It’s winter and you’re stuck inside even though you’d so much rather be outside working in the garden. Right?? Well, I can’t do anything about the cold out there, but I can assure you that there are plenty of winter gardening projects to tackle that will tide you over until springtime. This is the prime time for you to lay out all your garden ideas and decide which ones will get your attention come springtime.
The 5-Gallon Garden
New to gardening? Limited on space? The 5-Gallon Garden gives you the skills you need to grow food in the space you have. Get started with your garden today!
Winter Gardening Means Seed Catalogs Galore
We all know the joy of the first seed catalog arriving in our mailbox. (Here are some of my favorite seed suppliers.) But let’s talk for a minute about your seed system. Yeah, that’s what I thought. If it’s at all like mine, it needs work, and that makes it a perfect gardening project to tackle while the weather is wintry.
- Choose some perennials for the bees [Attainable Sustainable]
- Organizing seeds with a filing system [Learning and Yearning]
- Create a garden seed inventory [Urban Overalls]
- Consider these no-fail options [Attainable Sustainable]
- Organizing and storing your seeds [Homestead Honey]
- Photo album seed organizer [Montana Homesteader]
- A simple seed viability test [Homestead Honey]
- Add buckwheat to your seed order [Attainable Sustainable]
- Get control of your seed stash [The Reid Homestead]
Plan to Make your Garden Dreams a Reality
There are some things to consider beyond which vegetables you want to grow. Think about the harvest you’re aiming for, and how you hope you’re garden will look.
- How much do you need to plant to feed your household? [Attainable Sustainable]
- Identifying your garden soil [Montana Homesteader]
- Schedule your planting with a free printable [Homespun Seasonal Living]
- Figure out how to maximize the space you have. [Attainable Sustainable]
Gardening Projects to Make Ahead of Garden Season
Set up a work bench in the garage (or the kitchen) and you’ll stay dry while you work on these gardening projects to get ahead of the game.
Grow Some Greens!
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- Make a $5 worm composter [Attainable Sustainable]
- Craft some fun garden markers [Attainable Sustainable]
- Make a batch of homemade rooting hormone [Attainable Sustainable]
- Build bamboo trellises [Attainable Sustainable]
- Make newspaper pots [Urban Overalls]
- Build a tower to grow 17 plants in one square foot of land [Attainable Sustainable]
- Make seed mats for square foot gardening [Grow a Good Life]
- Make your own seed tape [Learning and Yearning]
- Upcycle canning lids into plant markers [Homespun Seasonal Living]
- DIY self-watering container [Grow a Good Life]
- Make an upside-down tomato planter [Attainable Sustainable]
Prepping for Planting Season
It might seem like longer spring days are eons away, but you can get a head start without stepping outside.
- Get set up for seed starting
- Save your egg shells for the garden [Attainable Sustainable]
- Consider winter sowing [The 104 Homestead]
Indoor Gardening Projects
Even in the dead of winter, you can grow some of your food. You might have to supplement with a good grow light, but in the long run it will be less expensive than paying a premium for costly produce that’s not in season.
- Grow herbs in a windowsill garden [Attainable Sustainable]
- Grow bean sprouts at home for pennies [Attainable Sustainable]
- Grow sweet potato leaves [Attainable Sustainable]
- How to Grow Microgreens [Attainable Sustainable]
- 9 Greens you can grow during the winter [The Prairie Homestead]
- Grow lettuce indoors this winter [Attainable Sustainable]
- Regrow food from veggie scraps [Happy Money Saver]
- Grow some organic broccoli sprouts [Attainable Sustainable]
- Grow herbs indoors [Grow a Good Life]
- Try popcorn sprouts [Attainable Sustainable]
I am so glad I found this on Pinterest. I have planned a garden for only two years now and am very much a beginner. The first year was decent and last year was horrible. I just didn’t have enough time to get out there with work and my long commute. I’m now staying home with my son and am planning on a big garden this year to also help keep the grocery bill down. This has inspired me to get started and get organized. Thanks so much!!
Thanks for sharing Robin’s post on paper seedling starter pots, Kris. He’s still getting some visitors from it.
I can really use some of these ideas right now (December). It is so dark and snowy here that thinking about my garden and next year gives me hope.
I didn’t know sweet potato leaves are edible. I was intrigued by the photo of all the nice leafy outgrowth from the sweet potato. Now I’m curious know what they taste like.
Wow! Looks like we have plenty to keep us busy. Spring will be here in no time. I’m enjoying the fires & the couch!
Oh, my, what an awesome post. I’ve pinned it and now I need to find time to go through all of those. Thank you.