December Gardening Thoughts and Tips

LAST MONTH OF THE YEAR

Mother Nature sure has been kind to us gardeners as we enter December. In the last half of November, we got some much-needed rainfall that helped our water table and helped water all of our plants.  We also had some above-average temperatures to go along with the rain. All I can say is “life is good for a gardener.”

Winter will be officially here in about three weeks. Usually, with winter will come colder temperatures. Remember that we never want our plants to be dry going into any cold spell.

HERE ARE SOME DECEMBER GARDENING THOUGHTS AND TASKS

  • Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees. Leaves make excellent mulch around shrubbery. You can grind them up with a lawn mower which will help break down the leaves into beneficial organic matter.
  • If you haven’t planted your bulbs yet—this is still a great time to plant these spring-blooming bulbs such as daffodils, crocus, tulips, etc.
  • Remember our feathered friends this winter. Keep your bird feeders filled.
  • As of December 1st our soil temperature is still in the low 50’s—far from being frozen. So, now is still a great time to plant.
  • If you have a compost pile started (good for you) and added leaves, be sure to keep it turned through the winter to accelerate the humus process.
  • If we should get snow, coat your snow shovel with a “no-stick” cooking spray like Pam; the snow slides right off.
  • If we should get some snow or ice then be careful using ice melt products. Read the bag carefully. Some ice-melting products can be harmful to pets. And, those products that are salt base can do damage to concrete as well as contaminate the soil.

HAPPY DECEMBER GARDENING

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