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Winter is the perfect time to browse gardening books to explore new gardening topics, learn new techniques or draw inspiration from photos of beautiful gardens.
by Nadie VanZandt
PANTON – Gazing out your window on a wintry day, you might think that springtime is a distant prospect, but there are many activities you can do this winter to get ready for spring.
Do you have old seed packets tucked away? Organizing them will make planning your spring garden easier. Sift through them and inspect their “sell by” date. When stored appropriately in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight, most seeds can last from one to 10 years beyond this date, although their germination rate may likely be reduced.
Once you’ve taken stock of your seed packets, consider grouping them based on planting instructions like direct-sow seeds versus start-indoors seeds. You also could subdivide each group according to recommended planting date.
You can be creative when choosing storage for your seeds. Whether it’s recyclable plastic bins or three-ring binders with transparent pockets, many economical options are available to use for seed storage. With your seed organizer now ready, you can concentrate on garden planning and spend time choosing what seeds to order next.
Another timely project is to prepare your seed-starting station. Start by conducting an inventory of your current supplies. If you use them, take time to ensure that grow lights and warming mats are operating properly and repair or replace any damaged equipment.
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Pruning trees and shrubs in winter to remove dead, damaged or diseased wood can stimulate new growth and allow plantings to grow stronger.
Clean your old seedling trays by brushing off loose soil particles and washing in soapy water. Disinfect cleaned trays in a weak bleach solution (soak for at least 10 minutes in nine parts water to one part household bleach, then rinse) or by wiping them with undiluted 70 percent isopropyl alcohol.
Then don’t forget to purchase bags of your favorite seed-starting potting mix and have everything ready for planting.
If you did not get to it last fall, gather your small gardening tools and clean and sharpen them if necessary. Winter is the ideal time for this essential task.
Snowy days evoke a sense of calm, encouraging us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of winter. Snuggle up by the fire with a good gardening book, or take this opportunity to indulge in gardening publications to draw inspiration from beautiful gardens or learn new techniques.
If reading is not your cup of tea, there is a plethora of online gardening videos and podcasts to check out. In addition, you can find valuable gardening information on the University of Vermont Extension Master Gardener Garden Resources web page (go.uvm.edu/garden-resources).
For gardeners who enjoy writing, keeping a journal is a great way to articulate ideas and solidify plans. Whether you choose to use a traditional journal, write in a designated garden planner or explore the journaling features of software apps, each method will serve you well in gathering your thoughts.
If you are more inclined toward doing craft projects, you could build a birdhouse or a bird feeder. Numerous plans are available in books or online to create whimsical houses for your feathered friends. Better yet, why not create your own design?
Lastly, winter is the ideal time to prune trees and shrubs. Pruning does not need to be an intimidating task. Just focusing on the basics, such as removing dead, damaged or diseased wood (the “three Ds” of pruning) can stimulate new growth and allow your plantings to grow stronger.
However, invest time in learning strategic winter pruning techniques before heading outdoors. You can find expert advice from many online videos.
Time is fleeting, and spring will arrive before long. From first frost to first bloom, take the time to appreciate the quiet of winter while getting ready for your next gardening adventure.
[Nadie VanZandt is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from Panton.]
