it’s winter—time to plan the garden!
First thing’s first … don’t let your ranunculus grow in snow like this ^^^—they will die.
It’s snowing (or trying to), cold, gray, and the ground is frozen under a layer of frost. But if you know … you know … these dreary months after the holidays are the perfect time to dream, plan, and prep for the best part of the year—planting season! Here are our top ten garden planning tips while you gaze lovingly at the leaves you didn’t get around to picking up that are now a big pile of mush.
Reflect on the Past Season
Did you try a new bulb? Start seeds indoors? Plant a shade garden? Take a minute to think about what went well, and maybe … what didn’t, last gardening season. Make a list of what you want to grow again, and what needs torn out and hucked into the compost pile at the first sign of life (*cough-cough … my irises).
Create a Vision Board
Get creative and craft a vision board for your garden—pick one small space, or your entire yard! Collect pictures, sketches, and ideas that inspire you. This visual representation will help you clarify your aesthetic preferences and guide your plant and design choices. Pinterest is great, but I think we become desensitized by it sometimes. Try gathering real life items and put them together on a board, or in a journal—seeing and feeling textures, will help you define your style even more.
Research and Explore New Plants
Winter is an excellent time to dive into gardening catalogs, websites, and books. your local library is a fantastic resource here (but don’t cut out of these for your vision board!). Your local nursery employees would also probably LOVE to hear from you and help answer questions during these slow months! Explore new plant varieties, and consider adding some to your garden. Look for species that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions, and that will complement what you already have.
Even in the dead of winter you can make a little bit out of just about nothing.
Plan for Seasonal Interest
Ensure your garden remains visually appealing throughout the year by planning for seasonal interest. Select plants that offer blossoms, foliage, or even berries during different times. This approach makes certain you love your garden in EVERY season … except maybe winter. Although, bird feeders during the winter are a fun way to draw attention to the garden, and invite wildlife friends to come visit.
if you can’t draw, like me, use circles and squares instead of pretty plants like this in your garden sketch.
Sketch Your Garden Layout
Grab a pencil and paper to sketch out your garden layout. Consider the placement of existing plants, pathways, and potential new additions. This rough sketch will serve as a valuable guide when it's time to start planting. And no, you don’t need to be an artist to make this work for you. No one but you will see it! Graph paper can help you keep straight lines if you’re worried about that kind of thing—mine look like a toddler drew them, but they help! Go grab your pencil and get to it.
Try not to leave your tools like this, out in the snow.
Organize Your Tools
Inventory your gardening tools and assess their condition. Sharpen blades, replace worn-out equipment, and organize everything for easy access—for us this means that we don’t leave the tools out in the unheated greenhouses, or on the side of the house exposed to the weather. A well-maintained set of tools will make gardening tasks more efficient and enjoyable … except weeding, that never gets easier.
Plan for Sustainability
Think about incorporating sustainable practices into your garden plan. Consider composting, rainwater harvesting, or using organic fertilizers. These eco-friendly choices not only benefit the environment but also contribute to the long-term health of your garden.
Prep Your Soil
Winter is an ideal time to enrich your soil. Test its pH levels and nutrient content, and amend it accordingly. Add organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil structure and fertility. Healthy soil lays the foundation for thriving plants. Soil tests can be done in a variety of places, they’re pretty cheap, and will give you invaluable information for the coming season! We’ve had ours done through our local water conservation district, and through the local sprinkler company. Soil tests are available at your local hardware or garden center, but we’ve found that local locations tend to know more about the soil where we live.
Consider Companion Planting
Explore the concept of companion planting, where certain plants are grown together to enhance each other's growth and deter pests. Incorporating companion planting strategies into your garden plan can lead to a more resilient and balanced ecosystem. For example, marigolds are a great insect repellent when planted with your veggies to keep the aphids and other creatures out. This topic deserves its own post alone, you could spend hours looking up what to grow with what. Allium in the peonies? Yes, please. Since they’re in the onion and garlic family, they’re a natural deterrent for rodents, and insects alike.
plans for spring can help you get through winter with a bit of hope.
Create a Planting Schedule
Develop a planting schedule based on the specific needs of each plant in your garden. Consider factors like sunlight requirements, water needs, and growth patterns. A well-thought-out planting schedule will ensure that your garden blooms harmoniously. It’s the gardener’s version of, “Measure twice, cut once.”
It’s ok to have a little pity party for yourself because you can’t be physically out in the garden yet. But after the sulking is over, it’s time to take action! By planning ahead, you'll not only set the stage for a flourishing and stunning space, but you’ll pass some of the time while you’re at it. So, grab a bottle of red, some paper, magazines, and as many plant and gardening books you can find, cozy up on the couch and get ready for spring now!