Even when it’s cold and dark outside, try these ways to enjoy the light, warmth, and scent associated with gardening

1. Toss out any struggling houseplants.

Replace them with healthy, lush ones. Better yet, add another houseplant to your collection! Bonus points if it has flower or a nice scent.

2. Treat yourself to a pot of forced bulbs.

Take them out of the plastic pot and repot in a pretty ceramic or other planter pot. If they’re small, put several together in a large, shallow pot for an instant indoor spring garden.

3. Create an indoor herb garden on your window sill.

Or, as shown in the photo plant several small herbs in a large dish. (Our dish herb garden contains variegated thyme, basil, cilantro, and tarragon planted in a large white serving bowl.) Snip off bits of fresh herbs directly onto your plate!

 4. Create a bright centerpiece of primulas or mini-cyclamen in a basket or box.

Replant from their plastic pots and fill in with potting soil. Cover the soil, if desired, with stones purchased at a hobby or craft store or surrounded with green or sphagnum moss or other filler.

5. Take the time now to clean up and sharpen your tools.

It may actually convince you that spring is around the corner. If you are an overachiever, paint any wood handles red to help you find them easily on the ground or in a flower bed.

 6. Visit your local botanical center or even take a walk (on a milder day) at an aboretum.

If nothing else, go to a greenhouse and just walk around. Sometimes simply the smell of things growing is enough to lift your mood.

It’s amazing, too, what getting outside for  a walk can do and taking in some sunshine and fresh air.

 6. Set up a grow light.

It will allow you to start seeds indoors or nurture a variety of plants. The light and smell of something growing is wonderful!

7. Create a  terrarium.

Or shop around from one of the elegant mini-conservatories now available. It’s also fun to find a big jar or glass container and make a terrarium in a jar with the kids.

8. Force branches.

In February through March, Iowans can force branches into early bloom indoors for beautiful displays.

 9. Put a bright, springy screensaver onto your computer.

We have a few on our web site guaranteed to bring some cheer! 🙂

 10. Get organized with a garden journal.

Click here for the pages for our print-your-own The Iowa Gardener garden journal–lots of to do lists for each month and more!

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