Get into Gardening – A small step towards a greener future

Winter may seem like an unlikely time to start gardening, but it’s actually a great opportunity to plan and prepare for the growing season ahead.
In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of starting your gardening journey during the winter months and provide tips for getting started with seeds, plug plants and in late winter, summer flowering bulbs.
Why Winter Gardening?
Planning Ahead
Being the quiet season on the gardening calendar, winter offers a natural break to research, plan, and design your garden. You can sketch out your ideal garden layout, choose plants that complement your space, and decide on your gardening goals.
Sowing Seeds
Many hardy annuals and perennials can be sown indoors during winter. This allows you to start your plants early and enjoy a longer growing season. Also, winter usually has the wider range of seed choice, allowing you to experiment with different varieties.
Saving Money
Germinating seed, or growing on plug and starter plants, is often more cost-effective than buying mature plants. Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding to watch your plants grow from tiny seeds or juvenile plants into vibrant blooms.
Mental Health Benefits
Gardening has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. Spending time in nature, even during the colder months, can have a positive impact on your mental health.
Getting Started
The golden rule for seed sowing is ‘Not too early, not too deeply and not too thickly’. Choose a location that has good light and some warmth to germinate your seeds. Windowsill growing is ideal for starting salad crops, such as loose-leaf lettuce, oriental greens and spinach.
- Choose Your Seeds or Plug Plants: Consider your growing space, soil type, and desired plant types when making your selections.
- Prepare Your Indoor Space: A sunny windowsill or a grow light setup is ideal for starting seeds indoors. Ensure the area is warm and draft-free.
- Potting Mix: Use a compost specifically designed for seed sowing, or a potting compost for growing on plugs.
- Sowing Seeds: Follow the instructions on the seed packet for the correct sowing depth and spacing.
- Caring for Seedlings: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide adequate light and gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
- Planting Plug Plants: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Plant the plug plants at the same depth as they were in the tray. Water them well after planting.
Planting Summer Bulbs
Soils start warming up from the end of February, making it the perfect time to plant summer-flowering bulbs like Crocosmia, Freesias and Gladioli. Other summer flowering bulbs can be planted once the chance of frost has become more unlikely.
Here’s our quick guide:
- Choose Your Bulbs: Select healthy, firm bulbs without any signs of mold or damage.
- Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with compost or well-rotted manure.
- Planting Depth: Plant the bulbs at a depth of about three times their height.
- Planting Distance: Space the bulbs according to the variety and desired effect.
- Watering: Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting.
By planting bulbs in late winter, you can enjoy a beautiful display of flowers from late spring into summer.
Embrace the Journey
Gardening is a rewarding hobby that can bring joy and tranquillity to your life. By starting your gardening journey in winter, you can set yourself up for a successful growing season. Remember, every garden has a story, and yours is just beginning.