December is an important month of transition in the garden, as the frost settles in and plants enter dormancy. While the growing season may have paused, this is an ideal time to protect your garden, prepare for spring, and even enjoy some unique winter gardening activities. This comprehensive December gardening checklist will help you make the most of your garden this season.

Protecting Plants from Winter Damage

Winter can be harsh on your plants, but with a little preparation, you can shield them from the worst.

• Mulching Garden Beds – Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, to insulate plant roots and retain soil moisture. This is especially important for perennials and fall-planted bulbs.
• Shielding Tender Plants – Use burlap, frost blankets, or cloches to protect tender shrubs, roses, and young trees from frost and freezing winds.
• Inspecting Staked Trees – Ensure young trees have secure, yet flexible, ties to prevent wind damage without girdling the trunk.

Caring for Indoor Plants

• Adjust Watering Habits – Overwatering is a common problem in winter. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure pots have proper drainage.
• Increase Humidity – Use a humidifier or place plants on trays filled with pebbles and water to combat dry indoor air.
• Maximize Light Exposure – Clean dust off leaves to help plants absorb light effectively. If possible, move them closer to windows.

Preparing for Winter Storms

Winter storms can wreak havoc on your garden. A bit of preparation can save you time and effort in the spring.

• Prune Vulnerable Branches – Remove any weak or damaged branches that could snap under the weight of snow or ice.
• Check Drainage Systems – Clear gutters and drainage paths to prevent flooding during heavy rains or melting snow.
• Relocate Pots – Move container plants to sheltered locations, like a garage or covered porch.

Composting During Winter

Even in cold weather, composting remains a valuable way to recycle organic waste.

• Maintain Active Piles – Cover compost heaps with straw, tarps, or a compost blanket to keep them insulated.
• Add Kitchen Scraps – Continue adding fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells to your compost pile. Avoid meat or dairy, which can attract pests.

Planning for Spring Gardening

December is the perfect month to plan your garden for the upcoming year.

• Order Seeds Early – Browse seed catalogs and place your orders now to ensure you get your preferred varieties.
• Plan Garden Layouts – Consider crop rotations, companion planting, and new projects like raised beds or vertical gardening structures.
• Check Stored Bulbs and Tubers – Inspect stored bulbs, such as dahlias and gladiolus, for signs of rot or drying out. Remove any damaged ones.

Winter Gardening Activities

Gardening doesn’t have to stop in winter! Here are some ways to enjoy your passion during the colder months.

• Force Bulbs Indoors – Plant amaryllis, paperwhites, or hyacinths in pots indoors for fragrant, festive blooms.
• Create Natural Decorations – Use holly, pinecones, and evergreen branches from your garden to craft wreaths, garlands, or table centerpieces.
• Harvest Winter Crops – If you’ve planted cold-hardy vegetables like kale, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, harvest them as needed.

Supporting Wildlife in Winter

Your garden can be a refuge for wildlife during the colder months.

• Feed the Birds – Keep bird feeders stocked with seeds, suet, and fresh water. Consider adding heated birdbaths to prevent freezing.
• Provide Shelter – Leave some leaf piles and brush in quiet corners to offer shelter for insects and small mammals.
• Avoid Over-Cleaning – Leave some standing plants in your garden to provide food and habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects.

Tool and Equipment Maintenance

Winter is the perfect time to give your gardening tools some TLC.

• Clean and Sharpen Tools – Remove dirt and rust from tools, then sharpen blades to keep them in top condition.
• Store Properly – Hang tools in a dry, sheltered area to prevent rust. Drain and store garden hoses to avoid freezing damage.
• Inspect Irrigation Systems – Check for cracks or leaks in hoses and fittings, and make any necessary repairs. Winterize your irrigation system.

Pruning and Garden Cleanup

While heavy pruning is best left until late winter, December is a good time for some targeted cleanup.

• Prune Dormant Plants – Cut back dead or diseased branches from shrubs and trees. Avoid pruning spring-flowering varieties to preserve blooms.
• Remove Debris – Rake up leaves and debris, but leave some mulch in garden beds for insulation.
• Tidy Edges – Clean up garden bed edges and pathways for a neat appearance going into the new year.

Reflecting and Planning Ahead

Take advantage of the slower gardening season to reflect on your achievements and set new goals.

• Evaluate the Year – Consider what worked well in your garden this year and what you’d like to improve.
• Update Your Journal – Note the successes and challenges of the past season to inform your future decisions.
• Set Goals – Plan new projects, whether it’s growing new vegetables, redesigning flower beds, or trying sustainable gardening techniques. Consider using a garden journal to track your progress and plans for the new year.

By following this comprehensive December gardening checklist, you’ll ensure your garden is ready to thrive in the year ahead. Whether you’re protecting plants, enjoying winter blooms, or planning for spring, there’s always something to do in the garden—even in December!

For more tips and tricks, visit our gardening blog at The Celtic Farm and explore our collection of unique gardening gifts for the green thumbs in your life.