The More You Know: Wintertime Gardening

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During the winter months in Washington, temperatures start to drop and the sun makes a not-so-often appearance. Tending to your garden and indoor plants during this time can take a bit more work, but with the right tools and steps, your greenery will prosper in no time.

Winterize the Garden

Plants become dormant in the winter and thus need less water to have active growth. Since we have already had our first frost of the season, there’s a good chance your garden will need reduced watering up until springtime when temperatures start to heat up. Take some time to remove dead leaves, invasive plants and debris, to set yourself up for success. Also, give your garden a nice feed of compost if you plan on planting new seeds.

Indoor Plant Care

Darker days call for more light for your indoor plants. If you haven’t already, move your plants near a window that receives a lot of sun exposure throughout the day. You may even want to invest in a designated plant lamp to ensure you’re getting the most light. Temperature is an extremely important variable since houseplants tend to come from tropical regions. Try not to mess with the thermostat too much, and depending on your plant species, temperatures can range between 55-86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lively Winter Flowers, Plants, and Veggies

There are quite a few veggies you can start planting today in your garden and year-round, with the proper care and upkeep, you’ll get some fantastic, crisp veggies in time for spring.

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrots

Leek

Onions

Spinach

If you’re a new plant parent, here are some great indoor starter plants that are bound to stand tall this winter:

Aloe Vera

Snake Plant

Staghorn Fern

Bromeliads

Succulent

Zebra Plant

Spider Plant