As the year draws to a close, December offers an opportunity to reflect on the gardening season and plan ahead for the next. While the weather may have turned colder in many regions, gardening tasks continue as gardeners prepare their landscapes for winter and anticipate the arrival of spring. This guide provides essential tasks and tips for gardeners across different zones, ensuring that your garden remains healthy and thriving throughout the winter months.
1. All Zones: Planning Ahead for Spring
As winter sets in, now is the perfect time to plan for your spring garden. Take a moment to review which plants performed well this year and which areas could use some attention. Consider adding more greenery or tackling a shady spot that could use a makeover. Whether you want to expand or refine your garden, December is a great time to mentally prepare for the new planting season.
Tasks to Consider:
- Harvest for Decoration: If you have berry-bearing plants like winterberry holly, consider harvesting a few branches for festive decorations.
- Feed the Birds: Provide food for birds in your garden by leaving some seeds or suet out for them. It’s important to continue supporting our feathered friends even during the colder months.
- Protect Pollinators: If you haven’t already, ensure your garden is prepared for winter by offering food and shelter to pollinators. Read our blog post on Protecting Pollinators in Fall for more details.
2. Zones 3-5: Winterizing Your Garden
While it’s cold and snowy in many areas, there are still steps you can take to maintain a healthy garden:
Tasks to Do:
- Protect Perennials: Apply extra mulch around roses and other perennials to insulate them from the cold. If snow covers your garden, use it as a natural insulator by piling it around the plants.
- Guard Against Wildlife: Deer foraging can increase during winter months. Protect your shrubs and trees by using burlap, chicken wire, or a liquid repellent to create a barrier.
- Continue Monitoring: Even if the ground is frozen, it’s not too late to plant shrubs or trees. Just be sure to water them well after planting and provide additional insulation.
3. Zones 6-8: Managing Cooler Weather Tasks
With summer behind us, gardeners in zones 6-8 need to shift gears to accommodate the cooler temperatures:
Tasks to Consider:
- Mulch for Insulation: Apply mulch around shrubs and perennials to protect them from the dropping temperatures.
- Planting Still Possible: If there are shrubs or trees that need planting, take advantage of the cool ground to plant them early in the month. Ensure they are well-watered and protected from the cold.
- Pruning and Cleanup: Begin cleaning up fallen leaves and dead plant material to prevent disease in the spring.
4. Zones 9-11: Managing Winter Challenges
In warmer climates, winter presents its own set of challenges. Here’s how to keep your garden in good shape:
Tasks to Focus On:
- Prepare for Frost: Even though frost may be less frequent, prepare for unexpected cold snaps by adding extra insulation around vulnerable plants.
- Pause Fertilizing: Stop fertilizing your plants now to avoid damaging new growth during cold fronts.
- Water Wisely: If you experience dry spells in December, continue to water your plants adequately to keep them hydrated and healthy throughout the winter.
As December unfolds, focus on these tasks to keep your garden thriving and to prepare for the next growing season. Whether you’re wrapping up your year or planning ahead, taking these steps will help your garden transition smoothly through the winter months. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks on soil care, plant selection, and more in our upcoming posts!
