The "Slower and Softer" Secret: Gardening in Winter Inspired by Pamela Anderson

Last fall, Pamela Anderson, our favorite Baywatch-actress-turned-gardener, shared her “Rules of the Garden” on Instagram. To me, it felt less like advice and more like a personal invitation to slow down, pay attention, and do the work that matters, even when nobody is watching. And, as it turns out, winter is exactly when these rules really come into play.

While January and February may look quiet, they’re actually some of the most important months of the year for gardeners.

To make sure all these winter tasks are truly worth your time, I checked in with Charlie Nardozzi, a gardening expert who runs Gardeningwithcharlie.com and is the author of The Continuous Vegetable Garden. He gave me some clarity on what actually matters at this time of year and what can wait for a bit.

Winter Is the Season for Planning (and Preparation)

According to Nardozzi, winter is less about digging and more about thinking ahead. He told me, “January and February are good times of year to assess and plan for next year's garden. It's a good time to review what seeds you'll need for the coming spring, clean and replace any seed starting equipment, get your tools sharpened, [and] make plans for new gardens or expanding existing ones.”

In a refreshingly holistic take, which Pamela herself would most likely approve of, winter prep should also include taking care of your body. Nardozzi notes, “It's a good time to start an exercise or yoga program so when you start gardening in a few months you'll be less likely to hurt yourself.”

Dormant Pruning: What to Do Now—and What to Leave Alone

Pruning at all times of year can feel slightly intimidating, especially in winter. However, if you do it correctly, you’ll set your plants up for healthier growth in the future.

Nardozzi says, “Winter is a good time to start pruning deciduous shrubs and trees.” He adds, “Fruiting trees, such as apples, plums and peaches, can be pruned now to remove any dead, diseased or broken branches, remove crowded or rubbing branches and open up the center of the tree for better airflow, light penetration and harvesting.”

He notes that not everything should be pruned right now, though, telling me, “Don't prune deciduous trees with strong sap flow in winter, such as maples and birch. Wait until the sap isn't flowing as strong to prune (late spring). Also, don't prune evergreens until you see some new growth.”

Shrubs require even more careful timing. Nardozzi warns, “Don't prune any shrubs that will be flowering in spring, such as lilac, forsythia, weigela, ninebark, Bigleaf hydrangea and rhododendron. You'll prune off flower buds if you prune in winter or spring.”

In contrast, he says, shrubs that bloom later should be pruned now, in winter. He advises, “For shrubs that flower in late summer to autumn, prune now. Cut back Rose of Sharon, crape myrtle, butterfly bush, clethra, panicle hydrangea and smooth leaf hydrangea now to stimulate new growth in spring which will lead to more flowering.”

You'll need several different pruning shears for these jobs. Colwelt sells a set of 3 (available on Amazon) with 2 bigger shears for trimming thick branches and a small pair of hand shears for light stems.

Mulching for Winter Protection

Mulch is the quiet hero of winter. Nardozzi says, “If you live where snow comes and goes in winter, it's good to have a thick layer of mulch on your garden beds.”

For perennials, he advises gardeners to “Have a 4- to 6-inch thick layer of wood chips,” which helps prevent frost heaving. For annual beds, he says, “Have a 3- to 4-inch thick layer of hay, straw, chopped leaves, or grass clippings on the bed to protect the soil from the cold and erosion.”

For a good mulch made from wood chips, Timberline sells this (Cedar Mulch Blend available at Lowe's.)

Indoor Gardening Keeps the Momentum Going

When it’s frigidly cold outside, bringing plants indoors can help keep that connection alive.

Nardozzi has a few recommendations for this:

• Start sprouting seeds to make sprouts to eat
• Start growing microgreens in a window or under grow lights to have a supply of fresh greens in winter
• Buy some perennial herb starts, such as oregano, parsley, chives and thyme, to grow in a sunny window or under grow lights. You can harvest some in late spring and then move them outdoors for summer.
• Become a houseplant fanatic! Consider purchasing some houseplants that will be suited to your home's light, air temperature and space.
• Propagate some of your existing houseplants by taking stem cuttings and rooting them or by air layering larger plants such as a rubber tree and dracena.

Winter Care Sets Up an Organic, Healthier Garden

From the standpoint of organic gardening, winter planning sets the foundation. Nardozzi explains, “By making a plan in winter, you can grow your vegetables and flowers in spring so they are healthier by planting the right plant in the right place.”

He also recommends proactive pest prevention, telling me, “Think of ways to prevent pest problems by growing resistant varieties, using row covers and micro mesh covers… and constructing fences to prevent animal damage.”

The payoff? “All this will reduce your need to spray and keep your garden plants healthy and you sane,” he concludes.

This Tierra Garden Micromesh Pest and Wind Barrier (available on Amazon) comes in a pack of 2, and not only protects your plants from pests but also provides shade and helps the garden retain moisture.

Pamela Anderson’s gardening rules show that winter gardening is about patience and not the instant gratification that we tend to look for in summer. A little thoughtful, steady care pays off beautifully when spring finally arrives.