Gardening Gift Ideas Perfect for Winter

Do you know a gardening enthusiast who suffers through the winter blues each year? If someone on your shopping list is counting down the days until spring, consider one of the following gardening gift ideas to distract them from the harsh weather outside and keep them entertained during the winter months.

The Victorian Tabletop Terrarium is a beautiful gift idea for any gardener. The elegant terrarium measures 21"H x 9.5"L x 9.5"W, compact enough to give gardeners the opportunity to exercise their green thumbs indoors. Plants can be grown in separate pots placed in terrarium or in soil poured directly onto the vinyl liner. Comes with instructions for planting and maintenance. ($79.95; www.logees.com)

For a fun alternative to the traditional terrarium, consider the Carnivorous Creations Terrarium Kit. The kit includes nine varieties of carnivorous plant seeds, as well as planting mix, rocks, and instructions. This extremely original gift idea will keep the gardener on your shopping list amused through the coldest months. ($24.95; www.livesciencestore.com)
Gail Holmen's My Green Thumb: Your Gardening Organizer is an excellent way for a gardener to record their gardening experiments, plans, successes, and failures for future references. This attractive journal encourages gardeners to document gardening experiences, draft plans, and manage their gardens. The three-ring binder conveniently allows gardeners to customize the journal to meet their needs. There are also pockets for seed packets and a list of valuable resources and information. Gardeners can spend their winter days planning for spring and dreaming of warmer weather with this handy gardening gift idea. ($26.56; www.amazon.com)

For a gardener who prefers keeping computer records, the Gardener's Journal Software from Marco Software is the perfect alternative to a written version. Available in either the Home or Premium Edition, this software will help gardeners organize and record their gardening experiences. The Home Edition is recommended for gardeners who have little computer familiarity, and the Premium Edition is for professionals and more computer-savvy users. ($19.99-29.99; www.gardeners-shop.com)

If the gardener on your list has little or no areas in their home that receive direct sunlight, why not give them the gift of sunlight? Or at least the nearest approximation. Indoor Gardening Supplies has a variety of grow light fixtures, from the compact Intelligent Plant Light ($37) to the large Four-Lamp Tabletop Fixture with Four Trays ($158.50). There is an appropriate option for any gardener's home. (www.indoorgardeningsupplies.com)

The Juliana Mini-Greenhouse would make a perfect holiday gardening gift. Available in both a 2- and 4-tier size, this rack comes with a heavy, insulated clear plastic cover that will protect plants from cold weather. Perfect for gardeners who just can't wait until the last freeze to start their spring plants. The plastic cover is completely removable, so the rack can be used year-around to display plants. Hardy enough to keep outside and attractive enough to move inside for the coldest months. ($38-$59; www.minigreenhouse.com)

The Juliana Double Cold Frame Greenhouse allows a gardener an even more durable option for starting spring plants. The aluminum-framed greenhouse is 3'5" x 4' with a height of 10". The 4mm polycarbonate walls are UV-treated. This portable greenhouse is just the right size to accommodate a number of plants. A great way to for a gardener to prepare for spring. ($179; www.minigreenhouse.com)

Keep the gardener on your list occupied with the Culinary Herb Starter Kit. The kit comes with 12 seed packets for parsley, thyme, cilantro/coriander, basil, dill, oregano, sweet marjoram, chives, savory, garlic, chives, mustard, sage, enabling gardeners to indulge their love of growing while cultivating edible plants. Also included are a tray and greenhouse dome, plus 50 peat pellets for easy planting. ($29.95; www.wheatgrasskits.com)

Brighten a gardener's house this season with an indoor flower garden. The Amaryllis and Paperwhite Duo from Jackson and Perkins includes two red amaryllis bulbs and six paperwhite bulbs. These bulbs come in a festive red basket and will be ready to bloom when they arrive, for up to a month. Order after October 23rd. ($44.95; www.jacksonandperkins.com)
Cold winter months can be the dreariest of the year for outdoor-loving gardeners, but with one of these gardening gifts, you can make their season a little brighter.