FAQ: What garden tasks should I do in December?

Among the most frequently asked gardening questions, "When is the best time to...", is near the top of the list. Here are a few gardening tasks for December organized by region.

Northeast States: Pot up narcissus and amaryllis (Hippeastrum) for forcing. Pot up spring bulbs for forcing. Maintain house plants and check to make sure foliage doesn't come into contact with cold window glass and drafts. Refill bird feeders often.

Mid-Atlantic States: Pot up paperwhite narcissus and amaryllis (Hippeastrum) for forcing. Pot up spring bulbs for forcing. Maintain house plants and check to make sure foliage doesn't come into contact with cold window glass and drafts. Refill bird feeders often.

Mid-South States: Finish planting and transplanting trees and shrubs. Pot up paperwhite narcissus and amaryllis (Hippeastrum) for forcing. Pot up spring bulbs for forcing. Feed house plants, and inspect them for insects and disease and check to make sure foliage doesn't come into contact with cold window glass and drafts. Refill bird feeders often.

Lower South and Gulf States: Continue planting and transplanting broadleaf and evergreen trees and shrubs, perennials and ground covers. Finish plant winter-blooming annuals. Continue planting cool-season vegetables. Pot up paperwhite narcissus and amaryllis (Hippeastrum) for forcing. Plant spring-flowering bulbs. Continue to irrigate shrubs and trees as long as weather is above freezing. Fertilize trees and shrubs when dormant. Maintain house plants and check to make sure foliage doesn't come into contact with cold window glass and drafts. Refill bird feeders often.

Plains and Rocky Mountain States: Follow the same regimen as for Northeast States.

Pacific Southwest and Desert States: Follow regimen for Lower South and Gulf States.

Pacific Northwest States: Finish planting and transplanting broadleaf and evergreen trees and shrubs, perennials and ground covers. Divide perennials and transplant. Plant spring-flowering bulbs. Pot up spring-flowering bulbs for forcing. Plant cool-season vegetables. Fertilize trees and shrubs when dormant. Maintain house plants. Refill bird bath. Refill bird feeders often.

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