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Cold Hands, Warm Heart: A Beginner's Guide to Winter Gardening

Winter may seem like a strange time to think about gardening, but it can actually be a great time to get a head start on the growing season. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can have a thriving winter garden that provides you with fresh produce and beautiful flowers even during the colder months. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and techniques for successful winter gardening, including protecting your garden from frost and snow and maintaining healthy soil. So grab your gloves and let's get started!

As the colder months approach, it's important to start thinking about the tasks that need to be completed in the garden to ensure a successful growing season next year. Here are a few winter gardening jobs to add to your to-do list:

  1. Clean up the garden beds: Remove any dead or diseased plants, and tidy up any debris that may have accumulated throughout the season. This will help prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in the garden.

  2. Prune shrubs and trees: Winter is a great time to prune shrubs and trees, as the lack of leaves makes it easier to see the structure of the plant. Be sure to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

  3. Mulch your beds: Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Consider adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds to protect your plants through the winter months.

  4. Plant winter vegetables: Depending on your location, you may be able to plant vegetables such as kale, garlic, cabbage, and board beans and beets. Cold-hardy vegetable varieties can withstand frost and provide fresh produce during the winter months, as long as you get them in early enough.

  5. Get ready for spring: Now is the time to start planning and preparing for the spring growing season. Consider what seeds you want to plant, where you want to plant them, and what new plants or garden features you want to add. Now is the time to order your seeds for the coming growing season.

As you tackle your winter gardening tasks, don't forget to dress appropriately! Layering is key to staying warm and comfortable while working outside in the colder weather. Start with a base layer of moisture-wicking materials to keep you dry, and add on a middle layer of insulation to keep you warm. Finish off with a top layer of wind- and water-resistant materials to protect you from the elements. Be sure to wear a hat, gloves, and waterproof boots to keep your extremities warm and dry.


And while you're working in the garden, don't forget to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the winter landscape. The bare branches and frosty landscapes can be just as captivating as the blooms of spring and summer. Take a moment to savor the peace and quiet of the outdoors, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.


But winter gardening isn't all work and no play! Make sure to take breaks to warm up and refuel with hot drinks and snacks. And when the weather is particularly chilly, consider turning your winter gardening tasks into a fun outdoor adventure. Bundle up and go for a hike through the woods, or plan a excursion through your local green space. The fresh air and exercise will do you good, and it's a great way to appreciate the beauty of the winter season.


At Got Greens, we are always looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers to help us with our winter gardening tasks and expand our growing capacity. If you're interested in volunteering with us in the new year, please get in touch. We can't wait to hear from you!

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering or participating in a team building day with Got Greens Community Interest Company, be sure to sign up for our mailing list. We also have an online store where you can purchase products and support our mission of improving food sovereignty in the community. Every purchase helps to fund our programs and allows us to continue our important work. Thank you for your support!

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