10 winter gardening Do's and Dont's

One problem that all gardeners face is winter. The weather is too cold and dry, & all we want to do is snuggle in our blankets and never leave. In this weather, we become lazy and we let gardening take a back seat, but if you love your garden, like I do, this is a great time to prepare and protect your plants for a beautiful spring. Here are some dos & don'ts for you this winter season.

Do’s for a Winter-Wonderful Garden

Pick the Tough Guys

Choose plants like winter flowering plants like petunias, chrysanthemums, and pansies that don’t mind the cold. This is also the perfect time to grow winter vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, carrots, etc. They keep my garden looking lively when most other plants are taking a winter nap.

Layer Up with Mulch

I throw down some straw or wood chips to keep the soil warm & cozy. This trick locks in moisture & keeps my plant roots safe from the freeze. You can use scraps of brown bags we all have piled up at home.

Water When It’s Warm

I water my plants at midday when it’s not too cold so the water doesn’t freeze right away. This keeps them hydrated without turning the garden into an ice rink. In this season, the plant needs less water as it is.

Cover Up 

You can use a thin cotton cloth to cover up your plants in this cold. This technique is mostly used on areca palms and tulsi to keep them growing in this season too.
It’s like giving them a warm hug!

Snip Snip AKA Pruning

Winter is the perfect time to prune back any dead or sick branches. This cleanup helps my plants focus their energy on growing strong in the spring.

Veg Out 

I love growing cold-tolerant veggies like spinach, carrots, radishes, and even strawberries at home in this season. It means fresh fruits and vegetables at a time when most gardens are sleeping.

Dream Up Spring

I use the quiet winter months to plan next year’s garden. It’s fun to think about what seeds to plant and where they’ll grow best.

Compost Everything 

All those fallen leaves and dead plants? They go straight to my compost bin. By spring, I’ll have rich compost to give back to my garden. Compost makes my plants really happy!

Pest Patrol 

I keep an eye out for sneaky pests that like to hide in the soil and on leaves. Catching them now means fewer problems later. I usually use a spray of 2 spoons of Neem Oil in 1 litre of water to get rid of most pests. 

Here are some vegetables you can grow easily in this season:

Don’ts: What to Avoid in Cold Weather Gardening

Easy on the Water 

I’m careful not to overwater since the soil doesn’t dry out as fast in the cold. Wet and cold roots? No thanks! Most plants go dormant in this season, and that’s why if we water them too much, they can die of overwatering.

Hold the Fertilizer

Plants chill out over winter, so they don’t need much food. I skip the fertilizer to avoid burning their roots.

Taking special care of Terracotta Pots

I learned the hard way that terracotta pots can get cracked and break too, in the cold. Now, I wrap them up or bring them inside the home.

Fluff the Soil 

Before the ground freezes, I loosen the soil around my plants. This helps with drainage and stops the soil from getting too hard.

Care for Indoor Friends 

My houseplants need love too. I keep them away from cold drafts and make sure they get enough light, and I make sure they don’t get watered.

Wait to Plant

I resist the urge to plant or repot too early. Patience now means healthier plants later. Let the plant settle in, and start growing a bit too, and only repot if needed.

Watch for Water Logs

I make sure there’s no standing water that can freeze and hurt my plants. Make sure your pots have drainage holes. You can even try bottom watering where the plant gets water from below, only taking how much water it really needs.

Mulch Right 

I mulch around my trees to keep them warm, but I don’t let the mulch touch their trunks. This prevents rot and keeps them healthy. 

Clean Up 

Leaving dead plants and leaves around can attract pests. A clean garden is a happy garden.

So there you have it—my list of winter gardening do’s and don’ts. With a little care and preparation, you can keep your garden looking great all winter and set the stage for an amazing spring. Let’s keep our green thumbs busy!

Here are some plants you can grow at home, this winters in a video:



I hope this helps and if you have any questions, do leave a comment!