December in the Garden: Quiet Month, Big Opportunities
December may seem like a sleeping month in the garden, but it’s actually filled with opportunities for planning, care, and creativity.
1. Minimal Watering – but Don’t Ignore It
Cold, dry winds can still dehydrate plants.
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Water pots and evergreens during dry spells
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Avoid watering when frost is forecast within 24 hours
2. Protect Potted Plants
Container roots freeze faster.
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Wrap pots in fleece or bubble wrap
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Raise containers off the ground with pot feet
3. Prune for Structure
Prune deciduous trees or shrubs only on dry, frost-free days. It’s a good time to improve shape or remove crossing branches.
4. Sow Indoors (Yes, Really!)
December is ideal for slow starters:
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Sweet peas
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Hardy annuals (like larkspur)
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Chill tomatoes indoors for an early start
5. Start Garden Planning for the New Year
Sketch layouts, choose seeds, and set goals. December is planning gold.
Wrap-up:
With the garden in dormancy, December offers a calm window to protect what you have and plan for what’s coming.
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