As we prepare to close the chapter on another year in our gardens, December offers us time to reflect, protect, and celebrate. This month bridges the gap between this year's achievements and next year's possibilities. Let's explore how to properly wrap up our garden year while preparing for the season ahead.

Complete the Final Garden Cleanup

December is the perfect time for the year's final cleanup sweep. Remove dead plants, fallen fruit, dead fruit on the trees, and diseased foliage from your garden beds. This thorough winter cleaning helps prevent pest and disease problems from carrying over into the new year and gives your garden a fresh start.

Review, Repair, and Adjust Irrigation

Take stock of your watering system before winter storms arrive. Clean and repair any damaged components, adjust timers for cooler weather, and protect pipes from frost. This end-of-year maintenance ensures your irrigation system will be ready when spring arrives.

Give Your Soil a Winter Boost

Protect your soil during winter rains to thank it for the year's bounty. Add a fresh layer of mulch around plants to prevent erosion and feed the soil. Fallen leaves make a great mulch! Consider planting a cover crop in empty beds—it's like giving your soil a rejuvenating winter vacation.

Organize Your Garden Space

As we organize our homes before the new year, organize your garden. Clean and sharpen tools, sort through empty pots, and arrange your garden shed. This preparation makes it easier to start fresh in spring.

Seed Inventory

Now is an excellent time to review your seed inventory, organize it, discard old seeds, and prepare your seed-starting equipment or order new supplies if necessary.

Document the Year's Garden Story

Start a garden journal to record this year's successes and learning opportunities. Include photos of your best harvests, notes about what grew well, and ideas for next year. Think of it as creating your garden's yearbook – a valuable reference for years to come.

Create Garden-Inspired Gifts

Share your garden's abundance through thoughtful gifts. Force paperwhite bulbs in decorative containers, craft herb vinegars from saved herbs, or design succulent arrangements. These presents carry your garden's story into others' homes.

Plan Next Year's Color Show

While your garden rests, force bulbs like amaryllis or paperwhites indoors. As you enjoy these blooms, use this time to plan next year's garden. Order seeds and bulbs for spring, knowing you're laying the groundwork for another beautiful year.

Make Natural Holiday Decorations

Before putting the garden to bed, gather materials for holiday decorating. Create wreaths from pruned evergreen branches, pinecones, and dried seedheads. It's a beautiful way to bring your garden's final offerings indoors.

Set Up for Winter Growing

Create a simple cold frame to bridge the seasons. Use it to protect tender plants or get an early start on spring seedlings. Think of it as creating a link between this year's garden and next year's growth.

Preserve the Last Harvests

Gather and preserve any remaining herbs, citrus, or winter vegetables. Dry herbs for winter cooking, prepare citrus for preserving, and collect seeds from favorite plants. These actions help carry your garden's abundance into the new year.

Create Your Garden's Winter Interest

Position garden art, cold-hardy container arrangements, and winter-blooming plants where they'll be visible from indoors. This creates beautiful views that will carry you through winter until spring arrives again.

As you wrap up this year's garden story, each task you complete is both an ending and a beginning. California's varied climates mean your garden's year-end needs may differ, but the satisfaction of properly putting your garden to bed remains the same. Here's to celebrating this year's successes and looking forward to another wonderful year in the garden!

Ask your local UC Master Gardener Program.

Have a gardening question? UC Master Gardener volunteers are available to help. Click here to Find a Program and connect with your local UC Master Gardener Program. You will be redirected to your local county website and contact information. UC Master Gardener volunteers are available to help answer questions for FREE. Happy gardening!