Bare but Not Boring – What to Do in the Garden This Month
Winter might strip our gardens of their vibrant greens and blooms, but that doesn’t mean they have to become dull or neglected. In fact, this is one of the most important times to prep, plan, and protect — and to sneak in some peaceful, muddy-boot moments while everyone else is inside with cocoa.
Here’s what you can do in your garden this month to keep things active and inspiring — even while nature naps:
- Prune with Purpose:
This is the time to prune deciduous fruit trees, grapevines, and roses. Give your garden structure back by shaping and removing dead or crossing branches. Your future harvests will thank you! - Mulch, mulch, mulch:
Spread a thick layer of mulch over exposed beds to keep the soil insulated and prevent weed growth. Bonus: it gives the garden a tidy, cared-for look and protects earthworms from the chill. - Feed the Soil, Not Just the Plants:
Now is a perfect time to add compost or well-rotted manure to your beds. Even if you’re not planting, your soil will be richer and more receptive come spring. - Plan Your Plot:
Winter gives you breathing room. Sketch out a new layout, rotate where you’ll plant crops next season, or plan a small herb corner or pollinator patch. Grab a notebook, a blanket, and dream a little. - Don’t forget the birds:
When gardens go quiet, birds bring joy. Clean birdbaths, hang seed bells, and plant berry-producing shrubs like viburnum to keep the feathered friends fluttering by. - Plant winter winners:
You still have options. Think winter veg like spinach, Swiss chard, and leeks — or flowers like pansies, primulas, and violas. Cold-hardy, and still cheery.
Even in its bare state, your garden is never boring — it’s just in a different chapter. The more attention and quiet prep you give it now, the more abundance you’ll see when the world blooms again.
