How to: Winter Gardening

When the days grow shorter and frost paints the windows, many gardeners assume their green haven must rest until spring. But winter doesn’t mean the end of gardening—it simply invites you to embrace a new rhythm. With a few smart techniques and a dash of creativity, you can continue to grow, nurture, and enjoy your plants all season long. Winter gardening is about keeping that connection to nature alive, even when the ground outside lies sleeping under a blanket of snow.

Embracing the Spirit of Winter Gardening

Winter gardening is both peaceful and purposeful. It’s a time to protect what you’ve grown, tend to the soil, and even grow fresh herbs and greens indoors. Some plants can thrive outdoors with a little extra care, while others prefer the warmth of your windowsill. There’s also plenty to do behind the scenes—planning, pruning, and dreaming up what your garden will look like when spring returns.

The key is to shift your mindset from “growth” to “care and preparation.” You’re not just waiting out the cold—you’re setting the stage for the most rewarding garden season yet.

Protecting Outdoor Plants from Frost and Wind

Before the snow piles up, give your garden a bit of love and protection to help it through the chilly months.

Mulch for Warmth: A thick blanket of mulch—about 5–10 cm—is your plants’ best friend in winter. It helps insulate roots, prevents frost from heaving them out of the soil, and retains valuable moisture.
Covering Tender Plants: Wrap young trees, roses, and delicate shrubs in burlap or frost cloth to protect them from harsh winds and drying winter sun. Skip the plastic coverings—they can trap moisture and cause damage.
Water Before the Freeze: Give trees and shrubs a deep watering before the ground freezes solid. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, offering extra protection to the roots.
Move Potted Plants to Shelter: Containers freeze faster than garden beds. Tuck them close to the house or into a shed or garage to keep their roots from freezing through.

By taking these steps, you’re giving your outdoor plants the best chance to rest safely until the warmth returns.

Growing Indoors: A Garden Without the Frost

Winter gardening doesn’t stop at your doorstep. Bring the joy inside by growing herbs, leafy greens, or microgreens in your kitchen or a sunny corner of your home.

Herbs That Thrive Indoors: Try basil, parsley, thyme, mint, or chives. They’re easy to grow and make your winter meals more flavourful.
Leafy Greens for Fresh Harvests: Spinach, lettuce, and arugula do wonderfully indoors and grow quickly.
Microgreens for Instant Gratification: Tiny, nutrient-packed greens ready to harvest in just two weeks—perfect for salads and sandwiches.

Tips to keep your indoor garden happy

Use full-spectrum grow lights to mimic natural sunlight.
Keep temperatures around 18–22°C.
Maintain gentle humidity with a spray bottle or small humidifier.
Rotate pots regularly so plants grow evenly.

The bonus? A touch of greenery indoors brightens both your home and your mood during the darkest days of the year.

Planning Ahead for Spring Success

Winter is a wonderful time to dream and design. When your hands can’t be in the soil, let your mind wander through the possibilities of next season’s garden.

Reflect on the Past Season: Think about what thrived and what didn’t. Did you have too much shade, not enough pollinators, or an unexpected pest problem? These reflections will guide your next steps.
Order Seeds Early: Winter is the perfect time to browse seed catalogues and pick out exciting new varieties before the spring rush.
Start Seeds Indoors: Some plants—like tomatoes, peppers, and flowers—can be started indoors weeks before the last frost. Watching those first sprouts appear is one of winter’s small but satisfying joys.
Tune Up Your Tools: Clean, sharpen, and oil your garden tools so they’re ready when the ground thaws.

Celebrate Winter’s Natural Beauty

Even without blooms, winter gardens have their own quiet charm. Bare branches dusted with snow, dried seed heads glistening in the frost, and evergreens standing proudly against the white—all create a scene of peaceful beauty.

Consider leaving ornamental grasses, hydrangeas, and sedums standing through winter. Their shapes and textures look stunning in the snow and provide food and shelter for birds. You can even hang a few feeders to bring a flurry of life and colour to your winter landscape.

The Joy of Gardening All Year Round

Winter gardening is about connection, creativity, and care. It’s the time to nurture what you’ve grown, plan what’s next, and find joy in the slower pace of the season. Whether you’re tending a row of potted herbs by the window or protecting your perennials outdoors, every small act keeps your garden’s rhythm alive.

So grab your gloves, pour yourself a hot drink, and embrace the beauty of gardening through the cold months. Because true gardeners know—there’s always something to grow, no matter the season.

At Little Tree Garden Market, we’re here to help you grow year-round. From winter-hardy plants to indoor gardening essentials, our team loves helping you make the most of every season. Stop by, get inspired, and let’s keep your garden thriving—even when it’s snowing outside.