Gardening may not seem like a wintertime activity, but in reality, there is a lot avid gardeners can do during the cold season. The following ideas will help you to make the most of your green thumb in the month of December, and help you prepare for the perfect garden come spring.
Pruning For Natural Decorations
When decorating your home for the holidays, you need look no further than your own yard. Pruning for natural decorations is a great way to make use of your garden in the month of December. You can prune pine boughs, holly, juniper, boxwood, yews, pyracantha and many other non-flowering evergreen shrubs. You can accessorize by adding unique touches such as holiday bows. Evergreens generally do not require a great deal of pruning, so a light annual trimming before the holidays can help maintain these plants, while providing lovely decor for your home.
Continue To Compost
There is no need to let your compost go dormant during the winter. Year-round care of your compost pile is important. Turn the pile early in December to speed up decomposition and keep it mixed. Add to the pile throughout the month, If you are adding kitchen scraps, balance them out with brown matter. It is wise to cover the pile to insulate your compost and keep it from getting too wet from rainy or snowy weather.
Care For Stored Bulbs
If you dug up tender bulbs to carefully preserve until spring, December is a good time to check on them. Check for signs of rot or overdrying, and be sure that they are in the best conditions for optimal health. To store bulbs, you can pack them in shredded paper or dry bagged compost. You can also use mesh bags or boxes with paper between bulb layers to absorb moisture and prevent rot.
Order Seeds And Make A Plan
December is a great month to plan ahead for spring gardening. Peruse seed catalogs now to see what new seeds you might want to try in the coming year. This will give you time to read, research, and make plans for your perfect garden. Seed exchanges can be a perfect way to try a variety of new seeds.
Mulch Trees And Shrubs
Mulching in cold temperatures prevents winter root injury. The mulch helps slow down the daily thawing and freezing process, which occurs when temperatures drop. After the first freeze, add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your trees and shrubs to insulate the roots. When snow falls, it can be carefully piled on top of plants to provide additional insulation.
Though winter is not the time to spend hours outdoors in your garden, you can still enjoy and maintain your garden, take measures to protect it, and make plans for the spring. For larger projects such as snow removal and ice management, visit us at Jack’s Lawn Care & Landscaping to learn how we can help you take the best care of your yard and garden throughout the year.
