December in the Garden
VEGGIES TO PLANT
- Arugula
- Asian Greens
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Swiss Chard
- Collards
- Fava Beans
- Greens (cool season)
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Leeks
- Head Lettuce
- Leaf Lettuce
- Mustard
- Bulbing Onions (seed directly)
- Multiplying Onions
- Peas (English, snap, snow)
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Turnips
- Asparagus
- Fennel
- Tomatoes (start seeds indoors)
WHAT TO DO
All new transplants will need protection from their first frost.
This is a great month to prune crepe myrtles and other deciduous landscape plants. Now that the branches are bare, the overall form of the plant is much easier to see and shape. You have from now until February, before the trees start to leaf out.
To keep apple, pear, peach, and plums healthy, these fruit trees need to be put on a spray schedule. (Figs, pomegranates, persimmons, and do not need this treatment.) See our fruits, pecans, & berries guide.
Plum curculio is a pest that calls for treatment in late winter.
Consider purchasing a living Christmas tree for the holidays. Arizona cypress, Aleppo, and Italian stone pines are all attractive options that can be planted in the landscape after. Avoid keeping these trees indoors for any longer than two weeks. Our homes feel very different from the outdoors, so it’s important to both gradually introduce your tree into your home for Christmas, and to also reintroduce it to the outdoors after the holiday.
Well kept tools work better and last longer. Take advantage of the winter rest period to sharpen, clean, and oil your tools.