Winter Garden Planning: What to Do Now for a Better Spring

When winter settles in, it might feel like your garden is on pause—but this is actually one of the most valuable times of year for gardeners. A little planning now can mean a healthier, more beautiful, and less stressful spring. At Ultimate Nursery, we encourage gardeners to use the winter months to plan ahead, dream big, and get organized.

1. Review Last Year’s Garden

Start by thinking back to last season. What thrived? What struggled? Which areas felt crowded or underwhelming? Winter is the perfect time to take notes while everything is fresh in your mind. Make a simple list of plants you loved and those you’d replace. This reflection will guide smarter plant choices when spring arrives.

2. Plan and Redesign Garden Beds

With no weeds to pull and no watering schedules to manage, winter is ideal for planning new or improved garden beds. Grab a notebook or graph paper and sketch out your space. Consider plant height, color combinations, bloom times, and sun exposure. Thoughtful planning now helps prevent overcrowding and ensures your garden looks great from early spring through fall.

3. Order Plants Early

Many of the most popular plants sell out quickly once the season starts. Ordering early gives you access to the best selection and reduces springtime stress. Winter is a great time to research new varieties, explore natives, or try something new. Planning ahead also allows you to budget your garden projects over time instead of rushing purchases later.

4. Prep Your Soil Strategy

Healthy gardens start with healthy soil. Winter is a good time to plan soil improvements—whether that’s compost, organic fertilizers, or soil amendments. Knowing what you’ll need ahead of time makes spring prep faster and more effective.

5. Use the Ultimate Nursery App

Our app is a great winter companion for gardeners. It’s the easiest way to stay inspired, track upcoming plants, access exclusive offers, and be the first to know when spring inventory arrives. Download the app here:
👉 https://apjl.app/ultimatenursery

Frequently Asked Questions

Is winter really a good time to plan my garden?
Yes! Planning during winter saves time, reduces impulse buying, and leads to better garden results in spring.

Should I order plants before winter is over?
Absolutely. Early ordering ensures better selection and availability of popular plants.

What’s the easiest way to plan a new garden layout?
Start with a simple sketch and focus on sun exposure, plant size, and bloom timing.

How can the Ultimate Nursery app help me plan?
The app keeps you connected with inspiration, early plant updates, and exclusive promotions—perfect for winter planning.