It’s the end of another glorious gardening year. Regardless of your region, it’s time to evaluate your garden and think about any changes you might want to make for next year. What were the aspects you loved about your garden? What did you not like so much? Ideally, photos and a written record of your accomplishments, and ‘failures’, will help guide you to an even more fruitful 2022.
All regions require a review of growth, damage, and sustainability, but each zone has specific tasks that should be on your December gardening to-do list. Wherever your green space happens to exist, the implementation of a deer fence will meet and exceed the requirements for your garden and landscape issues. It will keep wildlife critters, large and small, out of the area, giving your plants and soil a head start for the year to come.
You need to protect your garden and open areas against pests and other vermin. They reproduce fast and can easily destroy small to medium plants and other vegetations. Having a fence means that they will not be able to enter your gardens and fields. This is one aspect that many landowners tend to forget about.
Northeast
Winter comes quickly in the northeast, so once December hits; be prepared to batten down the hatches.
- Scan shrubs and trees for any bark damage. If discovered, take action to eliminate the likely existence of deer, rabbits or voles in your immediate area.
- Gather gardening tools and put them neatly and securely in a shed or the house. Remember that they should be cleaned, oiled, rust-free and properly sharpened before storing.
- Spray evergreen foliage with anti-desiccant to limit dehydration.
If you are not proactive at the beginning, the harshness of the weather conditions will not permit you to take additional precautions later on.
Midwest
The Midwest region of the United States deals with a lot of frigid temperatures, ice, and wind. Keeping outdoor areas properly inspected and maintained are top of your priority list.
- Repair any damage to windbreak fencing. This is likely to be a continual effort throughout the winter.
- Remove snowfall from paths to the garden to better be able to clear fallen limbs, and further foliage inspection.
- Inspect shrubs and trees for damage. Consider installing a deer fence to protect against rabbits and deer.
A proper understanding of rodents and other pests in the region should be able to give you an idea about the precautions you need to take. With food sources drying up during winter months, pests try to attack barns and other food storage facilities in and around the farm.
Pacific Coast
To the north, the wet season has begun. And in the south, moisture may be quite limited.
Northern Pacific Coastline:
- Now is the time to fertilize winter-flowering shrubs.
- With conditions being moist, check all foliage for snails.
- Apply row covers to plants to protect them from unexpected cold snaps.
Southern Pacific Coastline:
- Now is the time to plant cool-season vegetables like kale, peas, cabbage, and broccoli.
- Trim ornamental grasses to encourage new growth.
- Discontinue pruning rose bushes.
This is a time when a lot of the farmers need to start working on their landscape and crops. This also means ensuring that your fields and garden stay protected at all times. Any problems in this area can prove to be detrimental to your garden and fields.
Pacific Northwest
Although the weather is likely to be wet, temperatures are usually comfortable in the Pacific Northwest in December.
- Plant any new shrubs and trees.
- Get spring bulbs into the ground.
- Pull weeds that remain in the garden. Since the soil is likely to be moist, weeds will be easier to pull, however, be careful not to step on the wet soil as it can become hardened which can pose issues in the spring.
Southwest
The southwest is known for its unpredictability in December, so it’s best to be prepared for anything.
- In low desert regions, plant your cool season vegetables like peas, Swiss chard, cabbage, and broccoli.
- Cut asparagus back to the ground once it dies.
- Use row covers to protect your tender plants.
Florida
Florida is a large state with different December climates. Southern Florida tends to remain the same – hot and moist – while the rest of Florida may have a random cold snap, so be prepared depending on where you live.
- Grow the cooler weather plants such as peas, lettuce, and spinach.
- Cover more tender plants during cold snaps with row covers.
- Discontinue fertilizing plants, as it can cause damage during cold weather.
Southeast
December is usually a time for a moderation in temperature in the southeast, which tends to be a welcome reprieve.
- Plant shrubs and trees; add compost to your garden.
- When temperatures fall, cover tender plants with row covers.
- Plant your spring flowering bulbs.
Mid-Atlantic
Due to its proximity to the ocean, December is usually mild in the mid-Atlantic region.
- Apply mulch to your garden for protection from the worst of the cold that is yet to come.
- Shelter shrubs that will need protection from heavy snow and ice.
- Water shrubs and newly planted trees up until the ground becomes frozen.
No matter what region you call home, make sure to check any corn, tubers or bulbs that you’ve been storing to see if they’ve rotted or dried out. Order any seeds that you’d like to plant in the spring and enjoy the cooler more moderate temperatures that December offers.
The Bottom Line
No matter whether you are pursuing gardening as a personal hobby or with a professional inclination, you need to ensure that you are paying attention to the points mentioned in the article. Installing a fence, educating and informing your knowledge on gardening issues is essential to keeping and maintaining a healthy garden.
If you would like us to address any other issues or points in the article, please let us know in the comments below. We would like to address as many of your doubts as possible in this regard.
Frederick Leeth
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