Get Ahead This Year with Smart Winter Gardening Prep

Hey, Stacy here and we’re talking about winter gardening prep today! Now that winter’s rolled in and we’re all bundled up, it’s easy to fall into a rut of waiting for spring to arrive. But I’ve learned to embrace the slower months, using the time to plan and prep for the busy growing season ahead.

Instead of twiddling my thumbs, I get busy making sure I’m ready to hit the ground running once those warmer months roll around. This is when my winter gardening prep begins!

Here’s a little glimpse into how I take full advantage of these cold, quiet days.

1. Dream Big and Make a List

Winter’s the perfect time to dream big for what you want to accomplish come spring. I grab a cup of hot coffee or iced tea, sit down, and let my mind wander over all the projects I want to tackle. The trick is to write it all down. No idea is too small or too big, just get it on paper!

I’ll jot down everything from gardening goals to fixing that leaky faucet. And then, I’ll break it down into a plan of attack.

How Winter Gardening Prep Sets the Stage for Spring Success

This gives me something to look forward to when the sun starts shining and the earth thaws out. All of this falls under winter gardening prep. As it’s the perfect time to outline what plants and garden improvements I’m excited to start in spring.

2. Leaves Can Wait (And The Bees Will Thank You)

Now, I know this might sound like a little odd advice, but hear me out. In the winter months, I leave my fall leaves alone. Why?

Because I want to do my part to help preserve all the little critters who rely on them for warmth and shelter. We live out in a small, rural area right by the National TN Wildlife Refuge. So we’re surrounded by wildlife. That means these little guys use those piles of leaves to build their nests and hibernate in the chilly season.

I don’t touch the leaves until March or when it’s been consistently over 60 degrees for a couple of weeks. The queen bees also burrow down into piles of leaves and dead tree logs to keep safe over the winter. I know it might look like a mess, but our bees are crucial to our ecosystem. I do my best to give them a little extra care.

Winter Gardening Prep: Planning Your Best Garden Yet

Plus, most folks are staying inside during the winter. And the yard can wait for a little while. I still pick up trash, of course, but leaf cleanup? That’s something I leave for spring. All part of the winter gardening prep plan!

3. Gather Your Gardening Gear Early

While the colder weather makes it tempting to stay indoors. It’s the perfect time to get all your gardening supplies together and ready for spring. I dedicate a plastic tote to store everything I’ll need. From gloves and tools to seeds and soil. And you better believe that as winter starts winding down, I get a jump on things by starting seeds indoors.

I’ve got a couple of clamp-on lamps with grow light bulbs to give my plants the best chance. Those mini seed-starting kits with the sweating lids? I love ‘em! They’re like little electric greenhouses that heat from below. Perfect for getting leafy greens and other crops off to an early start.

Don’t forget to start those fruit trees in pots, too! I have a few extra plant stands around. I’ve found that with the right lighting, I can get them growing strong inside. It’s a fun way to sneak in a bit of spring early. Plus it’ll give your plants a head start when the frost finally lifts. This is all key winter gardening prep, making sure your plants are ready to thrive come spring.

Winter Gardening Prep: Dream Big and Get Ready for Spring

4. Maintain Your Lawn and Garden Equipment

Winter’s the time to make sure all your lawn and garden tools are in tip-top shape before the busy season hits. Clean out the gas cans, check the mowers, sharpen your shears, and make sure everything’s ready to go. A little maintenance now will save you a lot of headaches when you’re ready to dig into the garden come spring.

Also, take a moment to clean out your outdoor trash cans, fire pits, and grills. No one wants to deal with dirty bins or rusted grill grates in the middle of planting season. If you take care of those now, you’ll be able to jump straight into your spring activities without anything slowing you down.

5. Stay Organized, and Have Fun

Above all, take this slower time to stay organized and have a little fun. Start dreaming big about what you want to grow, fix, or change this spring. Whether you’re planning a bigger garden, sprucing up your yard, or just getting ready to enjoy a few bonfires with family. Winter is the perfect time to do it all. Getting prepared now means less scrambling later. You’ll be able to enjoy the entire season from the moment it arrives.

Please don’t just sit around waiting for spring to show up. Use this time for some winter gardening prep and make the most of it. When the warmer weather comes, you’ll be ready to go full steam ahead. Your garden and little homestead will thank you for it!

Until next time,
Stacy