bushes. You can also find bare-root roses, hedges, and perennials.
4. Enjoy winter flowers. There are plenty of flowers that you can enjoy in winter, including hellebores, snowdrops, crocus, aconites, and winter iris. A lot of these winter plants, including witch hazel and daphne, have strong scents so you can color and scent in the winter.
5. Tidy up. A tidy up in the winter can help you to get things prepared for the busiest season in spring. Spend some time tidying up your shed and the greenhouse. When the greenhouse isn’t as full, you can tidy it properly so it’s ready and waiting for spring. Sharpen your garden tools and look over the lawnmower, so you’re ready when spring arrives.
6. Look after wildlife. A lot of wildlife needs some more help in winter, and offering them some help in your garden can be very rewarding. Put out more food for birds than you usually do, and enjoy watching winged visitors.
7. Work in the greenhouse. There may be less to do, but there are some winter projects you can take on in the greenhouse. Tidy up overwintering pelargoniums, have a go at growing some citrus plants, or plant up some pots of succulents. In January and February, you can begin to sew seeds in a heated propagate. Insulate the greenhouse with bubble wrap to keep your project safe from cold.
8. Plant winter containers. Fill a plant pot with evergreen plans or winter plants that produce bright berries or flowers. Put your new pots near the house to give you something colorful and alive to look at when you come home, and cheer you up on dull days.