The Gardener's To-Do List for December

 

We probably won’t feel like working in the garden, but there are some tasks we can accomplish even in December. Here are some to handle this month.

Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

Inspect your cold frames for needed repairs.
Plant trees and shrubs if you can still get your shovel in the ground.
Add more mulch to your garden beds.
Check the wrapping on your evergreen trees and shrubs, if you added any for snow protection.
Winterize your gas-powered garden tools, if you haven’t already. At the very least, drain fuel from the tanks and run the engines until they’ve used up what’s in the carburetors.
Complete maintenance of your garden tools by removing soil, applying a thin layer of oil.
It’s easy to forget watering during winter. Make sure your garden gets a couple inches each week.
Drain garden hoses and store them out of the way after each use.

South

Be ready to cover crops with frost cloth just in case temperatures drop severely.
Plant trees, shrubs and vines.
Add fallen leaves to your compost pile.
Add a couple inches of mulch to your garden beds.
Complete maintenance of your garden tools by removing soil, applying a thin layer of oil.
Make sure your garden gets a couple inches of water each week.
Drain garden hoses and store them out of the way after each use.

Midwest

Plant trees, shrubs and vines.
Inspect your cold frames for needed repairs.
Check your garden beds in case more mulch is needed.
Check the wrapping on your evergreen trees and shrubs, if you added any for snow protection.
Complete maintenance of your garden tools by removing soil and applying a thin layer of oil.
Don’t forget to water your garden. Rain and snowfall might not be enough during dry winters.
Drain garden hoses and store them out of the way after each use.

Pacific Northwest

Plant bare-root and container grown shrubs and trees.
Protect evergreen trees and shrubs from snow burdens.
Maintain your garden tools by removing soil and applying a thin layer of oil.
Make sure your garden gets a couple inches of water each week.
Drain garden hoses and store them out of the way after each use.

West Coast

Plant cold-hardy annuals and perennials.
Plant bare root trees, shrubs and vines.
Add compost to your garden.
Refresh mulch, if necessary.
Keep your plants well-watered.

Southwest

Plant winter vegetables and warm season annuals.
Be prepared to protect citrus from cold snaps.
Check frost protection fabric for tears.
Add compost to your garden beds.
Inspect your irrigation system for leaks. Now is no time to waste water.
Make needed repairs to your garden tools before the spring rush.

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