Winter Prep Made Simple: A Guide for Nurseries and Garden Centres

As temperatures start to dip and the days grow shorter, nursery and garden centre owners know that winter is just around the corner. And while the season may bring a lull in customer traffic, it’s the perfect time to gear up and get things in order for the next growing season.

Whether you’re an experienced garden centre owner or running a nursery that’s just starting, winter preparation isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving. So, let's talk about the key steps you need to take to make sure your plants, infrastructure, and staff are ready to handle whatever winter throws at you.

1. Evaluate Your Inventory

First things first—take a good, hard look at your inventory. Before the cold really settles in, determine what plants need extra attention and which will be fine with minimal protection. Hardy perennials can often handle frost without a hitch, but tender annuals, tropicals, and certain shrubs will need more care.

Pro Tip: This is also the perfect time to identify dead stock. Not everything will make it to spring, and that’s okay! Discount what you can, and remove what’s too far gone. You'll save precious space for winter storage and avoid unnecessary care for doomed plants.

And don't forget to order early for spring! You don’t want to be caught off guard when the first customers come in asking for their favourite blooms. Inventory management now will save you from that post-holiday scramble.

2. Protect Your Plants

Now that you’ve sorted your inventory, it’s time to shield the plants that need it. Depending on your zone, you might be battling frost, snow, or just biting cold winds. Whatever the case, protection is key. 

• Mulching: For plants staying outside, a thick layer of mulch can provide insulation. 
• Frost Blankets or Cloth: These lightweight coverings are great for protecting delicate plants from cold snaps. Make sure they’re secure, especially in windy areas.
• Greenhouses and Hoop Houses: If you’ve got them, use them. Portable hoop houses or permanent greenhouses are a lifesaver for more tender plants. Just make sure your heating system is up to par!

And don’t forget to water! It’s counterintuitive, but plants can suffer from winter drought. Well-watered plants are better equipped to handle cold conditions, so keep that in mind during those dry, chilly weeks.

 3. Assess Your Structures

Nurseries and garden centres are more than just plants—they're buildings, greenhouses, storage areas, and irrigation systems. Winter can be brutal on structures, so take the time to give everything a once-over.

Irrigation Systems: Drain and shut down any irrigation systems to prevent freezing. Frozen pipes can burst, and that’s an expensive fix you want to avoid.

Greenhouse Maintenance: Check for any cracks or leaks that could let in cold air. Ensure heaters and fans are functioning properly and service any equipment that looks like it’s on its last leg.

Walkways and Customer Areas: Even if foot traffic slows, you don’t want icy or hazardous walkways if customers do visit. Stock up on salt, sand, or eco-friendly de-icing solutions to keep paths clear. Whether you’re in a region where snow is guaranteed or just face the occasional storm, having a plan for snow and ice removal is a must. 

4. Review Your Heating and Lighting

For those with greenhouses or indoor garden centres, heating is important. Cold snaps can quickly kill your precious inventory, and a malfunctioning heater could affect you. Test your heating system well before the temperature starts to drop. It’s better to find out you need a repair now rather than mid-winter. Also, monitor nighttime temperatures inside your greenhouse. Set up a backup system or alert if your main heater fails. 

Lighting is often overlooked, but plants need sufficient light even when it's grey outside. Ensure your lighting system is working properly and providing enough hours of light to support plant growth.

5. Prep Your Staff

Your team is just as important as your infrastructure, and just like your plants, they need to be prepared for the colder months ahead. 

Training: Make sure everyone knows the drill for winter, how to care for plants in colder temps, what to do during a cold snap, and how to manage snow and ice removal.

Safety Measures: Winter brings hazards like slippery surfaces, cold-related illnesses, and frostbite. Train your staff to dress appropriately and handle winter-specific tasks like using heaters or de-icing pathways safely.

Furthermore, considering that winter is typically quieter, it’s also a good time to reallocate tasks and use the slower pace to train staff for spring.

 6. Marketing and Promotions

Winter might be considered the “off-season,” but that doesn't mean you can't still engage with your customers. There’s plenty you can do to stay top-of-mind during these quieter months. Take advantage of holiday promotions. Christmas trees, wreaths, and indoor plants like poinsettias can bring in winter business. Make sure to get creative with your marketing campaigns. Additionally, as you plan for spring stock, offer your customers the chance to pre-order certain plants. This helps secure early sales and gives your customers something to look forward to.

7. Plan for Spring

Winter might not be here yet, but this is the perfect time to plan for spring. Spring inventory orders should be made early to avoid delays or shortages when the thaw comes.  Fertilisers, seeds, pots—you name it, get it on the list. Evaluate past seasons' performance and see where you can improve. Maybe you sold out of a certain variety early last year, or perhaps there’s a new trend you want to tap into.

 8. Keep an Eye on the Weather

It might seem obvious, but winter weather can be unpredictable. Stay updated with reliable weather forecasts and be ready to act. Whether it’s a sudden cold snap, heavy snowfall, or a thaw that comes earlier than expected, being on top of the weather will help you react faster and protect your stock and your business.

Winter may not be the busiest season for garden centres and nurseries, but it’s one of the most important for preparing your business for success. From evaluating your inventory to keeping your infrastructure in top shape, these months provide a chance to fine-tune every aspect of your operations.

So, as the cold weather settles in, don’t look at it as downtime. See it as a time to refine, regroup, and ready yourself for another booming season come spring. Your business will be all the stronger for it.

Remember: the better prepared you are in winter, the easier the spring season will be.