Ah, the chill of winter is upon us, isn’t it? The time when our gardens seem to hibernate beneath blankets of snow or endure the crisp, cool air. But you know, that doesn’t mean our garden joy needs to take a back seat until spring blooms anew. Quite the contrary!
I had a lesson in gardening this past week, if you remember my brother-in-law, who owns the farmhouse is also a hobby gardener. What he plants, he eats and shares with others. He was talking about his vegetables and how he was going to be picking them some he cans, some he freezes and some he eats within that week. I started laughing. I thought he was kidding. But no, here is my lesson that I learned and I thought I would share it with you.
So, grab a cozy blanket and a warm drink because today, we’re diving into the art of ‘Enjoying Your Garden More,’ even when the thermometer dips. Let’s look at the secrets to finding beauty, solace, and joy in our gardens throughout winter and beyond.
My first lesson was, Winter’s here, but that doesn’t mean you can’t harvest vegetables. I am told If you prepare in the mid-summer or early fall, your harvest will only grow sweeter with the cold. Well, my reply was, “Who Knew”….his reply, quite quickly was, Me. LOL.
Also key lesson is, to garden year-round you need to learn the vegetables that can survive freezing. Do you know that there are several Veggies that will survive and even thrive in temperatures under 32°.
He also managed to tell me what vegetables he does grow. So I thought I would share that with you below. It was still shocking to me.
Winter Garden Veggies Plants:
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprout’s
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Green Onions
- Leeks
- Parsnips
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Turnips
Did you see this LIST, I didn’t make it up. Who has the time for this is what I’d like to know? Apparently he does.
The Man does not need to plant anymore, that keeps him quite busy for the Winter, and obviously well fed.
I also learned, did you know that Fall and Winter can be one of the best times for gardeners to plant their vegetables.
And the reason for that is….
FACT: Did you know Fall and Winter can be one of the best times for gardeners to plant vegetables.
WHY: Fewer insects and diseases are likely to plague your plants, and the cooler temperatures allow young plants to grow at a steady pace.
Well, if you’re lucky enough to have a decent-sized garden, you might want to enjoy it as much as possible. Sometimes, however, you might not use it nearly as much as you’d like. If you want to enjoy your garden more, but don’t know how, I gotcha covered.
Thankfully, you don’t need to put too much time or effort into this. Instead, it’s just a matter of using a few tips.
By using these tips, you’ll give yourself more than enough reasons to spend more time in the garden, even in the Winter. You’ll even enjoy it much more than you could’ve thought. It’s worth diving into three of the more notable of these.
In doing a little research I found some ideas that I can wrap my head around. Not that I can do any Gardening living in an Apartment, but what I found would or could apply to all Season. There are States that can still have a garden that they can enjoy for most of the year if not the full year.
Let’s Jazz Up Your Planting Beds
The visuals will play a large role when you want to enjoy your garden more. After all, you wouldn’t want to look at anything boring or unappealing, With a little bit of time and effort, though, this doesn’t need to be a problem. I found some great tips for Jazzing up your planting beds to help with it.
Putting in interesting plants is a great way to make sure your garden looks nice and if you are a vegetable gardener this applies as well, you are in luck. You also will be enjoying being there more. While that could mean spending a little time on ongoing maintenance, it’ll be more than worth the effort in the long run. You’ll have a garden you can be proud of in no time.
Gardens That Aren’t Utilitarian or Boring
You wouldn’t want to just stand there when you’re in your garden, after working so hard. You’ll want to do something you can actually enjoy while you’re there. Consider setting up a place to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Somewhere close to your garden and where you can include all the creature comforts so that everyone can enjoy your Gardening Efforts. With just a few items you will have created your very own Oasis.
A seating area with a table and small propane grills can be more than enough. You can get comfortable and make yourself some food while enjoying your garden. There is no reason not to put together something that caters exactly to what you want. You’ll be enjoying your garden more than you’d think.
Grow Some Garnishments
It’s natural to want a garnish or two with your adult drinks every once in a while. If you enjoy a cocktail, that’s especially true. Why not spend some time grow some of these Garnishments in your garden? It’ll give you an excellent excuse to spend more time there with Family and Friends.
At the same time, it will be something you’d look forward to and spending time with Family, Friends celebrating Holidays, Birthdays, Anniversaries and the list goes on. I think you get the picture. You’re getting something nice out of it, giving you more than enough of a reason to do it often. While this takes a while to pay off, it’ll be worth it for years to come.
In keeping in the holiday Season and Spirit that we are in. I thought I’d share my “Special Christmas Cocktail”.
Conclusion
And voila! As we round off our garden journey, I hope these ideas have planted a seed of inspiration in your little green-thumbed hearts. Whether you’re knee-deep in winter planting or daydreaming about a future garden, there’s something delightful about the prospect of creating a year-round haven that beckons us outdoors.
Remember, gardening in the cooler months isn’t just about coaxing a few veggies from the soil; it’s about nurturing a sense of joy and connection with nature. Who doesn’t LOVE that? So, while some of us may be garden enthusiasts in spirit more than in practice (hello, apartment dwellers!), the essence of these tips transcends space and season.
Imagine it: jazzed-up planting beds inviting admiration, a cozy oasis amidst the greenery, and the delight of growing your own garnishments for those fancy beverages or celebratory moments. It’s not just gardening; it’s crafting an experience, a space that invites laughter, relaxation, and togetherness.
Here’s the beauty of it all – these garden-enhancing tips don’t demand over exerted efforts. They’re like small, nurturing gestures to your garden that ripple into an ocean of enjoyment. By dedicating a bit of time and attention to these areas, you’re not just cultivating plants; you’re cultivating joy. As Marie Kondo says, “Does It Spark Joy”? I believe that is true here.
So, whether you’re an aspiring gardener or a seasoned pro, may your garden be a sanctuary that not only thrives but also brings a sprinkling of happiness into your life. Here’s to savoring every moment, every bloom, and every harvest, relishing the joy that comes from nurturing the earth and ourselves.
As we wrap up this chapter, remember, a garden is more than just plants—it’s a canvas waiting for your personal touch, your dreams, and your joy. So go ahead, let your garden be the stage for your unique story, and may it always blossom with love, laughter, and endless delight.”
This Post Is Dedicated to my Gardening Guru, Brother-In-Law Carl. Thanks for your knowledge and “Pearls of Wisdom” 💕
As always, Thank You for visiting with us at The City Cottage today and especially for letting me share my family and their stories. That means a lot to me.
See you next time,
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