The Winter Garden Waiting Game: Patience as Practice
There’s a special kind of patience required in the winter garden. After the rush and reward of summer, winter’s slow pace can feel like a test—not just of gardening skills, but of spirit.
I’ll be honest: waiting for a harvest in winter seems to take forever. Sometimes it feels like I plant, water, and tend, only to get…not much in return. The beds look unchanged. The leaves barely move. Some days, I wonder if all this effort is even worth it. It’s easy to get frustrated with winter growing.
But even now, I have a ritual that anchors me: coffee in hand, stepping outside each morning, no matter the season. In spring and summer, I might linger, but in winter, my garden time is brief—just enough to check on the plants, breathe the cold air, and feel that moment of connection. I’m not out there for hours; I simply show up, coffee warming my hands, eyes scanning for any sign of change.
Winter is a time for planning, too. Growth is slow, so to keep my gardening spirit alive, I shift gears. In the evenings, I journal about what worked and what didn’t, sketch out next year’s beds, and map my succession planting. Planning and dreaming keep my momentum going when the garden itself seems to stand still. It’s my way of keeping my eye on the prize.
I’ve learned that patience in the winter garden isn’t passive—it’s active trust. Even when I can’t see visible change, I know roots are developing and the soil is resting. My ritual and my planning remind me that slow progress is still progress, and that showing up for my garden (even for a few minutes with coffee in hand) is an act of hope.
Embracing the Frustration and Finding Small Joys
It’s normal to wish for faster results. Some days, I get frustrated—especially when I compare winter to the abundance of summer. But I’ve learned to look for tiny victories: a seedling that survived a cold snap, a new leaf on the kale, the way frost makes the garden sparkle in the early light. These moments remind me that growth is happening, even if it’s slow.
Waiting Matters
Winter teaches me to trust the process. Growth is happening—even if I can’t see it. Roots are developing, soil is resting, and seeds are biding their time. I’ve learned that patience is an essential part of the gardening journey. Sometimes, the best thing I can do is let go of control and allow nature to move at its own pace.
The Gift of Ritual and Reflection
If you sometimes feel frustrated by the waiting game of winter gardening, you’re not alone. It’s normal to wish for faster results. But this season is an invitation: to slow down, to plan, to trust that your efforts matter—even when the harvest feels far away.
So I invite you to join me in this winter waiting game. Make your own ritual—maybe it’s coffee in the garden, maybe it’s journaling in the evening, maybe it’s just pausing to notice the beauty in your beds. Patience is the real harvest of winter, and we grow right alongside our gardens.
How do you practice patience in your garden? What winter rituals keep you connected to your growing space? Share your story below or join me for a coaching session to set your intentions for the next season.
