Frosty Days, Green Thumbs: Indoor Gardening Inspiration for Winter

Winter may bring frosty air and shorter days, but it doesn’t have to put a stop to your green thumb! Indoor gardening projects can bring color, flavor, and fun to your home all season long. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just looking for a cozy family project, there’s plenty to enjoy with houseplants, herbs, and creative indoor gardening ideas. 

Here are some of our favorite indoor gardening projects to keep you and your plants thriving this winter! 

Keep Your Green Thumb Happy with Houseplants 

When it’s chilly outside, houseplants are a perfect way to bring nature indoors. Not only do they brighten up your space by adding life, but many also help purify the air. 

• Types of Plants that Thrive Indoors: Many houseplants thrive indoors with minimal care, making them perfect for winter. Hardy plants like snake plants, ZZ plants, and Pothos can handle low light and lower humidity levels, which are common in winter. If you’re looking for something safe for your furry friends, try cat-safe house plants like spider plants or Boston ferns!  
  
  
• Indoor Lighting Needs: Winter days are shorter, so you might notice your plants getting less sunlight. While some, like snake plants, do well in low-light conditions, others like fiddle leaf figs need bright, indirect light. Consider using a grow light or moving your plants closer to a window to make sure they’re getting what they need. Learn more about lighting for houseplants here. 
  
  
• Winter Watering: In winter, your plants don’t need as much water—about 25% less compared to their summer needs. Be careful not to overwater, as plants tend to go into a dormancy phase and excess moisture can lead to root rot. Need more tips on winter plant care? Check out our guide to common houseplant issues in winter.

• Propagation and Pruning: Winter may not seem like the best time for propagation or pruning, but it can be a great opportunity to refresh your plants before the growing season. Some houseplants, like succulents, can easily be propagated through cuttings, giving you new plants to gift or add to your collection. 
  
  

Grow Fresh Flavors Indoors with an Edible Garden 

There’s something magical about having fresh herbs at your fingertips during winter! An indoor herb garden lets you enjoy the flavors of summer all year long. 

• Indoor Herb Garden: Basil, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs thrive indoors during winter. They’re easy to grow and perfect for a sunny kitchen windowsill, or even a countertop with a grow light if you have the space. A small indoor herb garden can provide fresh ingredients for your favorite recipes and adds a pop of greenery to your space. Learn more about growing herbs indoors. 
  
  
• Microgreens Garden: If you’re looking for a quick-growing, nutritious project, try a microgreens garden. Microgreens sprout fast and can be grown in small containers on your kitchen counter. You’ll have fresh, crunchy greens in as little as two weeks! 
  
  
• Regrowing from Kitchen Scraps: Reduce waste and enjoy the satisfaction of regrowing vegetables from kitchen scraps! Veggies like scallions, lettuce, and celery can be regrown from cuttings. It’s a fun and easy way to keep fresh produce in the house – and more money in your pocket. 
  
  

Creative Indoor Gardening Projects to Brighten Your Winter 

Gardening indoors doesn’t have to be all about practicality. Let your creativity shine with these imaginative projects that bring the beauty of nature into your home. Here are some fun, crafty ideas to keep you and your family engaged through the winter months. 

Fairy Garden  

Turn an ordinary planter into a magical world with a fairy garden! These miniature landscapes are perfect for small spaces and can be designed using moss, pebbles, tiny figurines, and small plants like succulents or mosses. To start your fairy garden, gather a shallow container, potting soil, and a mix of decorative elements such as miniature bridges, tiny fairy houses, and faux water features. Arrange your items to create a whimsical scene, adding fairy figurines to complete the look. This is a great family-friendly project where kids can join in by painting small rocks or crafting miniature accessories to personalize the garden. 

What You’ll Need: 

• Shallow container or terrarium 
  
  
• Potting soil 
  
  
• Moss and small plants (succulents or ferns) 
  
  
• Miniature accessories (figurines, bridges, tiny furniture) 
  
  

How-To Tip: Place small succulents or ferns in your fairy garden for a low-maintenance, indoor-friendly option. Water sparingly, as too much moisture can harm these delicate plants. 

Wall Garden  

Bring your walls to life with a vertical garden! This is a wonderful way to add greenery to your home while saving space. To get started, choose a wall-mounted planter or create your own using old picture frames or wooden pallets. Then, add a layer of coconut coir or moss as a growing medium, and plant climbing plants like Pothos or Monstera Adonsonii (mini monstera), or small, low-maintenance herbs like thyme or mint. Vertical gardens also work well for succulents, which don’t need much soil depth. Not only does this add a lush, green look to your home, but it also creates a modern, welcoming display. 

What You’ll Need: 

• Wall-mounted planters or DIY frames 
  
  
• Coconut coir, moss, or potting mix 
  
  
• Climbing plants (like Pothos), succulents (like hens and chicks) or herbs ( like thyme)
  
  

How-To Tip: If using herbs, hang your vertical garden in the kitchen to keep fresh flavors within arm’s reach for cooking. Check out more ideas for creating your own indoor garden. 

Terrariums  

Terrariums are a classic indoor gardening project that doubles as a natural art piece. These small, enclosed environments require minimal care and can be made in various containers, from glass jars to vases. Start by layering the bottom of your container with pebbles or small rocks to create drainage. Add a layer of activated charcoal to prevent odors, followed by a layer of potting soil. Select small plants like miniature ferns, mosses, or air plants, and arrange them in your terrarium. Finish with decorative stones, figurines, or other accents for a personal touch. 

What You’ll Need: 

• Glass container (jar, vase, or aquarium) 
  
  
• Pebbles or small rocks 
  
  
• Activated charcoal 
  
  
• Potting soil 
  
  
• Small plants (moss, ferns, succulents) 
  
  

How-To Tip: Closed terrariums (with lids) need very little watering, while open terrariums may require occasional misting. Keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid overheating. Follow our guide to building and maintaining terrariums. 

Bird Feeders and Seasonal Décor  

Winter is the perfect time to bring some outdoor charm inside with natural bird feeders and festive seasonal décor. Creating your own bird feeder is simple: roll a pinecone in peanut butter, then coat it with birdseed. Hang it outside near a window to enjoy watching local birds come to feast! For an indoor project, create a winter wreath using plant cuttings like eucalyptus, holly, or pine branches. Add a touch of color with dried berries and fruit or cinnamon sticks, and hang your wreath on doors or walls for a cozy, nature-inspired decoration. 

What You’ll Need: 

• Pinecones, peanut butter, birdseed for bird feeders 
  
  
• Plant cuttings (eucalyptus, pine, holly) for wreaths 
  
  
• Dried berries, dried fruit, cinnamon sticks, ribbons for decoration 
  
  

How-To Tip: Incorporate dried flowers or herbs into your wreath for added fragrance. These wreaths can also be used as a natural way to freshen up your home. 

Garden All Year Long with Knollwood Garden Center 

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean your gardening has to stop! Knollwood Garden Center has everything you need to keep your green thumb busy year-round. From houseplants to herbs, terrariums to garden décor, we're here to help you thrive indoors through winter. Visit us in-store or online, and let’s keep the gardening fun going! 

Check out our wide selection of indoor plants and supplies, and don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google for more indoor gardening inspiration. 

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