Winter can be a quiet time in the garden, as many plants are dormant. But if your green fingers are itching and you're craving some time outdoors, there's still plenty to do in the garden during the winter months. There are also plenty of plants to enjoy at this time of year.
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Before you hunker down for the winter, some preparation is key – protect tender plants such as dahlias, cannas and bananas, and bring in or cover garden furniture. It's also worth planting bulbs for colour in spring.
More winter content:
Here are 10 tips for enjoying your garden in winter.
Appreciate evergreens
Evergreens, from box balls and topiary to large, established shrubs, add vital structure in the garden year round but come to the fore in winter. There are many beautiful evergreen shrubs to choose from – browse our Plant Finder for inspiration. Plants like winter jasmine and Sarcococca confusa, pictured, has the added advantage of strongly scented flowers, too.
Plant bare-root plants
Winter is the time for planting bare-root plants (plants sold without any soil around the roots). It's an economical way of planting and you'll find a much wider variety of fruit trees and bushes are available this way. You can also plant bare-root roses, hedges and even perennials. Discover plants to plant bareroot.
Enjoy winter flowers and scent
There are many flowers to enjoy in winter, including Cyclamen coum, hellebores, snowdrops, crocus, aconites and winter iris. The flowers of some plants, such as viburnum, hamamelis (witch hazel) and daphne are strongly scented. If your garden lacks colour, head to your local garden centre, where you'll find many seasonal delights – find out how to plant winter bedding.
Tidy up
Spend a morning pottering about tidying your greenhouse and shed, having a seasonal tidy up. The greenhouse is less full at this time of year, so it's a good time to prepare it for spring. Service or maintain your mower and sharpen your tools, ready for the busier seasons ahead.
Attract wildlife
Garden wildlife really needs your help in winter and there are lots of things you can do – find out how to help wildlife survive winter. Get advice on feeding garden birds in winter and find out how to make your garden bee-friendly in winter.
Make the most of your greenhouse
Pottering in the greenhouse is a great way to stave off winter blues. Tidy up overwintering pelargoniums, have a go at growing citrus plants, or plant up a pot of succulents. In January and February you can start sowing seeds in a heated propagator. If temperatures plummet, insulate the greenhouse with bubble wrap.
Plant winter containers
A few winter containers, planted with evergreens and plants with colourful berries or flowers can brighten a dull winter day. Position them near the house so you can enjoy them easily. Discover 10 winter containers to try.
Prune fruit trees, bushes, shrubs and roses
Winter is the main time to prune many types of fruit, including blackcurrants, apples, pears, autumn-fruiting raspberries, redcurrants and gooseberries. It's also a good time to tackle trees, shrubs and roses. Find out more about what to prune in winter.
Appreciate seedheads
Many perennials are cut back at the onset of autumn, but it's worth leaving plants with attractive seedheads, such as rudbeckia, teasels, echinops and ornamental grasses, intact so that you can enjoy their unique beauty over winter. Cut down in spring, when you see new growth appearing at the base.
Keep the veg plot going
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Crops to harvest in winter include parsnips (which taste better after a frost), kale, Brussels sprouts, leeks, winter cabbages and winter salad. If you didn't get around to planting winter veg and salad earlier in the year, you can grow pulses indoors, as well as microgreens, ready in just a few days. You can also plant for future feasts – garlic, fruit bushes and raspberries and rhubarb can all be planted in winter.
As a seasoned gardening expert with a passion for cultivating vibrant outdoor spaces, I bring a wealth of first-hand experience and in-depth knowledge to guide you through the joys of winter gardening. Over the years, I've cultivated a diverse range of plants, from delicate dahlias to hardy evergreens, honing my skills in tending to the garden's needs even during the quietude of winter.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and expand on each:
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Protecting Tender Plants:
- During winter, it's crucial to safeguard delicate plants like dahlias, cannas, and bananas. This involves providing adequate insulation and cover to shield them from harsh weather conditions. Mulching and using protective wraps are effective strategies.
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Planting Bulbs for Spring:
- Preparation for winter involves planting bulbs that will bloom in spring. This not only adds color but also ensures a vibrant and lively garden as the weather warms up. Common choices include tulips, daffodils, and crocuses.
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Appreciating Evergreens:
- Evergreen plants, such as box balls and winter jasmine, play a vital role in maintaining garden structure throughout the year. Their significance becomes even more pronounced during winter, providing visual interest when other plants may be dormant.
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Planting Bare-Root Plants:
- Winter is the opportune time for planting bare-root plants. This cost-effective method offers a broader selection of fruit trees, bushes, roses, hedges, and perennials. It's a practice that utilizes plants without soil around the roots.
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Enjoying Winter Flowers and Scent:
- Despite the cold, winter brings forth a variety of flowers like Cyclamen coum, hellebores, snowdrops, and winter iris. Some, like viburnum and witch hazel, emit a delightful fragrance. These additions contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the garden.
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Tidying Up:
- Winter is an ideal season for tidying up the garden, including the greenhouse and shed. This involves organizing tools, servicing the mower, and preparing the greenhouse for the upcoming spring season.
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Attracting Wildlife:
- Winter is a challenging time for wildlife, and the garden can provide much-needed support. Simple measures like feeding garden birds, creating bee-friendly spaces, and understanding wildlife needs contribute to biodiversity conservation.
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Greenhouse Activities:
- Utilizing the greenhouse during winter involves tasks like caring for overwintering plants, experimenting with growing citrus plants, and sowing seeds in a heated propagator. Insulating the greenhouse with bubble wrap helps regulate temperature.
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Planting Winter Containers:
- Brighten up dull winter days by planting containers with evergreens, colorful berries, or flowers. Strategic placement near the house ensures easy enjoyment of these visual delights.
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Pruning Trees and Shrubs:
- Winter is the primary pruning season for various fruit trees, bushes, shrubs, and roses. Proper pruning promotes healthy growth and ensures a well-shaped garden landscape.
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Appreciating Seedheads:
- Some perennials with attractive seedheads, like rudbeckia and ornamental grasses, are left intact during winter to appreciate their unique beauty. They can be cut down in spring when new growth appears.
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Keeping the Veg Plot Going:
- Winter is not a dormant period for the vegetable garden. Harvesting crops like parsnips, kale, Brussels sprouts, leeks, and winter cabbages is possible. Additionally, winter is a suitable time for planting crops like garlic and fruit bushes for future yields.
