Winter Gardening - everything you need to know!

From cold Canada to sunny Texas, we’ve got you covered.

I’m not going to lie, gardening can seem intimidating during optimal growing months, so why the heck would we attempt to garden during the winter months? Honestly, it’s easier than you think when you understand gardening during the different seasons. Since it is January right now, let’s learn about how to adapt our gardening to the winter months!

Firstly, there is this really cool thing called “Growing Zones” developed and regulated by the USDA. It basically breaks down the US into different growing zones based on the minimum temperatures that each zone experiences.

To keep this simple, we are going to group zones 3-5, zone 6, and zones 7-9. Zones 2 and 10 are minimal and rare.

Zones Three, Four, and Five: Cold Climates and Canada

In these zones (including most of Canada), temperatures are almost always around or below zero in winter. We're talking about Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Maine, Iowa, and similar regions. While outdoor gardening isn't very viable, you can focus on garden prep for the spring!

Winter Indoor Seedlings to Transplant in Spring

According to Kellog Garden, winter is the perfect time to get a head start on seed-starting. Benefits include a better selection of plants and lower costs compared to buying seedlings in spring.

• What to sow now: Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and lettuce.
• For slower roots: Cauliflower, celery, eggplant, and peppers.
• Flowers: Parsley, thyme, geraniums, and sage.

Germinating Tips & Tricks

For more successful germination, consider using grow lights and warming pads. Most vegetables need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Remember to use clean containers (even egg cartons work!) and label everything clearly. Keep your house above 65 degrees for the best results.

Zone Six: Moderate Cold Gardening

Next is zone six, covering states like New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Washington. Here, gardeners can actually have a thriving winter garden outdoors with the right plants.

Indoor Seedlings & Outdoor Winter Flowers

Zone six gardeners can start seeds for cauliflower, cabbage, snapdragons, and pansies to be transplanted in April. For outdoor blooms as early as late January, try: Snow drops, Crocus, Winter honeysuckle, and Winter jasmine.

Tip: Keep the soil moist to feed active roots, but avoid watering the foliage as it may freeze.

Zones Seven, Eight, and Nine: Warm and Tropical Climates

Finally, we have our warmer states like California, Texas, and Florida. While they rarely hit freezing temperatures, gardening still needs to be adapted for the winter months.

Winter Flowers

Not all plants flourish year-round. The flowers that thrive in the winter sun of these zones include: Snapdragons, petunias, pansies, violets, and geraniums. These flowers love the milder temperatures and partial shade.

Winter Vegetables

This is a great time for arugulas, beets, swiss chard, broccoli, carrots, and peas. In zone seven, keep covers ready just in case of a surprise frost. Since there is less intense sunlight, you'll find you need to water less and deal with fewer weeds!