Winter Gardening – Flower Patch Farmhouse

Feel Free To Share!

What Gardeners Can Do in the Winter Months to Plan for the Next Season

Winter garden chores can be a road map to success. Winter has always felt quiet in the garden to me, a time when everything slows down and the world rests. But as a farmer, I have learned that this is where the real work begins.

With the snow on the ground and the garden quiet, I find myself reflecting on the past year and dreaming of the upcoming season. Silence gives me space to plan, adjust, and set goals for what I want to accomplish.

It’s a time of reflection and preparation, and it’s surprising how much can be done—even when it feels like the garden is dormant.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking the link I may make a small commission at no charge to you.

Winter Garden Activities

1. Reflect on the Last Season

Take some time to review what worked and what didn’t work in your garden last year. Are some plants thriving while others are struggling? Were pests or diseases a problem? Keeping a garden journal with notes on these details will help you make better decisions for the coming season.

Many of the following activities can be tracked or recorded in your planner!

I also find reviewing all the videos and photos I take while gardening very helpful! Be sure to record your garden from start to finish.

2. Plan Your Layout

Winter is the best time to paint your garden design. Consider this:

• Crop rotation in vegetable gardens to prevent soil erosion.
• Companion planting techniques to maximize growth and prevent pests.
• Fresh flower beds or focal points that you would like to create.

3. Order Seeds and Bulbs Early

Seed catalogs arrive during the winter months, offering inspiration and ideas. Popular brands tend to sell out quickly, so ordering early ensures you get what you want. Look for:

• Different vegetables or flowers to try.
• Native plants that support pollination.
• Perennials create a long-lasting garden.

The great thing about the garden planner/journal shared above is that you can keep track of the seeds you already have to save money and time!

And don’t forget about the fun and easy way to grow new plants! Winter Sowing!

4. Cut Dormant Plants

Take advantage of your plant life to prune trees and shrubs. Proper pruning improves structure, promotes healthy growth, and increases flowering or fruit production. Avoid pruning spring flowering trees until they are in bloom.

Aka: Do not prune lilacs or macrophyllia hydrangeas!

5. Test and Prepare Your Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of any successful garden. Winter is a great time to:

• Check your soil’s pH and nutrient levels.
• Add compost or organic matter to enrich the soil.
• Plan some amendments, such as lime for acidic soils or sulfur for alkaline conditions.

Did you know that you can sow this flower directly in winter?

6. Maintain and Repair Equipment

Check your garden tools and equipment for wear and tear:

• Sharpen pruners, loppers, and shears.
• Metal parts of the oil to prevent corrosion.
• Repair or replace broken tools so everything will be ready for spring.

7. Keep the Compost Pile Going

Composting doesn’t have to stop in the winter. Add kitchen scraps, shredded paper, and dry leaves to your compost pile. Turning it periodically will keep the decomposition process going, ready to provide nutritious compost in the spring.

I know this doesn’t work when things get really cold but there are countertop composting gadgets available or other burying scraps in a container they have on the floor.

I cheat and let my chickens do all the work for me!

Adding chicken litter to my compost bin keeps you cooking in the winter with a simple twist. I use this tool.

8. Plan an Indoor Garden

If you want to grow something, try indoor gardening:

• Start seeds for the first spring vegetables or flowers.
• Grow herbs in a sunny window.
• Experiment with hydroponics or grow lights for year-round production.

9. Educate yourself

Use your free time to learn new gardening techniques. Read books, watch tutorials, or attend online workshops. Topics to explore include:

• Biological pest control methods.
• Designing pollinator-friendly environments.
• Improved methods of pruning certain plants.

10. Organize Your Garden Supplies

Sort through your garden shed or storage area. Dispose of old or expired seeds, combine half-used fertilizer bags, and organize tools for easy access. An organized space saves time and reduces frustration during the busy growing season.

11. Set New Age Goals

Think about what you want to achieve in your garden next year:

Write down your goals and create actionable steps to make them come true.

Winter doesn’t mean gardening fun has to stop—it’s a time to reflect, prepare, and dream big. By taking these steps now, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running come spring, ensuring a bountiful and beautiful garden all season long.

Good planning and dreaming!

Feel Free To Share!