As the winter chill settles in, gardeners wonder if their work is done for the year. But stopping now isn’t necessary. You can keep caring for and protecting your plants even in December.
Our December garden checklist shows that gardens aren’t dormant this time of year. It covers planning, maintenance, and protection. Follow these tasks to ensure your garden stays healthy over the winter.
Key Takeaways:
- Despite the cold weather, there are plenty of tasks you can undertake to maintain your garden in December.
- Planning for the upcoming garden year and setting goals is an important part of this checklist.
- Proper protection measures, such as using frost blankets and cover crops, can shield your plants from winter damage.
- Indoor planting and care for indoor plants can also be included in your December garden checklist.
- Your local climate and planting zone may require specific considerations, so consult local resources for tailored information.
Table of Contents
Plan and Prepare for the Coming Year
The gardening year is almost done. It’s a great time to think back on what worked and what didn’t. Use December to plan and set goals for the next garden season.
A garden journal is key for all gardeners. Use it to write down when the first freeze hits and any crazy weather. Knowing these details will let you make smart choices for your garden’s future.
Setting goals for the new year is vital. Think about what you dream of for your garden. Maybe you want to grow more veggies, plant new flowers, or try out new methods. Setting real goals helps focus your work and keeps you excited.
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
With your goals set, it’s seed ordering time. Look through seed catalogs or check out online sellers. Choose plants that fit your garden’s conditions. Ordering early means you’ll find all the plants you need and have time to prep.
Remember to watch the rain amounts, especially in dry areas. Keep a close eye on how much it rains each month. This helps you know when to water your garden more or less.
Planning, goal-setting, seed shopping, and keeping an eye on rain are all steps to a great gardening year. Start now, and you’ll be ready for success in the garden.
Key Points:
- Start writing in your garden journal and record important events like the first freezes
- Set clear goals for your garden in the upcoming year
- Order seeds early to ensure availability and variety
- Keep track of monthly rainfall levels to understand watering needs
Maintain and Protect
In December, gardeners should be alert. They need to keep stored onions, tomatoes, garlic, and peppers in good shape. Regular checks help ensure these veggies are ready to eat or use later.
After the last harvest, think about planting cover crops. They keep the soil healthy through winter. Legumes or grasses prevent erosion, block weeds, and boost the soil’s quality.”
Don’t toss aside the fallen leaves. Use them for compost. It reduces waste and feeds the soil important nutrients.
Taking Protection Measures
As the weather gets colder, frost blankets are a must. They protect plants from getting frozen. These blankets keep warmth in, creating a shield against the cold.
If you need more advice on winter plant care, reach out to local experts. They can provide helpful tips and knowledge.
Doing your best to care for your garden now will pay off later. A well-kept garden in December leads to a lush, healthy space later on.
Sow and Plant Indoors
When it gets cold and the ground freezes, gardening might seem impossible. But for those who love to garden in zones 4-8, there’s a way. You can sow and plant indoors. This will keep your supply of salad greens and herbs going strong through winter.
Having enough light is vital for indoor plants. With the right grow lights, you can make your plants feel like they’re outside. These lights copy the sun’s bright rays. Placing the lights just above your plants will help them be at their best.
If you don’t have grow lights, a sunny windowsill is a good alternative. Put your pots of greens and herbs on a south-facing windowsill. This way, they get enough light to grow well. Make sure they soak up the sun for 4-6 hours daily.
In zones 9-11, winters are not so harsh. This means you can start your indoor garden for later moving outside. When spring arrives, your plants will already be ahead. This jump-starts your outdoor gardening season.
Whether you use grow lights or a sunny spot by the window, you can keep your greens and herbs coming. Gardening indoors is not just about the food. It’s also a calming way for people to take care of their plants.
Sow and Plant Outdoors
In zones 9-11, gardeners get to keep planting their favorite veggies. The weather stays warm most of the time. This lets a lot of different plants grow outside. However, there are some cold nights. These nights can hurt young plants.
To keep plants safe from the cold, it’s smart to keep row covers or blankets around. These simple items do a lot of good. They can make a warm shield around the plants to keep them safe from the cold.
Row covers are thin and light. They can be placed right on the plants or on hoops to make a small greenhouse. Also, using cotton blankets works well. You can cover plants with them by hanging them over stakes or frames. This keeps the plants warm, stopping the frost.
Make sure the blankets or covers are secured so they don’t move on windy nights. With these steps, you can plant and grow vegetables without fear of night frost. Enjoy gardening, knowing your plants are protected from winter’s chill.
Winter Gardening Tips and Protection
Winter is the time to focus on your garden’s health. Clean your shed or greenhouse. Also, sharpen your secateurs and fix any loose spade handles. These steps prepare you for the next gardening season.
Use this time to help local wildlife too. A balanced ecosystem is great for your garden. Put out feeders and create habitat. This will make your garden a home for many creatures.
To protect plants from frost, use cloches. These are covers that keep plants warm. Bubble wrap can also warm up your greenhouse. Bring delicate plants indoors or in the greenhouse to keep them safe.
These tips will help your plants do well during winter. Remember, garden care, cleaning, attracting wildlife, and frost protection are key. Doing so, your garden will bloom when spring comes.
Conclusion
The winter holidays are near, but gardeners can’t relax yet. A December garden still needs your care, despite the cold. With a good checklist and being alert, your plants will be safe and healthy all winter.
Winter gardening is vital to keep your garden strong. It includes planning for the new year and protecting your plants from the cold. Taking care of your plants now will help your garden grow well when spring comes.
Don’t forget about your garden when celebrating the holidays. Keep an eye on your plants, protect them, and make sure they have what they need to grow. With these steps, your garden can stay beautiful throughout the year. Winter gardening isn’t easy, but planning and hard work will get you through until spring.
FAQ
Should I still be active in my garden during December?
In December, staying active in your garden is still possible, even with the cold weather. You should take certain steps to look after your plants. This ensures they stay healthy during the winter.
What planning tasks should I focus on in December?
Start December by noting the first freezes and important weather conditions in your garden journal. It’s also a good time to plan for the next gardening year. Order seeds and keep an eye on the rain, especially if your area is dry.
How can I protect my plants during the winter months?
To protect your plants when it’s cold, have frost blankets ready. You can also try using methods like cloches. Insulating greenhouses with bubble wrap is another good step. Remember, moving plants indoors can also save them from the cold.
Can I start planting indoors during December?
If you’re in zones 4-8, start seeds for greens and herbs indoors under a grow light. A sunny windowsill works too, if you lack special lights. In zones 9-11, indoor vegetable plantings can also continue.
Can I still plant vegetables outdoors in December?
In zones 9-11, you can keep planting many vegetables outside. Yet, some places in these zones might see frost at night. Keep row covers or cotton blankets ready to protect your plants from the cold.
What maintenance tasks should I focus on during December?
December is a great time to clean and tidy your garden tools. Make sure to sharpen things like secateurs and fix loose handles on your tools. Also, you can attract and help outdoor wildlife by putting up feeders and creating habitats for them.
How can I protect my plants from frost?
Guarding your plants against frost is a key task. Using methods like cloches and insulating greenhouses can be helpful. If possible, move your tender plants inside. This helps in keeping them safe from the cold.
