A Cozy Winter Guide for Gardeners

Winter doesn’t have to be a slow or depressing period for gardeners. Instead of waiting impatiently for spring, it’s an ideal time to enjoy indoor activities that nurture your green thumb and help you plan for the upcoming growing season. Here are some ideas to keep your gardening spirit alive during the colder months:

1. Grow Microgreens for Fresh Winter Greens

Microgreens are nutrient-packed and easy to cultivate indoors. Our Microgreens Kit provides everything you need to grow varieties like arugula or radish, which thrive even with limited sunlight. Place the trays on a sunny windowsill to add a touch of green to your kitchen and enjoy fresh additions to your meals.

2. Sprout Seeds for Nutritious Snacks

Sprouting is a low-maintenance activity that yields high rewards. Using our Sprouting Kit, you can grow all sorts of different seeds and beans that pack a variety of flavors and require hardly any time. These sprouts are perfect for enhancing winter soups, sandwiches, or salads with a fresh crunch.

3. Create DIY Terrariums: Miniature Indoor Gardens

Our Terrarium Kit allows you to design personalized miniature gardens. For Winter, customize your terrarium with holiday themes by adding tiny pinecones, decorative stones, or miniature figurines. These little green spaces can brighten up the darker days of winter.

4. Craft a Festive Herb-Infused Wreath

Combine your love for gardening and crafting by creating a Christmas wreath adorned with fresh or dried herb sprigs like rosemary, sage, or thyme.  Dried lavender also makes a beautiful addition to a wreath, and the sweet camphor scent blends well with spruce and cinnamon that are often included in wreaths. This not only adds a unique aesthetic but also infuses your home with delightful aromas.  Psst… herbs are best dried by hanging them upside down somewhere cool and dry.

5. Enjoy a Warm Cup of Herbed Mulled Cider

Warm beverages are perfect for cozy winter days. Try making a mulled cider infused with herbs such as mint, lemon balm, rosemary, or sage. Here’s a recipe adapted from The Realist Food Blog:

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Herbed Mulled Cider

Ingredients:

• ½ gallon apple cider

• 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 pinch ground cloves

• ½ lemon

• 10 sprigs fresh thyme

• 5 sprigs fresh rosemary

• Optional: 1-2 shots of your favorite spirit (e.g., bourbon, gin, or mezcal)

• Optional garnish: ¼ cup fresh cranberries, extra sprigs of rosemary, extra cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine apple cider, grated ginger, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, ground cloves, lemon halves, thyme, and rosemary.

2. Heat over medium-high until it begins to boil, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

3. Optional: Add cranberries 5 minutes before serving to warm them slightly.

4. Serve in mugs, optionally adding a shot of your preferred spirit.

5. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks if desired.

Recipe from The Realist Food Blog.

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6. Plan Your Spring Garden

Winter is the perfect time to plan for the upcoming gardening season. Use these months to research new plant varieties, design your garden layout, and make a list of seeds to order. This preparation ensures you’re ready to hit the ground running when spring arrives, and looking at photos of flowers, veggies and herbs during the winter can actually provide a quick little serotonin boost, as your mind associates these things with beautiful weather and time spent outside.

By doing some of these activities, you can keep your passion for gardening alive throughout the winter, making the season both productive and enjoyable.