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Where Do Gardeners Go in Winter?

© Carol Wallace

I can tell you were their minds do - underground. Wondering how the plants are doing, wondering whether their little root systems are growing big and strong. Wondering if the squirrels are busy moving the crocus bulbs around, to show us their notions of good garden design. And if the bulbs themselves are getting enough moisture to see them through the long cold winter.

An avid gardener often feels as if he or she has also gone underground. They are no longer indulging in their favorite activity - all they can do is remember last year and look forward to next. The activity that defines them as "gardener," however, seems to have been put on hold.

But we don't forget all about that activity during the months when the ground is frozen solid. In fact we think about it constantly. And we even manage to find some activities that will help to tide us over until it's warm enough to play in the dirt outside again.

Some of our activities are physical.

Prepare an Area for Seed Starting
If we haven't got a good place to start seeds, some of us can spend this first part of winter either looking for a good seed starting table or building one. Otherwise the time will come to put the perennial seeds into flats - and there goes the kitchen table! This tends to irritate spouses, who are dealing with already irritable gardeners and so is a situation much to be avoided.

A shelf arrangement with suspended fluorescent light fixtures can sold many, many flats of seeds. So now is a good time to see what you can do about getting or making one. You still have time if you're a spouse looking for a Christmas gift. If you're handy - make one. This arrangement by our Garden Adventure editor, Howard Deutch has always seemed to me to be the perfect arrangement for both the plants and the gardener.

But if you're not handy - buy one. You'll both be happier because of your generosity.

And how about building a cold frame? In many areas you can keep right on gardening growing cool weather greens like lettuce and arugula in the frame. It is also a good place to overwinter slightly tender plants. I use mine to help harden off late started seedlings when the weather starts to warm up, as well as for stowing early plant orders. Building a cold frame is a good winter activity as well as another possibility as a gift for the important gardener in your life.