Winter Garden Prep: Planning for a Beautiful Spring

Winter may seem like a season of dormancy, but for gardeners, it is a time of quiet preparation. As the garden rests beneath the frost, thoughtful planning ensures a thriving and abundant spring. From selecting seeds to tending to houseplants and overwintering greenery, now is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for a flourishing season ahead.

Ordering Seeds for Spring Planting

The anticipation of spring begins with seed catalogs. January is the ideal moment to plan your garden, choosing heirloom flowers, robust vegetables, and delicate herbs that will bring beauty and purpose to the months ahead.

How to Select Seeds:

• Choose varieties that suit your growing zone and climate.
• Consider cutting flowers like dahlias, peonies, and roses for seasonal arrangements.
• Invest in culinary herbs such as thyme, basil, and chervil to elevate everyday cooking.
• Select heritage vegetables like French breakfast radishes, haricot vert, and your preferred greens.
• Opt for pollinator-friendly plants to attract bees and butterflies.

Once your selections are made, store seeds in a cool, dry place until planting time.

Caring for Houseplants During Winter

Indoor greenery provides warmth and vibrancy in the colder months, but winter requires a shift in plant care. With reduced daylight and drier air, a few simple adjustments will keep houseplants thriving.

Winter Houseplant Care Tips:

• Adjust watering—less frequent but deep watering prevents root rot.
• Increase humidity—group plants together or use a humidifier nearby.
• Rotate plants to ensure even exposure to limited winter sunlight.
• Dust leaves gently to allow plants to absorb as much light as possible.

Checking on Overwintering Plants

For those with gardens or outdoor potted plants, overwintering requires a watchful eye. Plants protected in cold frames, greenhouses, or indoors should be monitored to ensure they remain healthy throughout the season.

Overwintering Checklist:

• Check for pests—inspect leaves and soil regularly for signs of infestation.
• Ventilate cold frames—allow airflow on milder days to prevent mold and mildew.
• Mulch outdoor plants—protect roots from freezing temperatures with a layer of organic mulch.
• Water sparingly—overwintered plants need less frequent watering but should not dry out completely.

Looking Ahead to Spring

Winter is a time for reflection and planning. Use this season to sketch garden layouts, research new planting techniques, and dream of the lush beauty that warmer months will bring. By tending to houseplants, safeguarding overwintering greenery, and thoughtfully selecting seeds, your garden will awaken in spring—strong, vibrant, and full of promise.

From Our House to Yours,
Mrs. Mayfair