7 Easy gardening tips to get ahead this winter
Getting your garden ready for spring means doing these 7 things this winter
Winter may just be starting, but now is the perfect time to prepare for a flourishing garden come spring. A little preparation now will save you time and effort later, and some tasks can even be done indoors.
Here are 7 practical tips to set you up for gardening success—no need to brave the cold for all of them!
1. Weed and clear debris
Tidying up your garden now will prevent issues like pests and mold caused by lingering wet debris. Take a day to:
Pull weeds and remove dead plants.
Rake your flower beds or vegetable plots.
Dispose of old mulch or add it to your compost pile.
This simple step creates a clean slate for spring planting.
2. Prune trees and shrubs
Winter is the best time to prune many trees and shrubs. Pruning encourages healthy growth when spring arrives and keeps your garden looking neat. Here's what to do:
Trim dead or overgrown branches.
Shape shrubs for a polished appearance and added curb appeal.
3. Mulch Your Flower Beds
While mulching is often seen as a spring task, doing it now can protect your plants’ roots and retain soil moisture during the colder months. Spread a layer of mulch over your garden beds before the first deep freeze to help insulate the soil.
4. Plan your spring garden
Successful gardening starts with a plan! Use the downtime in winter to:
Sketch out your garden layout.
Decide which flowers, vegetables, and herbs to grow.
Research companion planting to maximize your yields.
5. Order Seeds and Bulbs Now
Popular seeds and bulbs can sell out quickly, so it’s smart to order early.
Check your location's growing zone to help determine the best things to grow in your area.
Plant spring flowering bulbs before the ground freezes. It's best to do it in the fall, but if you're behind, don't worry!
Get those bulbs in the ground a few weeks before the ground freezes to give them time to start establishing roots.
Bulbs to plant in late fall and early winter include:
Tulips
Hyacinth
Gladiolus
Crocus
Daffodils
Iris
If you miss the window, you can force bulbs inside to plant in the spring.
6. Clean and sharpen gardening tools
Winter is the perfect time to give your gardening tools some TLC.
Sharpen pruners, shears, and mower blades.
Clean dirt and rust from hand tools.
Replace broken tools so you’re ready when spring arrives.
7. Try indoor and winter gardening projects
If you’re eager to keep gardening through winter, try these:
Build planters to be ready to plant.
Start a compost bin.
Set up a greenhouse or cold frame.
Grow cold-hardy vegetables like spinach, kale, or lettuce in a greenhouse or cold frame.
By taking small steps now, you’ll be ahead of the game when the warmer weather hits. Whether it’s planning your dream garden, sharpening your tools, or clearing out weeds, every bit of effort you invest now will pay off in lush, vibrant growth this spring.
Happy gardening!
Scientist/Engineer turned DIYer and woodworker. Breaking gender and cultural stereotypes. Passionate to show everyone that you can do it!
