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.
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 | FourOakBedSwings | Etsy
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.
Blanket Scarf – Merino Wool | MerinosdelRey | Etsy
Super Chunky Handmade Knit Blanket | andieshop | Etsy
Explore More: Chunky Knits | Etsy
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.
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).
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.
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 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.
Pressed Flower Art | HerbaristaShop
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.
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
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!
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.
Years ago tobacco companies made what are essentially trading cards with plants on them. That’s a great starter collection.
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.
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 ♛
