Winter Gardening Tips: Growing Through the Colder Months

As the nights grow longer and winter deepens, our gardens naturally begin to slow. Many plants retreat into the earth, bringing their growth cycle to a close for another year. While winter may not always seem the most appealing time to be outdoors, it can actually be one of the most rewarding.

With limited daylight hours, it's important to soak up as much fresh air and vitamin D as possible. Tending to your garden is a great way to connect with the season, embracing its quiet beauty rather than wishing it away. There's something deeply satisfying about coming indoors after time spent outside, lighting a candle or the wood burner, and enjoying a warm cup of tea.

For helpful seasonal advice, we turn to Isla Middleton’s Growing Through the Seasons Calendar. The valuable tips and guidance, written by Bryony Middleton, highlight what can still be sown and harvested during the colder months.

For example, November is an excellent time to sow broad beans and garlic. You may also find yourself harvesting hearty crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, and swedes.

One of the special tips featured in the 2026 edition reads:

“Divide rhubarb crowns every four years in November to ensure a regular supply of delicious stems. They may take a season or two to get back to full productivity.”

There are plenty more tips, reminders, and seasonal insights packed into this beautifully illustrated calendar, a helpful companion for growing vegetables all year round.