Winter is upon us and unfortunately, there isn’t much we can do about it so solutions to combat the cold while still keeping your thumb green are through containers. Winter doesn’t always need to be the end of the perfect gardening year and with the right products, you can continue to enjoy the beauty of plants even during the coldest months. Here are some tips to help you successfully garden in containers during the winter.

Why Is Container Gardening in Winter Better?

There are several advantages to container gardening during the winter and here are a few of my favourites.

They provide protection during harsh conditions, such as freezing temperatures, heavy snow and frost. By placing them in sheltered locations or even bringing them indoors during the winter, you are able to carry on as normal and not hinder your plants from the chance to grow and overcome the not-so-nice season.

Additionally, by bringing them away from the harsh weather, you are able to isolate plants from any potential pests and diseases that might be present in the ground and easily be attacked by other animals. Elevating them from the ground, you are able to control the fertility of the soil much better and reduce the risk of any infected plants.

Last but not least, it gives you the perfect head start for spring, so whether you are growing vegetables to become more sustainable to create the most delicious pre packed sandwiches, pasta and everyday dishes for you and the family to enjoy or simply you want your entire space to be full of flowers and colours, keeping a container garden is essential. 

Which Plants and Vegetables for Container Gardening?

I would prioritise the space within your containers for the plants you can tend to during the winter and these are my suggestions and why.

Vegetables

These vegetables lend themselves well to container cultivation, such as beetroot, broad beans, carrots, herbs, chills, peppers, onions, tomatoes, salad turnips, peas and rocket. This is just a short list of all the potential veggies you can have protected and thrive within containers.

Plants

Fuchsia, Cupressus Goldcrest, Lobelia, Hydrangea, Acer palmatum and so many more are perfect plants to grow in containers and each one has its own quirks that need to be cared for. For example, herbaceous perennials are a great choice but don’t provide a large amount of colour, and if properly cared for, they last years and acer platinum is happy to live in containers, but ensure that you are restricting the size as it will just continue to grow out of control.

Container Gardening Tips and Tricks

Decent Container Drainage

Always put a decent layer of ‘crocks’ in the bottom of your containers to aid drainage. This could be broken bits of old pots, stones from your garden or something you’ve purchased. If drainage is poor, it’s common you’ll find your roots waterlogged, which can stop the plant from growing, taking up nutrients and eventually leading to disease and a dead plant. If you are using raised containers, try using bricks or pots to help with drainage but also to deter any slugs from eating and destroying your plants after you’ve been working so hard to keep them alive during it.

Drainage is especially important during the winter months, as any stagnant water can freeze, damaging the roots and potentially your pot too.

Lasagne Planting

When planting bulbs, plant up in layers, which is where it gets its fun-loving name, ‘lasagne planting.’ Which layer a bulb belongs in depends on its planting depth so be sure to plan before you plant, read the instructions on the packet and don’t be afraid to plant more densely than suggested for a real hit of colour.

Planting a few autumn plants just before winter is essential. You could layer some ivy, ferns, and huchera, and they push their way through by being buried by the top layer.

Insulation

Wrap your containers in insulation covers and materials; this is a great option for those who can be transported indoors. These covers simply go over the top and protect your plants or vegetables from the harsh elements during the winter.

Mulching

Add a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to insulate the soil and avoid any damage from the cold weather, such as the winter front.

Indoor Retreat

As mentioned before, you can remove your containers completely from the outdoor life and transfer them into your conservatory, greenhouse or anywhere you have space for them indoors, which removes the need to buy anything else and keeps them at a neutral temperature.

Microclimates

Position your containers in sheltered areas, such as near a south-facing wall or under eaves, to protect them from any harsh wings and freezing rain that your plants will likely be subject to before winter fully approaches and just after it’s over.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to perfecting the art of container gardening, you need to consider what kind of plants or vegetables you want to use, which are compatible with container living, whether they will survive during the winter and whether you are committed to the upkeep.