Winter Gardening & Indoor Growing Guide

As the outdoor beds settle in for their long winter nap, it’s time to shift your gardening energy indoors.

In USDA Zone 7a, December invites us to pause, reflect, and prepare—not just for the cold, but for the quiet growth that continues behind the scenes. Whether you're tidying up tools or coaxing herbs to sprout on your windowsill, winter gardening is all about gentle intention and indoor joy.

Step 1: Clean and Store Your Tools (Yes, Even That One)

Before you dive into indoor planting, give your outdoor tools the TLC they deserve:

- Scrub off soil and sap with warm water and a stiff brush.

- Sharpen blades on pruners and shears—your future self will thank you.

- Oil metal parts to prevent rust during storage.

- Sort and label any broken tools you swore you'd fix last spring. Now’s the time!

This ritual not only protects your gear but also marks the seasonal shift—like tucking in your garden for a well-earned rest.

Step 2: Start Herbs on Sunny Windowsills

Bring a bit of green into your kitchen with easy-to-grow herbs that thrive indoors:

Herb: Basil Light Needs: Bright, direct light Bonus Tip: Pinch off flowers to keep leaves tender

Herb: Thyme Light Needs: Moderate to bright light Bonus Tip: Let soil dry slightly between waterings

Herb: Mint Light Needs: Indirect light Bonus Tip: Keep in a separate pot—it loves to spread.

These herbs aren’t just pretty—they’re practical. Toss fresh basil into pasta, steep mint for tea, or sprinkle thyme over roasted veggies. Your windowsill becomes a mini farm stand!

Step 3: Force Bulbs for a Holiday Bloom

Want a splash of color to brighten the season? Try forcing bulbs indoors:

- Paperwhites: Place in shallow containers with pebbles and water. Watch them shoot up in days!

- Amaryllis: Pot in soil and keep warm. Their dramatic blooms make stunning centerpieces.

These blooms are a gentle reminder that life continues—even when the garden sleeps.

Bonus Inspiration: Winter Container Gardening & Community Tips

For more ideas on growing through the colder months, check out Nemas Gardens’ blog on winter container gardening and community growing tips. From repurposed planters to shared growing spaces, it’s full of creative ways to stay connected to the soil—and each other.

Whether you're sipping tea beside your mint plant or admiring a blooming amaryllis, winter gardening is a quiet celebration of resilience and care. So go ahead—hibernate outside, cultivate inside, and let your green thumb thrive all season long.