It's simple to think there's nothing left to do when the garden slows down and the temperature lowers. In actuality, however, winter gardening calls for patience, forethought, and planning. Throughout the winter, gardeners of different skill levels contact Yorkshire Seeds, frequently advise which they require.
To ensure that your plants not only withstand the cold but also flourish in the spring, we have compiled this comprehensive FAQ-style guide, which highlights the most frequent winter gardening errors and explains how to avoid them.
Why are my overwintering crops wilting or yellowing?
Likely Mistake: Overwatering
Why It Happens: In winter, cooler temps slow down plant growth and evaporation. Water lingers in the soil, leading to rot or fungal issues.
Fix:
Water less frequently—only when the top 2–3 inches of soil is dry.
Use well-draining soil and raised beds or pots with proper drainage.
Avoid watering before a frost; wet roots are more vulnerable to freezing.
🧪 Tip: Stick your finger into the soil before watering—it should feel slightly dry to the touch.
Should I mulch in winter, or wait until spring?
Likely Mistake: Not mulching at all
Why It’s Important: Bare soil in winter can become compacted and erode from rain or snow. Without mulch, roots can also be damaged by temperature fluctuations.
Fix:
Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (like leaf mold, straw, or compost) around perennials and overwintering crops.
Mulch acts as a blanket, moderating soil temperature and locking in moisture.
It also suppresses weeds and feeds the soil slowly over winter.
🌱 Bonus: Consider sowing green manures in autumn to act as a living mulch and soil conditioner.
Can I start seeds indoors in winter?
Likely Mistake: Starting seeds without the right conditions
Why It’s Tricky: Low light and cold temperatures can result in leggy, weak seedlings.
Fix:
Use a sunny windowsill or grow lights to provide 12–14 hours of light per day.
Maintain indoor temperatures of 15–21°C (59–70°F).
Use heated propagators or seed trays with lids to encourage germination.
Ideal seeds to start indoors now: chili, aubergine, sweet peas, and herbs like parsley or basil.
💡 Check seed packets—many include sowing months and whether indoor sowing is suitable.
How do I protect my plants from frost?
Likely Mistake: Leaving crops and containers exposed
Why It’s Risky: Sudden drops in temperature can kill off tender plants overnight.
Fix:
Cover crops with fleece or cloches, especially leafy greens and young seedlings.
Move containers closer to the house or inside a cold frame or greenhouse.
Wrap pots with bubble wrap or sackcloth to insulate roots.
🏡 Top tip: Lift containers off the ground slightly with bricks or pot feet to prevent freezing from below.
Can I prune trees and shrubs in winter?
Likely Mistake: Pruning at the wrong time
Why It Matters: Some plants bleed sap or respond poorly if cut while dormant.
Fix:
Winter is ideal for pruning apple, pear, and other deciduous fruit trees, when they’re dormant.
Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs (like forsythia) or tender plants—they should be pruned after blooming.
Use clean, sharp tools and make clean cuts to avoid introducing disease.
✂️ Only prune on dry days to reduce risk of rot or fungus.
Do I need to fertilise my garden in winter?
Likely Mistake: Overfeeding when plants are dormant
Why It’s Harmful: Plants don’t need much nutrition when not actively growing; excess nutrients can damage roots or leach into soil.
Fix:
Hold off on heavy fertilisers until early spring.
Use a light layer of compost or mulch to feed the soil slowly.
For indoor plants, cut feeding to once every 6–8 weeks or stop altogether.
🌾 Plan to boost feeding again when growth resumes in February/March.
BONUS TIPS for Winter Gardening Success:
Ventilate greenhouses periodically to prevent mold and rot.
Keep a gardening journal of weather patterns, sowing dates, and plant responses.
Grow cold-hardy veg like kale, spinach, field beans, garlic, and overwintering onions.
Check your seed storage—discard old, damp, or expired packets.
Final Thoughts: Winter Gardening Is a Quiet Investment
Gardening in winter isn’t just about maintenance—it’s about setting the stage for a productive and healthy growing season. By avoiding these common pitfalls and staying proactive, your garden will be stronger, your soil richer, and your spring more colourful.