How do you stay warm and motivated at the plot during winter?

[Nikki Arnold]

Even the most experienced gardeners can find the colder months a struggle (the GYO team certainly do), let alone a novice, so for our December issue we want to know what you do to stay warm and 'carry on' at the allotment despite the weather?*


*Please note your answers may be edited and printed in the December issue of GYO magazine

[Feral007]

I don't have an allotment - but that's never stopped me being cold. I have set's of warm clothes that I wear on the farm. And a warm hat to keep the hair out of my face. And I go out on sunny days and do as much as I can.
Amazing how much nicer the garden looks with your hands wrapped around a mug of coffee.

What we usually find it that getting moving is the hardest part. So if you have some warm clothes, and just get out there to have a look, it's amazing how you feel like staying out and doing things once you are there.

Edited to add: You need a sunny wind protected area.

[VirginVegGrower]

Clothe yourself in layers as it traps the air between and keeps you warmer. It also means that you can take layers off if it warms up, or as I do and end up stripping off to some degree, when doing Winter digging. But I do wear a hat/hood or something over my ears, as the wind always gets to those parts first! A thermos of a hot beverage is a must.

[veggiechicken]

Wear a long thermal vest that tucks in well at the waist, so that when you bend over to dig or weed, there are no draughty gaps. Warm socks and a funny hat too. Start with some stretching exercises to loosen up your muscles. Its all too easy in cold weather to get stuck straight in to some heavy work and end up pulling a muscle!

[alldigging]

Hat, gloves, scarf and waterproof coat.
Good boots are essential and wellies require extra socks.
A flask is probably a good idea if you don't have a lovely neighbour Sue who brews up for us sometimes.

I think the biggest thing though is to make the most of any sunny days we have (if we ever have any again!).

[VirginVegGrower]

Wear a long thermal vest that tucks in well at the waist, so that when you bend over to dig or weed, there are no draughty gaps. Warm socks and a funny hat too. Start with some stretching exercises to loosen up your muscles. Its all too easy in cold weather to get stuck straight in to some heavy work and end up pulling a muscle!

I have visions of you in yoga poses

[veggiechicken]

I have visions of you in yoga poses

Its been a long long time since I could wrap my legs around the back of my neck, VVG . Would save wearing a scarf though

[VirginVegGrower]

Its been a long long time since I could wrap my legs around the back of my neck, VVG . Would save wearing a scarf though

Maybe a new idea in winter warming threads

[veggiechicken]

Maybe a new idea in winter warming threads

As long as we don't have to put up photos

[Thelma Sanders]

I agree with VC about keeping your back warm, once I've warmed up and taken my coat off - I usually end up with one of my old woolie cardis tied around my waist to protect my lower back from the wind that fair whistles across our allotments

[Bren In Pots]

Like the others have said I wrap up in layers plus hat and gloves then I'm sorted unless its really windy then I give up and go indoors.

[Aberdeenplotter]

Hard physical work is the cure for all ails. A snell wee wind wee wind doesn't stop a sturdy scotsman. Like everything else in life, no point in going at it like a bull at a gate or when the weather says its time to put a stop to it. Little and often is the answer. A half hour here and a half hour there adds up and if just there for short spells, one doesn't get chilled in the process. Now,where's my hot toddy?

[hamesy]

I generally don't feel the cold, so I'll just wear a set of water proofs. If I get cold, I'll just put another tshirt on

[Alison]

Also, make sure you warm up before you start and don't just go straight into heavy digging with cold muscles, you'll only pull them. In the colder months I prefer short sharp stints, go to the plot, carry out the activity I went to do - usually harvesting, mending or tidying in winter and then go home to a warm bath. That way I can still feel my toes which have been wrapped in thermal socks in fur lined rigger boots. I'll always put a hat on and have thermal gloves for winter as well as upto 3 base layers and, if it's really cold, a pair of thick tights under my jeans.

[Newton]

Last winter was the end of my first full year on the allotment. I was able to spend my time doing projects which kept me warm. Replacing grass paths. Building raised beds. Cleaning the greenhouse.....and of course weeding and digging! But what kept me warmest was the thought of the wonderful summer that lay ahead.....