DECEMBER
December Gardening Tips & Monthly Plant Care Guide
December in the garden brings a slower rhythm and a chance to enjoy the quiet beauty of winter landscapes. The growing season may be over but there are still meaningful tasks to help prepare your yard for spring. December gardening focuses on protecting plants from deep freeze, caring for evergreens, refreshing mulch where needed, checking holiday lighting and winter decor, and planning next year’s garden dreams. With a bit of thoughtful winter care and attention to seasonal details, you can keep your landscape healthy and your spirits bright through the winter months.
Lawn Care in December
December in the lawn is simple but important. Now is the time to ensure fallen leaves, limbs, and other debris are picked up to prevent suffocation of the turf during winter. Safely store any lawn chemicals in a cool (not freezing), dry location.
Landscape & Winter Care
- Water plants if there has been no rain or snow for 2 weeks. This is critical for root survival, especially in newly-planted landscapes
- Water poinsettias regularly while in bloom and place near a sunny window, away from any heat vents.
- Protect outdoor statuary by adding a protective coating to prevent weathering and peeling
Vegetables and Fruits
Winter Protection - Cover strawberry beds with straw for winter protection. If temperatures remain warm, delay this until January
Seed & Crop Storage - Store unused seeds in a cool, dry location (we recommend a sealed container in the refrigerator). Check on any stored vegetables and remove any spoiled produce
Flower Bed Care in December
- Mulch roses by mounding soil 6-8 inches over the graft. Mulch perennial beds with 2-4 inches of straw, shredded leaves or lightweight mulch
- Cut tall hybrid tea roses back to 18-24 inches to prevent wind damage
- Continue planting spring bulbs until the ground freezes. Water any mulch any newly planted bulbs
- Empty decorative pots and containers and store inside to avoid any damage
Trees and Shrubs
Apply Wilt-Pruf to any broadleaf evergreens, dwarf Alberta spruce, and climbing rose canes. This will help protect moisture loss and winter burn.
Gently shake heavy snow from branches to prevent breakage and avoid piling shoveled snow onto any trees or shrubs.
Watch out for any rabbit damage to young tree trunks and shrub branches.
Be sure to mulch the tender roots of shrubs like azaleas and rhododendrons.
If you decide to use a living Christmas tree, keep it indoors for no longer than one week. Once done, gradually acclimate it to the outdoors and plant in a suitable location.
Pruning
• Prune branches of junipers, pines, hollies, and other plants to use as holiday decorations
• Prune damaged branches throughout the winter months.
Tools, Equipment & Winter Maintenance
Service Power Equipment - Service any power equipment (mowers, tillers, garden tractors) by checking or replacing spark plugs, clean or replace air filters, sharpen blades, clean tines, tighten any screws, replace worn or broken parts, and apply light oil inside the engine cylinder for protection.
Tool Care - Clean and oil hand tools before storing them for winter
Composting & Planning - Turn your compost piles to encourage winter breakdown
Enjoy the Season & Plan Ahead
December is a time to slow down, but also to prepare! Take time to protect your plants in the landscape, maintain tools and equipment, and dream up next year's garden.