Winter in the UK,typically spanning December to February,brings shorter days,frost,and occasional snow,making it a quieter period for gardening.However,it’s an ideal time for maintenance,protection,and planning to ensure a strong start in spring.Focus on hardy plants that can withstand cold,protect vulnerable ones from harsh weather,and tackle jobs that prepare your garden for the year ahead.Below,I’ll break this down into what to grow,key jobs,and essential tips,drawing from reliable UK sources.
What to Grow
Winter gardening emphasizes hardy vegetables,bulbs,and evergreens that provide color,structure,or harvests during the colder months.Many can be sown or planted in autumn for overwintering,with harvesting possible through frost.Here’s a selection of suitable options:
Vegetables:
Broccoli,Brussels sprouts,cabbages,kale,leeks,and parsnips:These hardy crops can stand through winter and often taste sweeter after frost.
Sow in late summer/early autumn for overwintering;harvest as needed,leaving them in the ground until spring if not fully ready.
Garlic:Plant cloves in well-drained soil from October to December for a summer harvest;it thrives in cold conditions.
Onions and broad beans:Overwinter varieties like Japanese onions can be sown in autumn for early spring crops.
Winter salads and spinach:Grow under cloches or in greenhouses for fresh leaves;sow in late autumn.
Root vegetables like carrots,turnips,and swedes:Some varieties can be left in the ground or stored;plant in milder spells.
Fruits:
Raspberries,rhubarb,and fruit bushes(e.g.,gooseberries,currants):Plant bare-root stock from November to March while dormant.
Flowers and Ornamentals:
Bulbs like snowdrops(flowering January-March),crocuses,winter aconites,and tulips:Plant tulips 20cm deep in November-December for spring blooms.
Hellebores:These perennials flower from late November in shades of white,pink,and purple.
Winter containers:Use heather,cyclamen,winter pansies,ivy,skimmia,wintergreen,sarcococca,euonymus,bergenia,and hellebores for color near the house.
Raise pots on bricks to prevent waterlogging.
For greenhouse or indoor growing,sow snapdragons,begonias,geraniums,or cyclamen in early winter for a head start on summer displays.
Winter Gardening Jobs
Winter is perfect for tasks that might be overlooked in busier seasons.Aim to complete these between November and March,avoiding work on frozen or waterlogged ground.Here’s a list of key jobs:
Plant bare roots:Introduce trees,soft fruits,roses,perennials,and hedges while they’re dormant—it’s cost-effective and allows roots to establish before spring.
Care for and harvest winter veg:Monitor cabbages,root veggies,and brassicas for pests;harvest parsnips,sprouts,leeks,and kale as they mature,especially after frost for better flavor.
Cut back perennials:Trim old foliage and stems to prevent damage from wind or disease,but leave seedheads for visual interest until spring.
Prune trees and shrubs:Remove dead,diseased,or crossing branches from fruit trees(apples,pears),roses,wisteria,and berries like currants and raspberries.
Protect plants from frost:Wrap tender plants in fleece or bubble wrap,move pots to sheltered spots,and cover with cloches.
Support wildlife:Hang bird feeders,build bug hotels,and leave leaf piles or branches for habitats.
Make and turn compost:Recycle garden waste and turn heaps with a fork to speed decomposition;check for hibernating animals first.
Tidy tools and spaces:Clean tools,sharpen blades,organize sheds,and maintain lawnmowers.
Prepare outdoor infrastructure:Insulate taps to prevent bursting,clear paths safely(use sand instead of salt),and remove heavy snow from branches.
Plan for spring:Review borders for gaps,order seeds,start a garden diary,and plant bulbs or divide perennials indoors.
For a monthly focus,check December-specific tasks like pruning climbing roses or growing cacti from seed.
Tips for Success
Frost and Snow Protection:Apply mulch around plant bases to insulate roots and suppress weeds.In greenhouses,use heaters(two small ones for larger spaces)and bubble wrap insulation;water sparingly in the morning.
Let snow melt naturally on plants,but gently shake off excess to avoid branch breakage.
Soil and Watering:Test seed viability by sprouting samples;avoid overwatering to prevent rot,and ensure good drainage.
Eco-Friendly Practices:Encourage biodiversity by leaving seedheads and providing water for birds(melt ice on ponds gently).
Compost everything possible to enrich soil for spring.
Indoor Extensions:Force branches like pussy willow or forsythia indoors for early blooms,and care for houseplants by adjusting to lower light and cooler temps.
Lawn Care:Raise mower height for final cuts,aerate,feed with low-nitrogen fertilizer,and clear leaves to prevent disease.
Always monitor weather forecasts,as UK winters can vary regionally—milder in the south,harsher in the north.If you’re new to this,start small with containers or hardy veg for quick wins.
