Gardening in Winter? Yes, and It’s Easier Than You Think
It’s Wet. It’s Cold. And Gardening is the Last Thing on Your Mind...
We get it. Winter in the Cape doesn’t exactly inspire a rush to the garden. When skies are grey and the ground is damp, it’s easy to believe it’s the wrong time to plant or do anything outdoors.
But here’s the truth: winter is one of the very best times to plant in the Western Cape.
The soil is soft, the rains do the watering for you, and your plants get months to establish roots before the dry season returns.
5 Simple Things You Can Do This Winter (Without Breaking a Sweat)
- Clear away weeds and spent summer plants. This opens up space and stops unwanted growth from taking hold.
- Spread compost over your beds—just a generous layer to feed your soil.
- Add mulch to protect roots and keep weeds down.
- Check your drainage. If water is pooling, add some gravel or gently reshape the area.
- Add in a few winter-friendly plants—they’ll thank you in summer.
Small actions that make a big difference.
What to Plant Now (And Why It’s a Great Idea)
- Aloes – These bold beauties flower in winter and bring colour and structure to your garden while feeding the birds.
- Leucadendrons & other fynbos – Indigenous and waterwise. They love the wet and will thrive with little fuss.
- Fruit trees & roses – Winter planting = strong root systems and less watering later.
- Herbs like parsley, coriander & thyme – These love cool weather and will reward you with fresh flavour in the kitchen.
- Pansies for a pop of colour and a daily dose of cheer—those little ‘faces’ seem to smile right back at you. Their vibrant colours and intricate patterns are like nature’s artwork, quietly brightening even the greyest day.
Because it’s cool and wet, there’s less transplant shock, less watering, and better root development. The plants do the work while you enjoy a warm cuppa inside.
You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help
At Cape Garden Centre, we know that even the most passionate gardeners sometimes lose steam in winter. That’s why we’ve made it easy:
• Our compost and mulch are ready to go – browse them here
• Need to improve water drainage? Browse our drainage stones here
• Our team is happy to guide you on the best winter planting choices
• And we’ve built our online shop so you can order from the comfort of your cosy home and have your plants delivered directly to your door
Even one small effort this winter means a bigger, greener reward come spring.
So yes—it’s cold. But gardening in winter doesn’t have to be a chore.
With just a few simple steps, you can turn your garden into a haven ready to burst into life.
Read this Garden & Home guide about Winter tools & Tool care tips
We can also recommend browsing the digital magazines of Landscape SA for inspiration and tips