Should you be feeling an urge to get out into the garden, this is not the time for big projects or muddy heroics. Instead, think of these days as a chance for gentle pottering and quiet preparation
That calm stretch between Christmas and New Year has a very particular feel to it. The pace slows, the diary is more likely to be (blissfully) empty, and there’s a sense that time has temporarily loosened its grip. If you find yourself peering out of the window with a cup of tea and another mince pie, wondering whether there’s something you could do in the garden – but nothing too strenuous – you’re not alone!
Here are some small, satisfying garden jobs that might just suit the mood perfectly.
A tidy, not a clear-out
Resist the urge to be ruthless. Winter gardens are valuable wildlife havens, so now is the time for light tidying rather than a full clean.
- Pick up fallen branches after storms
- Clear leaves from paths to stop them getting slippery
- Gently tidy containers near doors and walkways
Leave seed heads, long grasses, and undisturbed corners – they’re doing important work sheltering insects and birds.
Check on pots and containers
Containers can suffer quietly over winter, so a quick check-in is worthwhile.
- Make sure drainage holes aren’t blocked
- Lift pots onto feet or bricks if they’re sitting in water
- Brush off excessive moss or algae (very satisfying)
If frost is forecast, move vulnerable pots closer to walls or into a sheltered corner. It’s a small effort that can save favourite plants.
Winter pruning (only the gentle kind)
This isn’t the moment for dramatic pruning, but a little careful work is fine.
You can:
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches
- Tidy roses if the weather is mild
- Prune apple and pear trees if they’re established
You shouldn’t:
- Prune stone fruits (plum, cherry, peach)
- Hack back everything in sight just because you’ve got a new pair of secateurs
If in doubt, stop, have a mince pie, and leave it for February.
Care for the lawn (without touching the mower)
No mowing required – thank goodness.
Instead:
- Brush off heavy leaf cover
- Avoid walking on frozen or waterlogged grass
- Use a fork to gently spike compacted areas if the ground allows
Even just keeping feet off during frost helps more than you might think.
Feed the birds (and enjoy the show)
This is one of the most rewarding winter “jobs” of all.
- Top up feeders regularly (we’re open if you need to top up on food at the garden centre)
- Clean feeders with hot water
- Scatter food at ground level for robins and blackbirds
Then step back inside and enjoy the view. A winter garden with birds flitting about feels alive, even on the greyest days.
Plan, dream, and make notes
These quiet days are perfect for garden dreaming.
- Look back at photos from last summer
- Make notes on what worked – and what really didn’t
- Sketch rough ideas for next year’s beds or borders
Seed catalogues, garden books, or even a notes app will do. No pressure to decide anything – just let ideas flow!
Clean and care for tools
It’s not glamorous, but it’s deeply calming.
- Clean soil off tools
- Sharpen secateurs and shears
- Oil wooden handles and metal joints
Future-you, standing in the first warm days of spring, will be very grateful.
Create a little shelter
If you’ve got the energy for one final job, consider wildlife.
- Stack logs in a quiet corner
- Leave a pile of leaves under a hedge
- Turn an old pot into a bug shelter
These small gestures make a real difference during cold spells.
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