Winter gardening is not a silent, sleepy affair. In fact, it’s a full-on, muddy adventure that can make the difference between a thriving spring garden and a patch of regret. The secret to success? Soil that’s ready to face frost, snow, and chilly winds while still giving your plants the nutrients they crave. If your…
soil
12 Ways to Build Soil Over Winter Using Leaves, Compost & More
A cold snap hits, the garden beds go quiet, and most people assume the soil is ready for hibernation. But winter is actually the perfect time to supercharge your soil so it wakes up in spring richer, fluffier, and more fertile than ever. With the right ingredients—leaves, compost, kitchen scraps, mulch, and a few clever…
How to Build a Garden Routine That Works While It’s Too Cold to Dig
Winter is here, and your garden looks more like a frozen tundra than a thriving paradise. You might feel stuck, thinking there’s nothing to do until the soil thaws and the sun returns. But the truth is, this is the perfect time to prepare, plan, and dream about the season ahead. A garden routine doesn’t…
7 Garden Layout Changes to Make During the Off-Season
The garden may look quiet and sleepy during the off-season, but that doesn’t mean your green thumb has to take a break. This is the perfect time to step back, dream big, and make changes that will set your garden up for a spectacular season ahead. While your neighbors might be hibernating from gardening, you…
Why You Should Be Planting Bulbs in December, Not Spring
When most people are sipping hot cocoa, hunting for holiday deals, or wondering where they stored last year’s string lights, the last thing on their minds is planting bulbs. Yet December—the month everyone assumes is too cold, too late, too hopeless for gardening—might actually be the secret weapon of thriving spring blooms. While your neighbors…
12 Garden Maintenance Chores for December That Avoid Spring Stress
Winter may have arrived, but your garden doesn’t have to hibernate completely. December is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and tackle small but crucial chores that will make your spring planting smoother, healthier, and far less stressful. Even in the cold, there are tasks you can do to protect your plants, improve…
The Secret to Maintaining Soil Health Under Snow
Beneath the winter’s silent, frosty blanket, a hidden world is wide awake. While we’re sipping cocoa by the fire, the soil under our feet is not sleeping; it’s throwing a microscopic gala, conducting a symphony of biological processes, and laying the groundwork for spring’s explosion of life. Forget dormancy—this is the season of secret soil…
Why Mulching in December Can Save Your Spring Garden
Winter is rolling in, frost is creeping over your lawn, and it might feel like the garden is officially “asleep” until spring. But don’t put away your gardening gloves just yet—December is secretly one of the best months to set your spring garden up for success. Mulching now might sound like an odd chore in…
Why Your Houseplants Need a “Vacation” from Fertilizer Right Now
Your houseplants may look peaceful sitting in their pots, but don’t be fooled—they are dramatic little creatures. One day they’re perky and glowing; the next day, they’re drooping like they’ve just worked a 14-hour shift. And if you’ve been shoveling fertilizer at them like you’re fueling a race car, they may be silently begging for…
Can You Actually Grow Vegetables Outside in December?
Most people assume December is the month your garden goes into hibernation, your tools get shoved into the garage, and your hopes of fresh produce are postponed until spring. But then the question sneaks into your mind: Is it actually possible to grow vegetables outdoors in December? The idea feels bold, maybe even a little…