Top 5 Winter Gardening Activities

Winter; cold, sometimes bleak, ice and snow-not conducive to growing plants outdoors. Now that it is too cold for outdoor gardening, what are gardeners supposed to do? There are many answers to that question. It all depends on what interests you.

Journal

Winter is the perfect time to reflect on the past year's garden. If you do not keep a garden journal, now is the perfect time to start. A garden journal will help you keep track of your gardening successes and failures. It also helps when you forget what you planted where. Most people who keep a garden journal include a current map of what they planted and where. Write about your garden everyday during the winter months. It is a good way to plan for next year's garden. Think about everything you want to do come spring, and write it down. Also include plans to expand your garden or maybe add a cold frame, greenhouse, compost area or hoop house.

Plan

There are many ways to plan a garden. A great winter activity is to find low cost gardening software that will help you plan and organize your garden. Software will allow you to quickly change the garden without having to constantly redraw it. Make a list of everything you want to plant. Then look to see what you can fit into your garden.

Seed Catalogs

Caution, these can be addictive! Seed catalogs have so many wonderful choices that it is impossible for the average gardener to plant everything that looks fun and interesting. Having been guilty of spending over $100.00 in seeds for a small backyard garden, I understand how easy it is to over purchase. However, browsing through seed catalogs on a cold and dreary day, while sitting near the fire with a cup of coffee is very comforting. Make a list of everything you would like to order, set a budget and make some hard decisions.

Read

Winter is a time for learning. While your garden sleeps, why not take the time to read up on new garden techniques or new plant varieties. Maybe this year your gardening will expand into a homestead and you will add chickens. Perhaps it is time to try your hand at water gardening and you will add a pond or water feature. Try reading garden journals and stories written by gardeners you admire.

Repair and Update

The winter garden tells you where you need to improve. Take a good look at your garden in the winter. Is it completely barren and boring? If so, add structure and other items to add interest to the garden. Try adding a pole of bird feeders. Birds who remain during the winter months will appreciate seed and suet. If you are afraid of weeds, try using shelled birdseed. The birds will add interest to your garden.

See where your garden may benefit from plants that offer winter color. Shrubs that produce berries in late fall and winter will supply local wildlife with a source of food. Large plants such as witch hazel will add color in late winter or early spring. Try planting a few plants that stay green throughout the winter like holly or evergreens.

Make repairs to fencing, garden walls, paths and tools. Decide if older tools need replacing. Mark areas for new garden space.

No matter where you live, winter offers a great opportunity to improve your gardening skills and to update the garden. There is always something to do outdoors, you just have to look past what is growing in the ground.

Other Articles You May Enjoy:

Getting Your Garden Ready for Fall and Winter

Cleanup and Repair of Garden Tools

A Guide to Garden Torches