We just got our first house and are moving in this November! Our new place has a nice garden that faces northwest. Since we're new to gardening, I'm wondering if there's anything we can plant now, or should we just wait until the weather gets better? Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
9 Answers
Consider planting cyclamen or hellebores for some winter flowers. They can add a bit of beauty during the colder months, and it'll be exciting to see what else pops up in spring!
If you can, it's a good idea to wait a year to see what grows naturally and how sunlight hits different areas of your garden. Getting a feel for the space can help you make better choices. If you really want to plant something, maybe try some big pots for now!
Waiting to see what blooms throughout the year is key! Take photos frequently to track changes in light and foliage. For now, consider potting some compost and spring bulbs for seasonal interest! In my shady area, I mix ferns and winter-flowering hellebores along with other seasonal plants like snowdrops and bluebells—so nice to have color changing all year long!
You can definitely plant some tulips for a burst of color in late spring! They're always a nice addition and brighten things up.
Seriously, don't rush into planting! Just wait until you see what comes up in spring. It's more rewarding to see what your garden naturally offers before making changes.
November to March is perfect for buying bare root plants, like shrubs and trees. They're usually dormant and planting them now can set you up nicely for privacy and wildlife benefits later. Just check the soil and have some good compost ready!
I have a northwest-facing garden, and honestly, hellebores are the only thing that thrive for me. It can be tricky, but summer bedding plants look great until the end of July!
There are some amazing deals on bulbs right now! For example, you can get 500 bulbs for £10 at Suttons. It's a great time to plant them if you want a colorful spring without breaking the bank!
One great tip is to mulch the garden beds! It's super easy to compact the soil during winter by trying to do too much in bad weather. Mulching helps cover the soil, reduces weed growth, and improves soil quality. Horse manure or fine chip bark mulch work well—just make sure to keep it about 4 inches thick to keep those pesky weeds at bay!
Exactly! You won't know what's already in the garden or the microclimates until you've watched how things change through the seasons. Pots are a great way to start without committing to the soil just yet.