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10 Winter Hibernation Tips for Gardeners

Published on October 22, 2019Last updated October 23, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

This post contains affiliate links.
Read full disclosure statement here.

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For those of us who love gardening, there are two basic seasons: when we’re out there digging in the dirt and when we’re not. Winter may be inevitable but it doesn’t have to douse our gardening souls. Here’s some tips to keep the love of growing alive until spring returns.

If you want to expand your indoor jungle, I have lots of houseplant tips and ideas here.

Creative indoor activity ideas for winter hibernation including rooting plant cuttings.

10 Winter Hibernation Tips for Gardeners

1Get in the Swing of Things

Let’s start with the basics. Whether it’s a favorite chair or sofa—or hanging a porch swing indoors—it’s time to set up your indoor home base.

For me, I get my sofa all comfy (see below) and stocked with favorite handwork projects (sewing, applique, knitting, quilting) that I never find time for the rest of the year. I’m not good with idle hands so this keeps me happily grounded while hanging out with family and watching shows.

Hanging porch swing

Hanging Porch Swing | FourOakBedSwings | Etsy

Etsy shopping link.

2Cozy Up

A favorite throw, blanket, or shawl is a must! Get a chunky knit blanket or—if you are always chilly like I am—try a shawl or large knit scarf in natural fibers. I wear mine (indoors and outdoors) from fall to spring.

Examples of chunky knits: a shawl and a blanket.

Blanket Scarf – Merino Wool | MerinosdelRey | Etsy

Super Chunky Handmade Knit Blanket | andieshop | Etsy

Explore More: Chunky Knits | Etsy

Etsy link

3Go Green

As days shorten and sunlight wanes, a multi-level plant shelf like this one is a must. Plants get the light they need and I love the contrast between the greenery and the snow outside.

Multi-layer wooden plant shelf with potted plants.

Wood Crafted Display Shelves | Luxurygardens

Ready for more? Take cuttings from houseplants and grow more of your favorites. I am in love with clear bulb containers like these ones, showing off the pothos roots.

Be sure to read product sizes before you buy: the one in the photo is smaller than it appears (9-inches long).

Glass bulbs for rooting plant cuttings.

Wooden & Glass Bottle Plant Vases | TheVeganKynd

As houseplants are enjoying new popularity in recent years, macramé and other hangers are making a comeback too. I love these ones made of natural sisal.

Crocheted plant holders made from jute twine.

Hanging Planter | HelloUnicornShop

Explore More: Plant Shelves | Bulb Vases | Hanging Planters | Etsy

4Feather Your Next

Does your indoor space reflect what you love? I have a set of these birdy cushion covers and love them.

Chickadee and bluebird pillow covers.

Chickadee Pillow Cover | PaperRoseDesignGoods

Bluebird Pillow Cover | PaperRoseDesignGoods

Explore More: Natural Home Furnishings | Etsy

5Lighten Up

I’ve always loved pressed flowers and stained glass.
This suncatcher serves two purposes. Hang it in front of windows to help reduce bird collisions. And show off your favorite natural treasures.

Garden flowers pressed in glass.

Pressed Flower Art | HerbaristaShop

Garden-inspired stain glass ornaments.

Dragonfly, Butterly, Hummingbird Sun Catchers | GlassArtStories

Explore More: Bird Sun Catchers | Pressed Flowers in Glass | Etsy

6Raise a Glass House

There are studies showing that working in a garden is a natural stress reliever. I find it’s also true when gardening indoors. Seed starting in the peak of winter is an instant mood booster. And caring for a terrarium of plants, stones, shells, and more is just as enjoyable.

Garden terrarium with brass edging.

DIY Terrarium Kit | DayDreamerDesign4604

Explore More: Terrarium Kits | Etsy
[shop does not seem to be active as of May/22]
See other terrarium kits on Etsy here

7Bloom Where You’re Planted

Flowering bulbs in forcing jars.

More plant root obsession! I plant a lot of bulbs outdoors but I always set some aside for forcing indoors (get indoor bulb forcing instructions here).

While you can grow many bulbs in soil or water, I cannot resist the beauty of old-fashion forcing vases.

Hyacinth Bulb Forcing Kit | botanicalart

Explore More: Forcing Vases for Flowering Bulbs | Etsy

8Make a Garden Wall

Instant cheer! These removable wallpapers can transform any space into a delightful garden room. Pick a small accent wall and grow for it. So punny!

Garden-themed removable wall paper examples.

Boho Spring Removable Wallpaper Floral | TropicalOrigin

Natural Elements Removable Wallpaper | TropicalOrigin

Explore More: Botanical Wallpaper | Etsy

9Collect Garden Heirlooms

Are there garden-inspired items that you would love to collect? I adore vintage seed catalog and packet art, old garden magazines, and books.

Collectible garden prints.

Years ago tobacco companies made what are essentially trading cards with plants on them. That’s a great starter collection.

Vintage garden bulb catalog.

Vintage Seed Catalog | bseron

Tobacco Cigarette Cards | TobaccoCardCollector

Explore More: Vintage Seed Catalogs | Garden Tobacco Cards | Etsy

10Hang in There

Most important of all, hang in there! Winter will fly by.

Indulge in what you love, keep your spirits high, grow what you can indoors, and spring will be here before we know it.

Crocheted sloth plant holder.

Sloth Plant Holder | ChickaDDesigns

And if that one is sold out, this Etsy shop may have one. Sloth power!

And, there you go. Let the hibernation begin. We’ll be seeing our shadows in spring before long.

~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛

10 Winter Hibernation Tips for Gardeners
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