Almost every gardener I know suffers from the winter blues in one way or another. For those of us in tune with nature, the rhythm and pace at this time of year feels stationary, compared to the rush of spring and summer. Once January beds in, the outdoors can feel bleak and unappealing.
But, through many years meeting other gardeners, I have learnt that there are ways to cope with the gardening blues, that might help with the winter blues too.
Get growing
As the days begin to lengthen, if you have a warm windowsill, ideally one that gets some sun, you can start sowing a few seeds.
Progress will initially be slow, but certain things, like chillies, peppers and aubergines need an early start to give them time to mature ahead of summer.
If you’ve got a bit of protected space outside, like a cold frame, you can also sow sweet peas and broad beans, ready to be planted out once the weather warms up.
Get excited about the small things
Whilst at first glance it can appear that nothing is happening this time of year, nature is still rumbling away quietly. Take time on a sunny day to observe some of the smaller changes.
Look for the day glow yellow hazel catkins that are about to burst open, then look closer for the tiny purple flowers on the stems that receive the pollen, and the sticky buds of chestnut trees which are now beginning to swell.
Reminders of summer
There is wisdom in the advice to get yourself out of the house when you are feeling blue, but sometimes when its cold, wet and windy it can be hard to will yourself out.
Some gardeners I know use opportunities like this to go back through their photos of summer, as a reminder that bare earth and trees will once again be green.
You can also hold on to summer for as long as possible, by drying some flowers. It is too late to do this year, but try to remember this summer.
Seek out the warmth
We are fortunate in London to have several tropical greenhouses where temperatures remain steamy all year.
Kew’s Palm House, the Barbican Conservatory and the tropical corridor at the Chelsea Physic garden all offer respite from the cold.
Find a community gardening group
Gardening alone comes with different benefits to gardening in a group. If the winter blues are making you feel lonely, look for a local gardening group.
Over 700 of our city’s parks and public gardens have friends groups who gather regularly to garden. Take a look at the London Friends of Greenspaces Network website to find your nearest: lfgn.org.uk
