GreenThumb Digest | 28 December 2025
Your garden looks dormant, but beneath the surface life continues. Here's how to keep things quietly thriving as you close out the year.
By Tony O'Neill | Simplify Gardening
As we reach the final days of the year, I want to thank you for being part of the Simplify Gardening community. I hope your Christmas was peaceful and full of warmth. Let's close out 2025 by keeping your garden quietly thriving through winter.
Main Topic
Your garden may look dormant, but beneath the surface, life continues. Roots still breathe, soil organisms still work, and evergreens need a little care to carry them into spring.
This week's key tasks:
Pro Tip
Water on mild mornings rather than frosty evenings. Moist soil holds warmth better overnight, protecting roots from freezing.
Mini Q&A
Q: Should I feed my compost heap in winter?
A: Yes, but sparingly. Add kitchen scraps in small layers with plenty of carbon material like shredded paper or straw. This balances the mix and keeps microbes active through the cold.
Quick Tip of the Week
This Week's Tip
Lay an old mat or carpet offcut in front of your shed or greenhouse door. It stops icy patches from forming and saves you an early-morning fall.
Resource of the Week
Free Download
Get your compost ready for the new year with my free Slug Control Cheat Sheet. It explains natural, soil-friendly methods to reduce slug populations before spring planting begins.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year. May 2026 bring good health, great harvests, and even better soil.
You reap what you sow,
Tony O'Neill
Green Thumb Digest | Brought to You by Simplify Gardening
Next issue: New Year, New Seeds -- Let's Plan Your Best Garden Yet
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