Who said you can’t enjoy your greens all year round?
We know that winters, especially those times without snow, make everything look grey and dull, but there’s a way to liven things up–by creating indoor winter gardens.
Here’s how to make your home look nicer and a little bit more magical, especially during winters so your place always feels amazing no matter what the season is.
What is a Winter Garden
They are essentially snug indoor hangouts, just like a greenhouse or sunroom, and are perfect for keeping plants happy during winter. They usually sit in spots with big windows or glass walls to soak up as much natural light as possible.
Winter gardens are great for plants that like it cooler and can handle less sunlight. Popular picks for them are tough succulents, lush ferns, and colourful evergreens.
Succulents are preferable because they don’t need much water, so they’re pretty easy to look after. Ferns bring a nice pop of green with their soft leaves, while evergreens add bright colours even when it’s quite cold.
What Are The Benefits of Keeping One
Adding a winter garden to your home isn’t just about making it look nice–it’s got loads of perks!
For starters, plants are natural air cleaners–they suck up carbon dioxide and pump out oxygen, which freshens up the air inside. This is quite handy in winter when you don’t open windows as often.
Plus, some plants can even zap things like benzene and formaldehyde, making your home safer and healthier.
Having greens around can also make you feel psychologically better. They are not only nice to look at, but they also help you relax, lower stress, and can even make you more productive by boosting your mood.
And, this does not only apply to you–your kids and other family members can also focus better and feel happier with some plants around.
A winter garden gives you a mini nature escape all year long. Even if it’s snowing outside, your indoor garden stays green and lively, letting you enjoy gardening no matter the weather.
How To Choose the Best Location
First off, light’s a big factor, so pick places with big south-facing windows—they get the most sun all day. If not possible, make sure to avoid north-facing windows, as they don’t get much light.
Keeping the temperature steady matters a lot, too. Plants like it when things don’t change much or suddenly, so pick places away from drafts but close to heat—just not too close, or they’ll get too hot.
Good spots might be a bright corner in your living room, a sunny kitchen window, or even a conservatory. Put plants on stands or hang them up to get more light and air. Find the right place, and your winter garden can really take off, making the chilly months way more fun.
Select the Right Plants
As we said, it’s best to go for easy-to-care-for and tough plants, so you don’t have to fuss too much over them.
Peace lilies and pothos are great for darker spots since they don’t need much light. Snake plants are super easygoing and don’t need much water, making them awesome indoor buddies.
Want some colour? Try African violets—they’re pretty and simple to look after. Spider plants clean the air and are cool with different light levels.
For a bit of fragrance and even cooking help, add herbs like rosemary and thyme. With these easy plants, you can set up a sweet indoor garden without much hassle, and reap the benefits.
How to Set Up a Winter Garden
Setting up a winter garden isn’t too hard if you’ve got a clear idea of what you want, a good plan and the right items.
Start by picking strong pots, like terracotta or ceramic, because they drain well and won’t tip over easily. You’ll also need a decent potting mix—grab one with perlite or vermiculite so your plants stay nicely hydrated.
Once you’ve got everything, think about arranging your pots where they’ll get the most sun. You can even use growing lights in some cases if needed.
Use stands or shelves to lift smaller plants, making your setup look neat and organised.
For watering, a small can or spray bottle is enough. Also, keep a spade and pruning shears handy for quick fixes.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Setting up a good routine is most useful when you want to keep your plants happy.
For watering, a once-a-week schedule works for most indoor plants. But make sure the top inch of soil is dry first. You don’t want soggy roots—they’re bad news for plants, as that can make them sick or even die.
Pruning also plays a big role. Keep an eye out for any dead or yellow leaves, and snip them off with some clean scissors. This’ll help your plants grow strong and stop diseases from spreading.
Don’t forget to feed your plants, too. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser every 4 to 6 weeks. Just follow the package instructions to give your plants the right amount of nutrients without overdoing it.
Here’s a little checklist to keep in mind:
- Watering. Once a week, but check the soil first.
- Pruning. Snip off any dead or yellow leaves to maintain plant health.
- Fertilising. Ideally, every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced fertiliser.
When the days are really short, especially in the UK, think about using a grow light to give your plants some extra sunshine. Stick to these tips, and your winter garden will provide beauty and peace even when it’s freezing outside.
Conclusion
Who doesn’t love a little bit of green, especially during the colder months?
Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned vet, if winter gardens sound like a great idea, then you already know what to do. Use these tips, take good care of the plants, and your home will feel warmer, look and be more inviting as a result.
So, go ahead and start creating your own indoor green paradise today!
