Rainy Day Projects: 7 Garden Tasks You Can Do Indoors

It was one of those soft, drizzly mornings where the whole world felt wrapped in a blanket of mist. I had my cup of chamomile tea in hand, standing by the window, watching the garden drink in the rain. The soil looked rich and dark, the petals glistened, and the leaves danced with every drop that fell.

Normally, I’d be out there, hands in the dirt, talking to my marigolds like old friends. But that day, the garden whispered, “Stay inside. Rest. But don’t stop loving me.” And that’s when it hit me—rainy days don’t mean gardening stops. It just moves indoors.

Over the years, I’ve actually come to treasure these cozy garden days inside. They’re quieter, slower, and often just what I need to reconnect with the heart of gardening—not the chores, but the care, the dreams, the little joys.

Whether you’ve got a small city apartment or a house full of windows, I want to share some of my favorite rainy day garden tasks you can enjoy from the warmth of your home. We’ll clean a little, plan a little, and maybe even plant something new.

Let’s make the most of the rain together.

1. Sort Your Seeds and Start Dreaming

I used to keep my seed packets in a worn-out shoebox. One rainy afternoon, I spilled it all across the floor—what a mess! But that mess turned into a magical moment. I spent hours sorting, remembering, dreaming.

Try This:

Lay out all your seeds on a clean surface.
Sort by type (flowers, herbs, veggies) or planting season.
Check expiration dates.
Make a list of what’s missing or what you’d love to grow next.

I always end up ordering more seeds than I need. But hey, future me always thanks present me.

Tip: Create a seed binder using plastic photo sleeves. It’s tidy, and flipping through it feels oddly satisfying on a gray day.

2. Clean and Sharpen Your Garden Tools

Nothing says “I love you” to your tools like a good clean. And trust me, your pruners will thank you come spring.

What You’ll Need:

Warm water and dish soap
A stiff brush or old toothbrush
A rag
A bit of oil (vegetable oil works fine)

Quick Steps:

Soak tools briefly.
Scrub off dirt and rust.
Dry thoroughly.
Rub with oil to prevent rusting.

I once skipped this for a whole season and ended up with sticky, squeaky tools that made pruning feel like a wrestling match. Never again.

3. Propagate Your Favorite Houseplants

One rainy Saturday, I snipped a piece off my pothos vine just to see what would happen. A few weeks later, roots like little fairy threads had formed. Pure joy.

Easy Plants to Propagate:

Pothos
Spider plants
Snake plants
Succulents

Simple How-To:

Snip a healthy stem just below a node.
Place it in water or moist soil.
Keep near a window but out of direct sun.

Watching roots grow is like watching slow, green magic.

4. Make DIY Plant Markers

This one’s a cozy afternoon craft I often do with my niece. We laugh, paint, and label everything from “Tomato” to “Lavender Queen Supreme.”

Ideas to Try:

Wooden spoons with painted names
Pebbles with plant names in permanent marker
Old corks on skewers

No need to be a great artist—quirky is charming in the garden.

Tip: Seal with clear spray if they’ll go outside later.

5. Organize Your Gardening Notebook or Start One

I call mine “The Garden Book of Secrets.” It holds planting notes, doodles of flower beds, pressed leaves, and even gardening poems.

What You Can Record:

Planting dates
Blooming times
Weather patterns
What worked (and what didn’t)

There’s something deeply satisfying about tracking your green journey over time. Even the fails become treasured footnotes.

6. Start Microgreens on Your Windowsill

Rain outside, greens inside. That’s how I first fell in love with microgreens—tiny but mighty.

All You Need:

A shallow container
Potting mix or damp paper towels
Microgreen seeds (radish, broccoli, mustard, etc.)
Light from a window

Simple Steps:

Scatter seeds over moist surface.
Gently press them in.
Cover with plastic wrap until they sprout.
Keep soil damp and enjoy within 7–10 days.

The burst of green on a gray day? It’s a little miracle.

7. Plan Next Season’s Garden with a Cup of Tea

This might be my favorite. On a rainy evening, wrapped in a soft throw blanket, with a notebook in hand and soft music playing—I sketch garden beds, dream up new paths, and imagine wildflower borders.