As the days get shorter and the winter chill starts to settle in, many gardeners are left wondering, “What can I do to keep my garden thriving in December?” If you’re like me, you might be thinking that December is the end of the gardening season, but in reality, it’s just the beginning of a new phase in your garden’s journey. December often signals the end of the growing season, but for gardeners, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year and start preparing for the season ahead. Whether you’re getting ready to plant in the spring or taking care of your garden during the winter months, there’s plenty to keep you busy in gardening in December.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to gardening in December. I’ll explore everything you need to know to keep your garden healthy during the colder months. From winterizing your plants to planning for spring, there’s a lot of important work to do this month.
Why Gardening in December Matters for Your Garden
The transition from fall to winter is the perfect time to reflect on your garden’s performance over the past year. Did certain plants thrive while others struggled? What gardening tasks in December can you complete now to make next spring even better? December is the time to assess and prepare.
You might feel like it’s too late to plant in December, but you’d be surprised! There are plenty of tasks that will set you up for success in the new year. From maintaining healthy soil to selecting the best plants for winter, December offers a chance to nurture your garden in ways you might not have expected.
1. Winter Gardening Preparation
Before we dive into the planting specifics, let’s take a moment to look at how we can prepare our gardens for winter. In December, the main goal is to protect the plants you’ve already put in the ground and prepare the soil for future growth.
Reflect on the Past Year
It’s important to evaluate what went well in your garden this past year. Did certain plants perform better than others? Did pests become an issue? Reflecting on these aspects will give you a clear idea of what you can improve next season.
Some things to consider:
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Which plants thrived?
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What pests or diseases caused issues?
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Was your irrigation system effective?
Use these insights to inform your plans for next season. Keeping a garden journal where you track these observations is a great habit to start. Make a note of successes and challenges to guide your plans for next year. Write down observations in a garden journal. Think about pest issues, watering habits, and plant spacing. Consider rotating crops to keep your soil healthy.
Plan for Spring
Although it might seem far off, December is a great time to plan for spring. Start sketching out your garden for the upcoming months. This is the perfect opportunity to:
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Research new plant varieties that you want to try.
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Order seeds for spring planting.
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Learn about companion planting to maximize space and increase your garden’s efficiency.
Don’t forget to think about your soil! Preparing it now with organic matter like compost will ensure it’s rich and ready for spring.
2. What to Plant in December
If you think December is too cold to plant anything, think again! Several hardy plants thrive in cooler weather. Depending on your climate zone, you can still sow seeds and plant bulbs for a beautiful spring garden.
Winter Vegetables
In mild climates, there are plenty of vegetables that you can plant in December. Consider sowing:
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Garlic: December is the perfect time to plant garlic. It needs a long growing period, so planting it now ensures a great harvest by late spring or early summer. Read more: How to Grow Garlic
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Carrots: These root vegetables can be planted in December, especially in areas where the ground doesn’t freeze. Just make sure to mulch them for extra protection.
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Spinach: A cool-weather crop that can be sown in late fall and early winter, spinach will provide fresh greens even in the colder months.
Flowers to Plant in December
While many flowers are dormant in winter, it’s also the ideal time to plant flowering bulbs for early spring blooms. Some popular options include:
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Tulips: These iconic flowers are best planted in late fall or early winter. By planting them now, you’ll enjoy colorful blooms come spring. Read more: How to grow tulips
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Daffodils: Another beautiful early bloomer, daffodils will brighten up your garden even when the weather is still chilly.
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Hyacinths: Known for their fragrant blooms, hyacinths are perfect for December planting.
Planting these bulbs now gives them time to establish roots over winter, leading to vibrant flowers once the weather warms up.
3. Winter Garden Maintenance
While December may feel like a slower month for gardening, it’s essential to keep your garden maintained during winter. Proper care now will ensure that your garden bounces back stronger when the growing season begins.
Protect Your Plants
Ensure that your plants are well-protected against frost and cold temperatures. Mulching around your plants is a great way to protect the roots from freezing. If you have delicate plants, consider using frost cloths or even DIY cold frames to shield them.
Tip: Keep an eye on weather reports, especially for unexpected frosts. Being prepared can prevent major damage to your garden.
Prune and Trim
December is a great time to prune trees and shrubs. By trimming back dead or diseased branches, you help your plants focus their energy on new growth in the spring. However, avoid pruning too much, as some plants still need their branches for insulation during winter.
