Winter gardening is a fantastic way for seniors in assisted living to stay engaged during Summerville’s chilly months and beat the winter blues. Such seasonal senior activities can be enjoyed indoors and outdoors in the South, including root vegetable gardening with turnips and carrots, as well as leafy greens. Winter-blooming flowers are another option, like snapdragons, pansies, and Larkspur.
Harvard’s School of Public Health also reinforces the importance of gardening, noting its positive impacts on mental and physical wellness. The simple act of planting improves mindfulness and awareness, while fresh air boosts focus and cognitive health. Gardening with fellow seniors and joining community gardens is also vital for overall wellness.
Whether you’re part of an assisted living community in Summerville, SC, a caretaker, or a senior visiting family for the winter, there’s a winter gardening activity for you.
What Are the Best Winter Vegetables to Plant in Summerville, SC?
Did you know that some vegetables continue to thrive through winter? The key is to plant hardy veggies that can withstand Summerville’s winter chill. Add the following plants to your winter gardening list:
- Spinach
- Turnips
- Garlic
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Arugula
- Radishes
- Mustard
The above vegetables are the hardiest of the winter veggies. You can also add semi-hardy vegetables, but these can only withstand a light frost, so be sure to forecast Summerville’s winter months correctly.
Semi-hardy veggies include:
- Swiss Chard
- Carrots
- Celery
- Beets
- Cauliflower
- Peas
- Cabbage
While these plants may be hardy enough to withstand the cold, if you want them to still flourish in winter, you should cover your garden with frost blankets. Plastic tarp covers can actually trap too much cold air and heat.
These varieties would also do well in an enclosed patio area. It’s important to protect these plants from rain and melted frost, as too much water can damage them.
Consider joining community garden spaces in Summerville. You may find other gardeners who want to plant winter gardens, as well. These gardens may also have suitable coverings; plus, community gardens are great for social wellness!
What Are the Best Flowers to Plant During Winter?
Some flower varieties can also thrive in winter, particularly hardy annuals. These species should be planted in autumn or winter. The best hardy annuals to plant during winter in the South include:
- Pansies
- Larkspur
- Snapdragons
- Yarrow
- Poppies
- Sweet peas
Like winter vegetables, you should cover some winter flowers with a frost blanket. However, some varieties are more resilient than others.
For example, Larkspur and pansies are more resilient than snapdragons and can take some frost. Snapdragons will need a cover.
You can also keep biennial flowers in your garden throughout winter. These flowers are typically planted in the fall or the late summer months. They grow some foliage in the winter, but they really bloom in Spring.
Biennials to consider include:
- Coneflower
- Bluebonnets
- Bachelor Buttons
- Tickseed
- Firewheel
Some flower varieties need enough cold weather to flourish. It’s a process called vernalization. Flowers that fall into this category are tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, which fall into the corms and bulbs category.
Which Crop Covers Are Good for Winter Gardening?
Winter gardening can also keep your soil healthy and nutrient-rich when it’s not growing spring and summer varieties. This planting method is called crop cover. A good crop cover plant for Southern winters is winter rye.
Crop cover improves the following over winter:
- Fertilization (including after the plants die out)
- Soil integrity
- Weed pressure prevention
Oats may also be used as a crop cover in early winter, but expect this variety to die off during late winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Herbs Grow Well in Winter?
Keeping an indoor herb garden is an excellent senior activity, and it’s easier to take care of.
Herbs thrive in kitchen window sills, and they can be used in culinary creations. Some herbs also thrive in outdoor winter conditions in Summerville, SC.
In fact, many herb varieties prefer cooler conditions. Herbs, especially hardy varieties, have evolved waxy coatings, deeper root systems, and thicker exteriors, helping them withstand frosty Southern winters.
Herbs to consider include:
- Oregano
- Sage
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Dill
- Cilantro
- Parsley
These herbs are kitchen cooking staples.
You can grow lavender if you’re looking for a more fragrant, hardy herb for therapeutic horticulture. If you want to take up a new skill this coming winter, you can also learn how to make essential oils from these herbs’ extracts.
How Do You Create an Indoor Garden for Winter?
If you want to set up an indoor garden during winter, a simple herb garden is a great start, especially with the varieties listed above. Kitchens work well since they often have more natural sunlight than other areas of the home.
You can also place indoor garden planters in sunny areas of your living room. While winter is chilly, there are plenty of sunny winter days in Summerville. However, expect sudden changes in winter weather; that’s why sticking to hardy varieties is key, even indoors.
Avoid placing your indoor garden setup in dark, damp, or drafty areas of the home. You don’t want to put your planters near heaters, either.
Make sure your gardening pots have drainage holes. Use a nutrient-rich potting mix to help your garden thrive with proper watering methods. Some varieties may do well with a spray bottle, while others will need a watering can.
Remember, gardening takes time. Start with a small indoor garden and learn from trial and error. You may need to experiment with different placements and varieties.
Discover Gardening for Seniors in Winter
Make winter gardening a part of your active aging in Summerville. Start with a small garden or join a community garden with a senior social group. If you’re an assisted living resident, talk to your activities coordinator about gardening activities for winter.
The caring team at Terrabella Summerville encourages a world of senior activities, from arts and crafts to nature projects like gardening. We understand how important sensory activities like gardening are to cognitive health and emotional wellness. We offer an exclusive Celebrations program that provides seniors with the engagement they need to thrive in their golden years.
Book a tour of our charming community today!
