When the winter season arrives in Boston, it might feel like gardening activities are paused—but at The Greenway, we know this quiet time is actually one of the most important periods to prepare for a vibrant spring ahead. From protecting your soil to planning next season’s layout, winter is the perfect opportunity to set your garden up for success.

Here are a few winter gardening tips straight from The Greenway’s Horticulture team to help you make the most of the colder months and get excited for what’s to come.

Sow Seeds to Jumpstart Spring

Begin planting seeds in indoor pots to prepare them for the spring! Plants like perennials, annual flowers, and vegetables can begin growing indoors – just make sure they are placed near a window that gets good light. When spring comes around, seedlings will be ready to be transferred into the ground!

Protect Your Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of any successful garden. Before the ground freezes, add a layer of compost to slowly enrich your soil over winter, and then leave any leaf litter from the fall season on garden beds to protect the soil. These extra layers also add nutrients to the soil as the leaves break down, protecting and providing food for organisms below the surface.

Prune Strategically

Winter is a great time to begin pruning woody plants while they are dormant! Deciduous trees, fruit trees, and summer-flowering shrubs like roses and hydrangeas benefit from winter pruning. However, shrubs and other flowering plants should wait until spring, as winter pruning can remove future blooms.

Prep Your Tools and Gear

A little tool maintenance now will save time later. Clean and oil pruners, clippers, and trowels, sharpen blades for cleaner cuts, and replace worn gloves or broken pots. When spring arrives, you’ll be ready to get planting right away.

Support Pollinators and Wildlife

Winter gardens can still support local wildlife. Leave seed heads and ornamental grasses standing to provide food for feathered friends and early-season pollinators, offer fresh water using a heated birdbath or daily warm-water swaps, and create brush piles or sheltered areas for nesting. These small actions make a big difference for birds and insects during colder months.

Plan Your Spring Garden

Winter is the perfect time to dream and plan. Sketch out garden beds, decide what to plant where, and order seeds early—popular varieties sell out fast. Reviewing photos from last season can also help you see what worked well and what you might change this year.

Even when the landscape feels quiet, winter is a season full of possibilities. With a little preparation now, you’ll be ready to welcome spring with healthy soil, thriving plants, and a garden you’re excited to spend time in.

Looking for more seasonal tips? Visit The Greenway year-round to see how our horticulture team cares for the park in every season—and gather inspiration for your own green space.

Plus, download our one-sheet guide to winter gardening here!