Hello Fellow Gardeners,

As the leaves turn, the temperatures drop, and we check off our list of garden chores, it hits you—winter is coming. Sigh. Soon your colorful blossoms and grass will be replaced with snow, your Maples will be leafless, and the warm sunshine replaced with cold cloudy days. For gardeners, this is a very big deal, because it means saying goodbye for 4-6 months to our number one hobby. However, there is good news! There are lots of ways to keep in touch with your garden during the long cold winter months! And none of them require weeding (oh darn!)! Here are some tips to help you garden during the winter…

Watch a Garden Video!

I use gardening videos to gain inspiration and information! Taking a tour of a garden in California, England, or another part of the world will give you ideas for your own garden! You can learn about new plants, find new ideas for garden ornaments and layouts, and just generally luxuriate in the colorful flowers and beautiful gardens!

There are plenty of videos to choose from, many from England (which tend to be my favorites due to the heavy rose factor), but before you spend your hard earned money, make sure to check out your local library to find a few to view for free!

Plan Your Spring Garden!

Just because you can’t go out and start rototilling right away, doesn’t mean you can’t plan where you want your new garden! First, figure out the shape and size on some graph paper (for inspiration check out BHG’s free garden plans). Next, plan what you want to plant and where (don’t forget to check bloom dates and plant needs!). Finally make a list of the things you’re going to need to get it done (fertilizer, landscape fabric, ornaments, and more). In the Spring you’ll be ready to go!

Save and Recycle!

As you all know, many items we use in the house can be recycled in the garden. However, you often run out and end up having to buy expensive products that do the same thing! That is why, during the winter I like to save mushroom containers (they make great containers for seed starting), newspapers (for fighting weeds), and milk jugs (to help water my garden).
I simply clear a spot to store them in the basement, and when the Spring comes I have a good stockpile to help me get Spring chores done!

For more ideas check out two of my previous articles: Save the Environment and Save Money Part 1, and Part 2.

Visit a Public Garden!

Many of us escape the cold for a week or two by taking a trip to a sunny destination! Instead of getting caught in the tourist traps, try visiting some gardens, greenhouses, and estates open to the public! Often these places are free or extremely inexpensive, so its a good way to save a little money. Its likely most of the plants will not be able to be grown in our cold climates, but many times you can find cold weather versions and lookalikes. Also you get your gardening fix for a few more months!
Check out our article: 10 Tips for visiting a public garden!

Become a Master Gardener!

Master gardener classes are often offered in the winter. Not only will you be considered a master in your field (and can make your significant other bow to your infinite wisdom in all things gardening) but you will learn a lot of useful information that will help you avoid costly mistakes and fix problems in your own garden. Check out your County Extension office to see when classes are offered!

There are more ways to garden during the winter coming soon to a Daily Weeder near you! Keep your computer tuned to this website for more great gardening tips, tricks, ideas, and inspiration!

Happy Gardening,
Marie Suzanne

Trackback this Post | Feed on comments to this Post