Clean Up Garden Debris
Take the time to remove fallen leaves, dead plants, and garden debris from the garden. This will help prevent the spread of disease and pests while making your garden area look tidier.
4. Growing in Containers and Indoors
If you’re feeling limited by the cold, consider growing plants in containers or indoors. While outdoor gardening may low down, container gardening and indoor plants can still thrive in December.
Indoor Gardening Tips
Many gardeners find joy in growing herbs indoors during the winter months. Herbs like parsley, chives, and basil can grow well on a sunny windowsill. If you’re looking for more than just herbs, try planting succulents or houseplants to keep your indoor space vibrant.
5. Winterizing Your Compost Pile
If you’ve been composting throughout the year, don’t forget about your compost pile in December. Keep adding organic materials, such as leaves and kitchen scraps, to maintain the temperature and keep the microbes active. Turning the pile every few weeks will help it break down faster, ensuring you have nutrient-rich compost ready for spring planting.
6. Some Other Gardening Tasks in December
While gardening in December may seem like a slower pace, there’s still plenty to do to ensure your garden remains in top shape through the colder months. These tasks not only prepare your garden for winter but also set the stage for a thriving garden when spring arrives.
Install a Water Butt
Consider installing a water butt to collect rainwater from your guttering, whether it’s on your house, shed, or greenhouse. Rainwater is slightly more acidic compared to tap water, which has been treated and is often higher in minerals. Plants generally thrive better when watered with rainwater, as it’s closer to their natural nutrient needs. Installing a water butt can also save you money on water bills while being more eco-friendly!
Build a New Compost Heap
If you already have one compost heap, now might be the time to build another. Having multiple heaps makes it easier to rotate and manage the composting process. If space allows, aim for two or even three heaps—this helps speed up the decomposition process and gives you ready-to-use compost for next season’s planting.
Clean and Service Your Mower and Power Tools
Before storing away your lawnmower and other power tools for the winter, give them a good clean and service. Sharpen blades, check the oil, and clean any debris off the equipment. Proper maintenance will ensure that your tools are in great shape and ready for use when spring arrives.
Clean and Sharpen Hand Tools
Hand tools like hoes, spades, and rakes also need attention. Clean them thoroughly, removing dirt and plant matter, and sharpen the edges. This will make the tools more effective and comfortable to use when you return to the garden next season.
Power-Wash Paths and Patios
December is the time to power-wash your garden paths, patios, and driveways. Winter weather can make surfaces slippery and muddy, and a good cleaning now will help prevent moss or algae from building up during the colder months.
Weed Between Paving Stones
Weeding can still be done as one of the gardening tasks in December, particularly in between paving stones or patios. Use a sharp knife or pour boiling water over the weeds to kill them off. This simple task helps keep your outdoor spaces neat and tidy.
Mulch and Protect Bare Soil
If you have bare patches of soil in your garden, now is the perfect time to add mulch or compost. A layer of organic material will help protect the soil from harsh winter weather and preserve moisture for the spring months.
Dig Manure into Vegetable Beds
If you plan to grow peas, beans, or other heavy-feeding vegetables in your garden, it’s a good idea to dig well-rotted manure into the soil now. This adds nutrients and helps improve soil structure, giving your plants a great start when spring arrives.
Float a Ball in the Pond
If you have a pond in your garden, place a floating ball in it. The movement caused by the ball helps prevent the pond from freezing over completely, ensuring your fish and aquatic plants stay healthy throughout winter.
Top Up Bird Baths and Feeders
Birds still need a source of fresh water and food in the winter. Be sure to top up your bird baths and feeders regularly to help native birds get through the cold months. Consider adding high-energy foods like suet or seeds to provide extra nourishment.
Provide Shelter for Wildlife
Winter can be tough for small creatures in your garden, so consider adding shelter for hedgehogs, frogs, and beneficial bugs. You can build a simple shelter out of logs, twigs, and leaves, or buy a purpose-built structure. Position it in a quiet corner of your garden where it won’t be disturbed, helping these creatures survive the colder months.
Conclusion: Start Planning for a Successful Spring
Although December can feel like a quiet time in the garden, it’s actually one of the most important months for preparing for the upcoming year. From planting bulbs to protecting your plants, there’s still plenty to keep you busy in the garden.
As you reflect on the past year and make plans for the future, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the winter garden. Even during the colder months, your garden can thrive with the right care and attention.
With the right planning and care, your garden will be ready to burst into life come spring. Start your gardening journey now by ordering seeds, designing your layout, and keeping your plants healthy throughout the winter. Happy gardening!
