The gardening season never really stops, does it? Sure, there’s a bit of a slow-down come late fall and winter, especially if you live somewhere that regularly experiences temperatures below freezing, but that translates into more of a change in activity than an actual stop. This time of year, gardeners across the country are putting the garden to bed as we start to plan for what’s coming next. We’re ordering our seeds, taking stock of what we saved from last year, and dreaming of what new things we want to try once the soil warms. We’re still tending our greenhouses and winter-hardy plants, coaxing life through even the darkest, coldest days. And if you live somewhere that sees moderate temperatures year-round, the shift in gardening mindset may be even less noticeable.
In the Midwest, where I live, January and February mark the coldest months of the year — the true heart of winter for us. Besides some hardy plants and the help of season-extending techniques, there’s not much that grows outside right now. But talk to any gardener around here and they’re going to tell you they’re still plenty busy gardening. It just looks different than it does at the height of summer.
For me, I tend to my houseplants more this time of year. Perhaps I feel more motivated to shower them with extra care because they get a bit neglected in the height of the growing season. But come colder weather, they’re getting my full attention. My houseplants never look better than they do at the end of a long winter of pampering.
I also spend time cleaning up from the previous garden. Even outdoors, I grow mostly by container gardening. We have a very shaded property, so containers afford me the freedom to move things around as necessary. At the end of a hectic summer and fall, I often haphazardly toss empty pots and containers into the shed. Once things slow down in winter, I take the time to more thoroughly go through and clean everything up in preparation for next season.
And, finally, like most gardeners out there, I spend a lot of time planning and dreaming for next season’s garden. This year, I think I’ll actually be able to have a small in-ground plot, thanks to a recent tree removal that opened up a bit of sunny space in my yard. It won’t be much, but I can’t wait to get started.
What are your garden goals and dreams for the coming season? Do you have any recommendations for my small in-ground plot? If so, I’d love to hear them.
Happy winter gardening!
Allison Sarkesian, Senior Editor
ASarkesian@OgdenPubs.com
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