Winter Gardening Jobs: What to Plant, Grow and Tidy in the Cold Months

While the flamboyant summer displays are over, the festive season brings its own charm to the garden with colourful berries, beautiful bark, and hardy winter flowers. There may be less to do outdoors, but a few smart seasonal jobs will keep your garden thriving and ready for spring.

From protecting plants from frost to feeding the birds, here’s your complete guide to winter garden maintenance, planting ideas, and care tips.

Garden Maintenance and Cleaning in Winter

Cold weather calls for care and preparation. Keep your garden looking tidy and healthy with these essential winter jobs:

Protect tender plants: As frost arrives, cover delicate plants with garden fleece or move pots into sheltered spots such as greenhouses or porches.
Lift and store tender tubers: After the first frost, lift dahlia, canna, and begonia tubers and store them in a cool, dry, frost-free place. In milder regions, you can leave them in the ground with a thick mulch for protection.
Tidy borders: Cut back faded perennials and remove dead leaves, but leave some sturdy stems and seed heads for winter interest and to feed wildlife.
Mulch borders: Add compost or bark mulch around shrubs and perennials to insulate roots, suppress weeds, and improve soil for spring growth.
Clean paths and patios: Wet weather and fallen leaves can make surfaces slippery. Sweep regularly or use a pressure washer for a deep clean to prevent moss and algae build up.
Tool care: Winter is the perfect time to clean, sharpen, and lightly oil your garden tools so they’re ready for next year.

What to Plant in Winter: Flowers, Bulbs, and Shrubs

Even in the chill of winter, there’s still plenty of planting you can do to brighten the garden and prepare for the seasons ahead.

Flowers and Bedding

Continue planting hardy winter bedding plants such as:

Pansies
Violas
Cyclamen
Polyanthus
Primroses

These resilient favourites bring cheerful colour even on the darkest days.

Bulbs

If you didn’t finish in autumn, November offers your last real chance to plant spring-flowering bulbs. Pop in daffodils, tulips, crocuses, bluebells and snowdrops for a burst of early colour. Ideally, plant most bulbs in autumn (September–November) while the soil is still workable to ensure strong spring blooms.

Containers

For a striking display, plant up winter containers with combinations such as mini cyclamen and winter-flowering heathers, underplanted with bulbs like daffodils or crocuses. Add evergreen foliage or trailing ivy for extra texture and colour.

Shrubs

Winter is a wonderful time to appreciate shrubs like:

Holly
Mahonia
Pernettya
Heathers
Skimmia rubella

These plants add structure, colour, and scent through the coldest months.

Pruning and Shaping in Winter

Winter pruning keeps your garden neat and encourages healthy growth next year.

Trim deciduous hedges such as beech, hornbeam and hawthorn to maintain shape.
Avoid pruning evergreens during winter. Wait until spring when the risk of frost has passed.
Cut back faded perennials but keep some seed heads for wildlife.

Feeding and Caring for Your Garden in Winter

Mulch and protect: Spread mulch around the base of shrubs and perennials to lock in warmth and moisture.
Look after birds and wildlife: Refill bird feeders, provide fresh water, and consider adding a birdhouse.
Care for houseplants: Central heating can dry out the air. Place your indoor plants on trays of pebbles and water for extra humidity.
Keep an eye on ponds: Remove fallen leaves and ensure there’s a small gap in any ice to let wildlife breathe.

Garden Cleaning and End-of-Season Prep

A little end-of-season effort goes a long way:

Sweep and clean patios, paths, and decking.
Store tender plants in a frost-free place.
Wash pots, tools, and containers before putting them away.

Check sheds and greenhouses for leaks and organise tools for spring.

Enjoy the Beauty of Winter Gardening

Winter may seem quiet, but it’s a magical time to enjoy frosty mornings, birdsong, and the promise of new growth. Whether you’re lifting dahlias, feeding robins, or planting up bright pots, there’s still plenty to love outdoors.

Bring life to your garden this winter with Woodie’s. Explore our latest winter offers on plants, seeds, and compost to keep your outdoor space looking its best all season long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still plant bulbs in winter?
Yes. Between September - November is your last chance to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and snowdrops.

Should I prune in winter?
Only deciduous hedges and faded perennials. Avoid trimming evergreens until spring.

Do I need to protect my plants?
Yes, cover tender plants with fleece or bring pots under shelter when frost is forecast.

What can I do for wildlife in winter?
Feed birds, leave some seed heads for food, and provide water that doesn’t freeze over.

How should I care for tools and equipment?
Clean, dry and lightly oil metal parts before storing to prevent rust.

With over three years of experience at Woodie’s, you can count on Trevor for expert advice on seasonal planting, garden care, and sustainable growing. Passionate about helping gardeners of all levels blossom, you can expect practical tips and specialist plant knowledge in every guide he writes.