What Can You Plant During The Winter Months?

There is nothing as good as the feeling of getting out into the garden during the spring and finally planting the first few flowers of the season.  We can look forward to the summer when we will see the fruits – and the flowers – of our labours.

But what is there to do while the winter months plod on?  Is this a time of year when we just have to wait for better weather?

Not at all – in fact you might be surprised to learn how much you can do when the days are short and the weather is cold.  And you will have even more to do if you own a DIY conservatory.  Young plants can be potted out and tended to on the windowsills, where they can drink in whatever sun we are treated to.  As such you can line them up and cultivate them ready to add to your garden in the spring.

Annuals are usually a good bet for a winter garden.  Try winter pansies for example – these can liven up otherwise empty hanging baskets that are waiting for the next summer’s occupants.  Hang them by the windows of your conservatory to get the best view.

Some winter plants need to be planted at the beginning of the winter season, while others will do much better at the end.  Calendula is a good example – this can take pride of place in any winter garden, but not if you plant it at the start of the season.  Wait until later on to get the best results.

Your local garden centre or nursery will be full of advice when the time comes to go out and buy some winter plants.  Ask for advice on buying the right plants for your garden and also for your self-build conservatory.  All self-build conservatories vary in their conditions depending on which direction they face in and what time of year it is.  What does well out there during the summer might not like it at all come winter.

Location is also important.  Some plants could thrive in one spot in one garden, and die off completely in another.  You might find a particular plant doesn’t like the area of your garden you want to put it in, and yet if you move it you will find it thriving just days later.  The Christmas rose is a case in point.  This plant loves a shady position that won’t expose it to too many harsh weather conditions.

If you buy this plant make sure you position it near to your DIY conservatory.  This will provide a wonderful view of the flowers that spring to life around Christmas time.  What better view could there be as you sit down to Christmas dinner with the whole family?

Consider also the bright red leaves of the nandina domestica.  This is another good bet for beginners as it is quite easy to grow and keep.  Try and plant it out on a reasonably nice day though if you can.

All of these examples are just a small amount of what can be done and planted during the winter.  No garden has to look barren at this time of year, and similarly no conservatory has to look devoid of greenery either.  And as you can see, it is just as easy to enjoy your self-build conservatory and garden during the winter as it is during the summer.