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Winter Gardening Tips: Terrariums, Cold Frames, and Seasonal Planting Advice

January, 10, 2025-11:27

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Winter Gardening Tips: Terrariums, Cold Frames, and Seasonal Planting Advice

CARING FOR INDOOR TERRARIUMS

Several years ago, I received a terrarium kit for Christmas – perfect for gardeners who spend much of the winter indoors.
After neglecting it for quite a while, I think it's time for a revitalization. For ideas, I referenced Ben Newell's book, Hello Tiny World, which explains that terrariums allow you to craft a miniature, self-sustaining ecosystem.
You can choose any transparent glass vessel, from a fishbowl to an old wine demijohn or spirit bottle.
Decide whether to allow for some air circulation with a partial opening or opt for a completely sealed environment.
The goal is to establish a humid microclimate with its own water cycle.
Select an appropriate substrate composed of various materials like clay, compost, and coir, then gently place your plants using long-handled tools, and add elements like cork bark and sphagnum moss.
Water lightly and only when necessary, as there is no excess drainage.
Good plant choices include peperomias and pileas, along with smaller ferns like Nephrolepis. Regularly check on your terrarium, removing any decaying matter as needed.
You can use any transparent glass vessel, from a fishbowl to an old wine demijohn or spirit bottle.
SHOP FOR DISCOUNT BULBS
Now is the time to purchase bulbs at garden centers as they aim to clear out their end-of-season inventory.
You still have the opportunity to plant them in the ground or pot them for a vibrant spring display.
Varieties that might be costly early in the year are now available at a discount.
I’ve put in mini golden Narcissus Tete-a-Tete, along with alliums, and Angelique and Black Parrot tulips, all at just £2 per bag.

BUILD A DIY COLD FRAME
Creating a DIY cold frame is an excellent substitute for a greenhouse.
Simply fasten timber pieces together into a box and place it directly onto the soil, ideally sloped for rainwater runoff.
You can use an old window or stretch clear plastic sheeting over a frame, securing it with recycled hinges for easy access and ventilation.
This is ideal for protecting tender plants during the winter months.
Plant of the Week

Clematis Cirrhosa

The award-winning, vigorous evergreen Clematis cirrhosa 'Freckles' showcases large, white, bell-shaped flowers from November through February.Peering inside, you’ll find they are richly speckled with a lovely reddish-pink hue, which gives the plant its charming name.This clematis thrives beautifully in garden borders, preferring sun or partial shade and fertile, moist, yet well-drained soil.It also grows well on supports in patio containers.When fully mature, it can reach heights of up to 3.5m and widths of 1.5m.

I’ve received a bare root rose for Christmas. What should I do until I’m ready to plant it?

Mr. J. Davy, Worcester.
The key is to keep the roots from drying out, so until you've decided on a permanent location, you should 'heel its in.'
Find a spare patch in a flower bed or use a large container, dig a trench in the soil, and lay your rose at a 45-degree angle.
Loosely cover the roots with soil or compost, water if it’s very dry, and leave it there until you’re ready to plant it in the