Central ND News

As winter extends its stay in North Dakota, gardeners are looking for ways to keep their passion alive during the colder months. With Groundhog Day predicting six more weeks of winter, horticulture enthusiasts might be wondering how to maintain their green thumb.

Kelsey Deckert, a horticulture agent with NDSU Extension - Burleigh County, offers several strategies for gardeners facing the long winter ahead. One recommendation is to explore local community activities or events. "If you have a local greenhouse or floral shop, they may be hosting different workshops throughout the winter," Deckert suggests. For those unable to find such events, she advises contacting an NDSU Extension county agent for information on upcoming events or to propose new workshop ideas.

Deckert also encourages gardeners to use this time for reflection and planning by evaluating last year's garden and preparing for the next one. She points out that many have received seed catalogs and can research different varieties now. The North Dakota Home Garden Variety Trials Results from 2024 is a valuable resource available at ndsu.ag/homegardentrials.

Indoor gardening presents another opportunity to stay engaged with gardening during winter. "Different forms of indoor gardening include houseplants, terrariums, fairy gardens and herb gardens," Deckert notes, adding that having plants indoors can provide therapeutic benefits that help combat seasonal blues.

Starting a garden journal is another activity recommended by Deckert. Such a journal could contain ideas, garden layouts, seeds tried or planned for future planting, inspirational quotes, monthly tasks lists, photos, seed starting tips and more. The act of journaling itself can also offer mental health benefits.

Winter is also an ideal time for maintaining garden tools. Deckert stresses the importance of taking care of these investments by cleaning, sharpening and oiling metal parts. An inventory check in the garden shed can help organize items left unattended in the fall.

DIY projects offer endless possibilities online for those looking to keep busy with hands-on activities related to gardening. Ideas include raised beds, wind chimes, bird feeders, garden markers and more.

Finally, composting is highlighted as a beneficial practice during winter months: "If you are looking at ways to level up your garden and focus on soil health," Deckert says composting could be just what you need after doing some research on suitable methods.