December gardening may come with frosty mornings and bare branches, but there’s still plenty to do in the garden to keep it thriving and prepared for the months ahead. Whether you’re tucking in your plants for winter, planning for next year, or adding festive touches to your outdoor space, a little effort now can make a big difference. This month is all about protecting what you’ve worked so hard to grow while embracing the beauty of the season. Let’s dive into the essential tasks for gardeners in the Mid-Atlantic region this December!
December Gardening Checklist:
ANNUALS:
-Deadhead winter annuals in warmer regions.
-Only water annuals if temperatures are consistently above 50F and no rain.
BULBS:
-Pot Amaryllis for holiday blooming. Bring any amaryllis left outside for dormancy back into the house and observe it. Once you notice a flower stalk pushing through, begin to water it sparingly.
-Pot paperwhite bulbs for holiday gifts. Plant them in shallow pots or decorative dishes. Include a card with watering instructions.
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PERENNIALS + ORNAMENTAL GRASSES:
-Cut back perennials and do general garden clean up. The plants should be dormant enough to not stimulate new growth.
-Clean and sharpen garden tools and ready them of winter storage – Spring will be here before you know it!
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GROUNDCOVERS:
-Be careful when applying snowmelt chemicals near groundcover beds.
SHRUBS:
-Cut boughs ( a main branch of a tree) from evergreens and make your own holiday gardens/containers.
-Prepare porch pots with twigs from red osier dogwoods, holly branches and other evergreens.
-Sharpen and clean pruning tools and put them away until after the holidays.
–Popular Related Article : Winter Planters – 6 Ideas to Brighten Up Your Outdoor Space
TREES:
-Cut evergreen tree branches to use in decorations. They are great additions or any porch pots or garden containers or table centerpieces.
-Water broadleaf evergreens if it is sunny, windy and cold outside. Deeply soak the soil around the trees. These conditions make the trees lose water quickly and they can’t replace it, particularly if the ground is frozen.
-Check trees after snow fall. If branches are being weighed down , use a broom or leaf blower to help remove the snow and prevent damage or breakage.
TURFGRASS:
-Winterize the lawn mower. Drain the oil and gas and install a stabilizer. Disconnect spark plugs and clean and dry the lower deck.
-Stay off the grass! Walking on frozen grass can cause preventable damage.
VEGETABLES + HERBS:
-Use herbs from windowsill gardens and any stored onions or garlic in holiday recipes. Also harvested winter squashes.
-Start browsing seed catalogs and refer to any notes for next years garden. Make sure to purchase the organic, non GMO seeds from reputable sources. Our favorite is SEEDSNOW!
-If you canned any fruit or vegetables such as pickles, salsa, pasta sauce, peaches or other edibles consider gifting them for an extra personal touch.
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VINES:
-Now is a great time to take a look at the garden and see where evergreen vines may help to fill in spaces next year and create more winter interest and greenery.
-Vines are also great used as holiday decorations and in flower arrangements.
With the year coming to a close, December gardening offers a moment to reflect on your gardening successes and lessons learned. By completing these seasonal tasks, you’ll ensure your garden is not only ready to weather the winter but also primed for a vibrant start in spring. As you tidy, plan, and care for your plants, take a moment to appreciate the calm and stillness that winter brings—a reminder that every season has its purpose. Happy gardening, and here’s to another beautiful year in the garden!
Happy Winter Gardening! x
