Aside from evergreen shrubs & stuff like that, what can one grow to stay amused over winter? What garden activities do you do to stay active? Most afternoons are nice enough to go do something outside but, as a former yank, I just don't know what I could be doing and can't seem to shake the "garden's closed for the season mode" I've always known. I have plenty of empty space during winter since a huge part of my landscape is using tender plants & annuals that are inside/in GH for winter, or have simply finished their short lives.

Please help me get ready for - something! Your ideas, suggestions, advice, anecdotes, ornamental or edible would be most appreciated!

Starting seeds indoors can certainly keep your interests up. Collecting leaves and grass clippings is a good winter pastime. Planning and digging and amending new beds, wonderful cold weather projects. Of course looking at plant catalogs and shopping your favorite online sites are a great way to spend really cold nights. Mulching beds you never seemed to have time to mulch before the cold weather set in...not the best way but I seem to end up doing some every year. With a couple of cold frames you can spend a lot of time covering and uncovering and watching the weather everyday, then forgetting to close the top and seeing them all freeze. Or forgetting to open it up on a warm day and watching them all die...then start the process over again. That will also keep the battle with the insects and critters from being a fading memory and keep up alert and on your toes throughout the cold season.

@purpleinopp - you are in the same zone as me . My mums bloomed a really long time last year so I had those to enjoy. I did something I have never done before and that was to force hyacinths. I know lots of people force in water but I forced in soil. They turned out wonderful!! I plan to do the same thing this winter.

@purpleinopp - Kinda shocked to hear that you are still gardening like a yankee.

I planted the seeds out of the cantaloupe and watermelon this week, also planted a second generation of corn... got some yard long beans up...

Very long season here, wasn't but last week that I was setting out the last of my tomato plants and pepper starts.


in August, I may start planting the autumn crops... I let some of my carrots set seed... shouldn't have to purchase that...
Also grow rutabagas and turnips.... Fava Beans and sugar snap peas... and if you are feeling real brave, maybe try planting some irish taters for the autumn...

I plant most of those winter crops in succession all winter long... right up into February.

I like to plant out snapdragons and pansies and violets. In the rare year that I buy tulips, I put them in the fridge and plant them out between Christmas and New Years. There are always camillias to watch.
This winter, I plan to wintersow a bit and start some annuals inside. Hope to have my sunroom full of plants to fuss over.


In the summer, I ignore a lot of housework. I try to catch up in the colder weather.

These are great ideas! TY so much!

Stone, the first step is admitting there's a problem. Hahaha! I'm on the step of asking for help. Hoping to plan a trip to L's soon...