What should I do in the garden in winter?

Protect tender plants, prune dormant trees and shrubs on dry days, tidy and maintain tools, feed birds, check stored crops and bulbs, and plan and order seeds for spring.

Can I still plant in winter?

In mild areas, yes: bare-root trees, shrubs and roses can be planted on frost-free days while dormant. Avoid planting in frozen or waterlogged soil.

How do I protect pots in winter?

Raise them on feet, group them against a sheltered wall, wrap with horticultural fleece or bubble wrap, and move tender plants indoors. Keep soil on the dry side.

When do I start seeds indoors?

Late winter for slow starters such as onions, peppers, aubergines and some flowers, 8–12 weeks before your last frost date (see the seasonal planting calendar).

Winter Garden Care

Winter is the garden’s rest, and the gardener’s too. There is little growing and much less work, but what you do now makes a real difference to how the garden performs next year. It is the season for protecting what you have, tidying structures, caring for tools and planning. And for gardeners in mild or warm climates, winter may be the main growing season rather than a pause.

This guide gives a clear winter plan. It belongs to the Seasonal Gardening pillar, follows Autumn Garden Tasks and leads into Spring Garden Tasks.

Protect plants from cold and wet

Winter damage comes from freezing, wind, waterlogged roots and the swing between thaw and frost. Protection and drainage matter more than warmth.

Mulch roots of tender perennials and young shrubs with 10 cm of bark, straw or leaf mould.
Wrap tender shrubs and patio trees with horticultural fleece, keeping it loose and secure; remove on mild days to avoid rot.
Raise pots on feet; group them against a sunny wall; wrap in bubble wrap or hessian.
Shake snow from evergreens and hedges so branches do not break.
Stake or tie tall or young plants against winter winds.
Keep houseplants away from cold windows and radiators.

Learn the details in Frost Protection Methods.

Prune dormant plants

Plant	Winter task
Apple and pear trees	Prune for structure and airflow in dry, frost-free weather
Bush and climbing roses	Reduce long stems to prevent wind rock; main prune in late winter
Wisteria	Shorten summer side-shoots to two or three buds
Summer-flowering shrubs	Prune hard in late winter (buddleia, hardy fuchsia)
Coloured-stem shrubs	Cut to near ground in late winter for bright new stems
Stone fruits (plums, cherries)	Do not prune now; do it in summer to avoid silver leaf disease

Use clean, sharp tools and cut to a bud or branch junction (see How to Prune Trees Safely and Shrub Maintenance and Renewal Pruning).

Jobs for dry days

Plant bare-root trees, hedging, roses and fruit bushes when soil is not frozen or waterlogged.
Repair and build: fences, trellis, raised beds, compost bins and paths.
Improve drainage where water stands; add compost or install land drains for persistent problems.
Add mulch and compost where soil is bare.
Clean greenhouse and cold frames, and wash pots and trays (see Garden Hygiene).
Check stored crops, bulbs and tubers for rot and sprouting.

Look after tools and equipment

Clean soil from spades, forks and hoes; sharpen blades; oil metal and wooden handles.
Service the mower and strimmer, or book a service now before the spring rush.
Check hoses, irrigation parts and watering cans, and drain water systems that might freeze.
Sort seed packets by sowing date.

Indoor projects

Start slow seeds in late winter under lights: onions, leeks, peppers, aubergines, celery and some flowers (see How to Plant Seeds Step by Step).
Force bulbs such as hyacinths and paperwhites for winter flowers.
Take hardwood cuttings of willow, dogwood and currants (see Propagation by Cuttings).
Care for houseplants: reduce watering, increase humidity and give maximum light (see Humidity for Houseplants).

Plan the year ahead

Winter is the best time to review last year’s notes and photos, decide what worked, design new beds and order seed. Draw a rotation plan for vegetables and a planting calendar by sowing date (see The Seasonal Planting Calendar and Planning for Next Year).

Wildlife in winter

Fill feeders daily with good seed and fat balls, and keep fresh water unfrozen.
Leave seed heads, log piles and leaf litter for insects and small mammals.
Clean feeders weekly to prevent disease.

Winter in mild and warm climates

In subtropical regions, the cool season is prime growing time: sow and harvest leafy greens, peas, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, coriander and many flowers. Protect against occasional frost with fleece, water early in the day and watch for aphids on fresh growth.

Mistakes that cost the most

Pruning plums or cherries in winter
Walking on frozen or waterlogged lawns and beds
Wrapping plants tightly in plastic, which traps damp
Overwatering houseplants
Leaving tool maintenance until the first warm day

Tips that make it easier

Use winter evenings to read, sketch and plan; the best gardens begin on paper.
Keep a record of frost dates and microclimates in your garden.
Take photos of the bare structure of your garden and note where interest is missing.

What to read next

Look ahead with Spring Garden Tasks, protect plants with Frost Protection Methods and build a plan in Planning for Next Year. Back to Seasonal Gardening.