Winter plant fail confession: I thought bringing all my plants inside would be a great idea – I mean, who wouldn’t want to protect them from the cold? Well, some of my plants definitely didn’t share my enthusiasm.
They just weren’t happy in the indoor space and ended up worse off. If you’re planning on moving your whole garden inside this winter, you might want to think twice!
Some plants actually thrive in the cold, and keeping them indoors could do more harm than good. Keep reading to find out which plants belong outside and why!
1. Winter’s Chill Is Just What Lavender Craves
Some plants, like lavender, thrive in cold temperatures and need the winter chill to remain healthy.
Bringing them indoors during the colder months can lead to weak, woody growth. To keep your lavender thriving, plant it in well-drained soil and give it full sun – let the outdoors do the rest!
2. Garlic Loves A Frosty Breeze
Garlic is another plant that doesn’t mind the cold at all. In fact, the cold helps it develop a stronger flavor!
Plant garlic in the fall, and let it stay outside through the winter. It’s best grown in well-drained soil and doesn’t need much care, except a little patience until spring.
3. Cold Is The Secret To Perfect Kale
If you’re growing kale, it’s best to leave it outdoors during colder months. Cold weather actually improves its flavor, making it sweeter!
Plant your kale in a sunny spot with rich soil, and let the winter help it thrive.
4. Hydrangea Doesn’t Want To Be A Houseplant
If you love hydrangeas, you’ll want to leave them outside for the winter.
These flowering beauties need the cold to set their buds for the next season. Plant them in a spot with good drainage and let the winter weather do its thing for stunning blooms.
5. Frost Doesn’t Scare Broccoli
Broccoli is one of those plants that actually prefers colder weather. Bringing it indoors can disrupt its growth, making it leggy or stunted.
Plant your broccoli in the fall for a winter harvest and enjoy fresh greens with minimal effort.
6. Winter Is A Vitamin C Boost For Spinach
Spinach grows best in cool weather, so keeping it inside during chilli months could prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s best to plant spinach in early fall, letting it grow in cooler conditions for an abundant harvest.
7. Pansies Do Best With A Little Frost
These plants are hardy annuals that actually look better after a light frost!
Instead of bringing them indoors, let them face the winter chill to promote stronger, more colorful blooms. Plant pansies in a sunny, well-drained location and enjoy them through the colder months.
8. Cold Air Makes Peas Grow Stronger
Peas can be sensitive to warmth, so keeping them inside during the winter will stunt their growth.
They do best when planted outdoors in cool temperatures, as the cold weather helps them grow strong. Just make sure to plant them early enough to catch the last frost!
9. Carrots Thrive In The Snow
Carrots are another vegetable that flourishes in the winter months. The cold weather enhances their sweetness and flavor.
Leave them in the ground, covered with mulch, and they’ll continue growing through the winter, ready for harvesting in the spring.
10. Cold Winds Make Chard Even Better
Chard is a tough plant that actually prefers cooler temperatures. If you bring it inside during the winter, you might end up with soft, floppy leaves.
Plant it in a sunny, well-drained area, and let the cool weather help it grow robust and tasty.
11. Cabbage Wants To Wear A Winter Coat
Cabbage needs the cold to develop tightly packed heads, making it a perfect candidate for your winter garden.
Keeping it indoors can hinder its growth, so plant it outside in a sunny spot, and let winter’s chill help it flourish.
Now that you know which plants prefer to stay outside, your garden can continue to flourish through the colder months. Nature knows best!