7 Spring Gardening Projects You Can Start In Early Winter
It's tempting to shut the door on gardening once the cold sets in, but early winter offers some surprising opportunities to get a head start on spring. While most plants are resting, you can lay the groundwork for a thriving garden next year. Whether you're working with a full yard or a small patio, winter is a smart time to plan, prepare, and even plant. Here’s how to make the most of this season before spring arrives.
Force Bulbs in Outdoor Containers
Many spring bulbs don't need to be planted in the ground to bloom. Set up a few containers with soil and chilled bulbs, and let them sit outside through the winter. The cold triggers the blooming process naturally, and by spring, you'll have pots bursting with early color. This works well on porches, balconies, or tucked into garden beds for easy rearranging when flowers appear.
Encourage Beneficial Fungi
Fungal networks support healthy roots, but they need time and the right conditions to establish. Spread leaf mold or inoculated wood chips over your soil now. The freeze and moisture help break these materials down and encourage fungal growth that improves nutrient delivery later. It's an out-of-sight process, but one that makes a noticeable difference in plant strength and soil resilience come spring.
Pre-dig Holes for New Trees or Shrubs
Frozen soil is no friend to digging, but if you catch the ground before it hardens completely, you can pre-dig holes for anything you plan to plant in early spring. This way, once nurseries stock fresh trees or shrubs, you won't be scrambling to dig into cold, wet ground. Cover the holes with mulch or overturned buckets to keep them workable.
Solarize Future Garden Beds
If you have an area you plan to turn into a bed next season, prepare it now by laying clear plastic over the soil. Even winter sun builds heat under the surface, and over time, this can reduce weed seeds and pathogens. It's a slow but effective way to clean up problem areas before you start planting. Weight the edges with bricks or soil so it stays in place through wind and snow.
Make Use of Dormant Scouting
Without leaves in the way, you can see the structure of your garden more clearly. This is a good time to walk your space with a fresh eye. Look for signs of pests overwintering, such as nests, eggs, or insect shelters in bark and crevices. Keep an eye out for soil drainage issues that weren't obvious during summer, usually shown by icy patches in the winter. You can also take note of how light moves through your garden when the trees are bare, which may help you rethink your layout.
Test Old Seeds for Viability
Before you order anything new, check what you already have. You can test older seed packets by placing a few seeds on a damp paper towel in a warm spot and watching for sprouting. Knowing which seeds are still good helps you avoid waste and lets you plan your planting more accurately. It'll help prevent disappointing gaps in your garden later and maybe save you some money along the way!
Attract Overwintering Predators
While many insects go dormant during winter, some beneficial ones stick around if you give them the right shelter. Set up bug hotels with dry plant stems, bark, and pinecones. Place them in a sheltered spot to encourage ladybugs, lacewings, or solitary bees to take up residence. These natural predators will be ready to work once pests reappear in early spring, giving you a head start on bug control.
There's more to gardening in winter than just waiting. These smaller efforts carry real weight when the ground warms and the growing season begins again. Instead of rushing into spring unprepared, use this time to set things in motion months ahead of time. You’ll not only feel more ready, you’ll be working with a garden that’s already one step ahead!