Ski and snowboard fans look forward to winter all year long but, to gardeners, winter can seem a cold, barren season. Gone are the new shoots of spring, the vibrant sea of summer blossoms, and fall’s fiery display. After the cheer of the holidays, winter just seems to stretch on forever. Enter stage left: winter gardening hacks. These are tried-and-true creative solutions to warming up the cold season and making the garden feel welcoming, even when there is a nip in the air.
We’ve pulled together our favorite five, but don’t hesitate to experiment with your own favorites.
1. Plant a Winter Garden
Just because it’s cold out there doesn’t mean that veggies won’t grow. In fact, some crops – like root vegetables – taste better when grown during winter since the cold converts starches to sugars. You can usually find the best winter-loving vegetable starts in your garden store. See what is available as fall turns to winter. A few to look for include:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Leeks
- Celery
- Beets
- Carrots
- Chard
2. Furnish Patios and Backyards
This is the age of indoor-outdoor living, so take advantage of it. You’ll find plenty of gorgeous furnishings that work surprisingly well outside. Install warm white lighting to make your patio welcoming, then bring in new furnishings to your outdoor seating area. One company that does outdoor seating right is Sloane & Sons Garden Benches. They’ve been making wonderful patio and backyard seating options since 1989.
3. Add New Benches, Classic or Stylish
Nothing beats teak for elegant and resilient garden furniture and, again, Sloane & Sons Garden Benches has got you covered. They make outdoor furniture from high quality Grade A teak hardwood, sustainably sourced from the Far East, using traditional mortise and tenon joints.
You’ll find nearly any type of garden bench you’ve ever imagined, plus a few styles you may never have seen anywhere else.
4. Protect Plants from Winter’s Worst
As the days grow colder, bring your potted plants closer to your home’s protective walls. Did you know that clustering them together offers even greater warmth and protection? Drape a freeze cloth or sheet over them for additional protection. For especially cold nights, consider stringing a set of Christmas lights around the vulnerable shrubs. This adds a bit of warmth.
5. Protect Patio Furniture Too
As for your outdoor benches and chairs, you’ll want to protect them as well with waterproof covers. You can find covers to fit single chairs and benches from Sloane & Sons Garden Benches. Made of loden green acrylic material, they are completely waterproof and can protect against frost and fading.
