Dec 6, 2024
Walk through the garden and make notes for spring and summer changes and additions. Enjoy the quiet of the winter garden. Feed the birds, and other wildlife.
Tasks
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide to lawns and beds later this month.
- Deep-water trees and native plants if rainfall has been light.
Pruning
- This is the time to work on dormant, deciduous plants - shrubs, vines, grapes, and roses, plus fruit and nut trees.
- Crepe myrtles and redbuds may be pruned now.
- Cut back and divide perennials.
Fertilizing
- No fertilization is recommended this month.
- When you do fertilize, always read labels carefully before application. Consult a plant expert at a nursery or a Master Gardener if you have questions.
Planting:
- This is the beginning of bare-root planting season. It is difficult to visualize the potential of bare-root plants, but they usually come with pictures to give you an idea.
- Bulbs, corms, tubers: canna and crocosmia.
- Fruits and vegetables: asparagus, cabbage, and bare-root berries.
- Trees, shrubs, vines: azalea and camellia.
Enjoy now:
- Annuals and perennials: snapdragon (Antirrhinum), calendula, and Chrysanthemum Paludosum, Holiday cactus (Schlumbergera).
- Bulbs, corms, tubers: crocus and cyclamen.
- Fruits and vegetables: beets, bok choy, chives, and mandarin oranges.
Things to ponder:
- This is a good time to look through seed catalogs.
- Wood ashes are not beneficial in the garden as they increase soil alkalinity.