Volunteers say they want to make Nottingham a greener and healthier place.

As temperatures drop and colour starts to fade, many people assume the growing season is over – yet according to community group GrowNotts, autumn is one of the most important times of the year to get your garden ready for the months ahead. 

“There’s plenty you can still do before the first frost sets in,” says volunteer Andy Callow.

“But what you do now before winter makes all the difference next spring.” 

GrowNotts creates and maintains urban green spaces through community drives and professional landscaping.

Their final event of the year, Wild About Sneinton, is not just about cleaning up the local area – it is engaging the public in gardening and environmental action before the months turn colder.

Although many of the plants on Sneinton Road Lawn will wither into mulch during the colder months, this is perfect for creating proper nutrients for your flowers to grow next year.

Andy adds: “Plants are spending their time developing their root structure, so that when they shoot up again they’re more vigorous. If you wait to plant in the spring, they’re splitting their energy between roots and foliage, and they may not bloom.” 

While some crops are finished for the year, others are just getting started. As the community are clearing dead leaves and digging up allotment spaces, Andy explains that greens such as kale and spinach can all be planted in late autumn. 

“Garlic is a classic winter crop,” Andy says.

“You plant it before Christmas, forget about it for a few months, and by summer you’ve got beautiful bulbs ready to harvest.” 

For the aesthetics of your garden, Andy suggests snowdrops, fritillaries and crocus. 

“A little preparation now saves you a lot of work later”

Andy Callow, GrowNotts Volunteer

GrowNotts also recommend covering soil with mulch or leaf litter to protect it over winter. This helps worms and microorganisms keep working under the surface, building healthier soil for next year’s plants. 

“It’s like tucking your garden in for the winter. A little preparation now saves you a lot of work later.” Andy says.

It’s not just plants that need looking after: local wildlife will face a tough few months as temperatures drop.

Andy Callow runs his own independent gardening business, Sherwood Wildlife Gardens, and has been a volunteer with GrowNotts for two years.

Camille McCawley, a Nottinghamshire wildlife conservationist, says small changes can make a big difference for birds, insects, and hedgehogs. 

She says: “Winter is about creating shelter and food sources. Even if you only have a balcony or a windowsill, you can still do your bit.” 

Leaving seed heads on flowers provides natural food for birds, while piles of logs and leaves offer shelter for hedgehogs and insects. The conservationist also recommends avoiding the urge to “tidy up” too much. 

Camille adds: “A messy garden is a healthy garden in winter. Those dead stems and leaves are home to lots of useful creatures. By leaving them alone, you’re helping your local ecosystem survive the cold.” 

The Wild About Sneinton event reflects that same message of working with nature and with each other. Volunteers from across Nottingham came to lend a hand, swap stories, and learn new skills.

Andy says: “Winter’s when you learn patience. You can’t rush nature – but you can look after it, and it’ll reward you in time.” 

For GrowNotts, that sense of connection is just as important as the gardening itself. 

“it’s about finding joy in growing, wherever you can.”

Camille McCawley, Wildlife Conservationist

“We want people to feel part of something,” Camille adds. “Not everyone has a garden, but everyone can grow something. Herbs on a windowsill, a few bulbs in a pot, salad leaves on a balcony… it’s about finding joy in growing, wherever you can.” 

GrowNotts run community events throughout the year, offering free advice and opportunities to get involved. Their aim is to make gardening more accessible, especially in urban areas where green space can be limited. 

Volunteers digging up the dirt on Sneinton Road Lawn in preparation for planting.

While winter gardening is quieter than summer, it’s far from idle. Compost bins need turning, bird feeders need filling, and there’s still satisfaction in tending to the soil, even when it’s cold outside. 

If you’ve been meaning to get involved in local growing projects, this is a good time to start, as most community gardens welcome volunteers year-round. 

For Nottingham’s gardeners, winter is less about endings and more about preparation. Whether you’re planting garlic, making space for wildlife, or just letting nature take its course, small actions can have lasting results. 

To find out how you can create a greener space for yourself and the city, keep up to date with GrowNotts.

GrowNotts’ message is simple: keep growing, even when it’s cold. 

“The garden doesn’t stop,” Andy says. “It just slows down. There’s still life out there, you’ve just got to look a little closer.” 

  • Crocuses are a popular sight during winter and can be planted in containers or in small groups in garden borders. For the full wild effect, they are best planted in drifts under trees in October.
  • Hellebores flower all the way through winter, from late November onwards, and their colours range from pure white to dark purple.
  • Perennials should be planted in well-drained soil to get established strong roots before the freeze of winter. Planting in February or March is key.