Winter Gardening for Beginners

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By Bethany Beebe Bing Crosby’s color of choice for the great outdoors in December may be white, but believe it or not, even if the landscape stays brown, green can be seen in Northern Indiana. Winter is an important season for the garden. According to Purdue Extension, the snow we may hate to shovel offers needed moisture and protection for the plants resting beneath it in our gardens. In fact, one study found that when the air temperature was -14 degrees F, under nine inches of snow, the temperature was 28 degrees.

Just because the season may be beneficial does not mean that those ranging from the beginning to experienced gardener do not desire the glorious green goodness of the garden. Lucky for us, with some planning and care, these results are achievable. Indoor herb gardens, houseplants, and greenhouses can make your grow a go!

Indoor herb garden

Just about any meal can benefit from fresh herbs. Those vibrant flavors come from oils produced by the plant. Rosie Lerner, for Purdue Extension, writes that the more direct sunlight the plant receives, the greater its production of those oils. Extension also offers that plants may reach great heights in the garden but will stay smaller indoors as the pot limits them. One can either use cuttings from the garden or start these tastemakers from seed. Options you might consider from seed include dill, basil, cilantro, anise, parsley, and thyme. Many grocery or big-box stores also sell herb plants in the produce section.

Houseplants

While not edible, many folks “eat up” the chance to see some green in the form of houseplants. Direct light and humidity are often favored growing conditions as houseplants are frequently tropical. Extension writes, “keep in mind that sound cultural methods, preventive care, knowing your plant’s requirements, and careful attention are the best substitutes for a green thumb.” For more detailed information, check out Extension Publication HO-39-W at the URL listed in the sources.

Greenhouse basics

Greenhouses can let the best of the outdoors thrive — all without taking up any space in your own living area. Options range from simple do-ityourself cold frames that primarily start seedlings to full-scale heated structures that can grow summer bounty year-round. If you select the greenhouse option, some careful planning is in order. Among other things, the placement should be considered; a southern exposure offers the best lighting. The size of the structure, building materials, means to heat and ventilate, and availability of water are also important. Materials that will allow light to enter — ranging from glass to polyethylene film — have price and length-of-life considerations. Gardeners can also choose to build these structures from scratch or purchase a kit. Greenhouses need not be only for work, though. With a little interior decorating after construction, a greenhouse can also become a comfortable sunroom for relaxation.

Whether a single pot of herbs or a new backyard structure, growing can keep going, even when the thermometer dips. You can enjoy outcomes — both culinary and aesthetic–and leave your friends and family green with envy at the job you have done. a Sources:

(1) Snow Is Good for Gardens. Purdue Extension. https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/snow-is-good-for-gardens-2/ (2) Grow a Windowsill of Flavor This Winter. Purdue Extension. https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/ yardandgarden/grow-a-windowsill-of-flavor-this-winter/ (3) Purdue Publication HO-39-W. https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/wp-content/ uploads/sites/2/2016/10/HO-39.pdf (4) The Beginner’s Guide to Greenhouses. Purdue Extension. https://www.bing.com/videos/ search?q=greenhouse+tips+for+beginners&view=detail&mid=B95191A4032E3BFE8C4FB95191A4032E3BFE8C4F&FORM=VIRE

(5) How to Build a Greenhouse. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?&q=greenhouse+tips+for+beginners&view=detail&mid=5E8A3EA7828B576D9CC75E8A3EA7828B576D9CC7&form=VDRVRV&ajaxhist=0