As December settles in, the garden enters a period of winding down. But there’s still plenty to do to help your plants survive the coming winter and thrive come spring. Here are five top December gardening tips to keep your landscape healthy, vibrant, and ready for the cold season ahead.
1. Protect Perennials and Tender Plants
- Mulch Perennials: Apply a layer of mulch around perennials to insulate the roots against temperature swings. Straw, shredded leaves, or bark mulch work well.
- Cover Tender Plants: If you have tender perennials, consider covering them with burlap or plant blankets when frost is in the forecast.
- Dig Up Bulbs and Tubers: For plants like dahlias and canna lilies that aren’t frost-hardy, dig them up, dry them, and store them in a cool, dark place until spring.
2. Keep Watering Evergreens
Even though it’s cooler, evergreen trees and shrubs still need moisture, especially before the ground freezes. One of the top December gardening tips is to keep watering evergreens if there hasn’t been adequate rainfall, aiming for about one inch per week. This will help them withstand winter winds that can cause drying and needle loss.
3. Prepare Your Soil for Spring
The foundation of any healthy garden starts with the soil, and December is an excellent time for soil care:
- Add Organic Matter: Spread compost or well-rotted manure over garden beds. This will add nutrients and improve soil structure over winter as it breaks down.
- Test and Amend Soil: Conduct a soil test to check pH and nutrient levels. Lime can be added in the fall if you need to raise pH, as it has time to work through the soil before spring.
4. Plant Garlic and Spring Bulbs
For a beautiful burst of spring color and a tasty garlic harvest, plant bulbs before the ground freezes—one of the core steps in any list of Top December Gardening Tips for vegetable gardeners.
- Garlic: Plant garlic cloves in well-drained soil about 2 inches deep, root side down. They’ll establish roots over winter and be ready for a summer harvest.
- Spring Bulbs: Plant tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and other spring bulbs in clusters for a more natural look. Place them at the recommended depth, cover with soil, and add a layer of mulch to protect them.
5. Clean Up and Store Garden Equipment
After a season of heavy use, it’s essential to give your tools some care—a small but mighty task in the mix of Top December Gardening Tips.
- Clean and Sharpen Tools: Remove soil, sap, and rust from pruners, shovels, and other tools. Sharpen blades and apply a light oil coating to prevent rust over winter.
- Drain and Store Hoses: Drain garden hoses to prevent freezing, roll them up, and store them in a dry place.
- Winterize Your Mower: If you haven’t yet, winterize your lawn mower. Drain the gas, change the oil, and sharpen the blade. Store it in a covered location to protect it from the elements.
With these top December gardening tips, you can help your garden prepare for winter and set it up for a strong start in spring. Taking care of these tasks now ensures a healthy, thriving garden and landscape year-round.
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