December Garden To-Do List
Am I the only one who got lulled into thinking that winter might never come, only to be totally blindsided by the ice blast of the last week? Ugh! Some you like a cold plunge, but I could have used a little time to ease in to this weather. Welp, regardless, it certainly feels like winter now, the summer crops are finally gone, and it’s time to truly embrace the coldest, darkest months of the year. While the garden may feel sleepy, December is still a great time to enjoy your outdoor space and set yourself up for success in the year ahead. Let’s dig into this month’s tasks!
Enjoy the Quiet
Even if you are determined to keep gardening over winter with frost protection, December is an incredibly slow gardening month. Days are so short that plants are barely growing, so take the chance to connect with your space in a slower, more mindful way. Dress warmly, step outside, and let your garden show you its winter beauty.
Wrapping Up the Year
Take a walk through your garden to reflect on the season. Remove any lingering summer plants, clean up fallen leaves (or tuck them in as mulch), and tidy your tools before the cold sets in. Put away hoses and irrigation timers…anything plastic might break if water freezes inside of it. A clutter-free garden is not just satisfying—it’s ready for its winter nap.
Planting
December is the last call for planting garlic, onions, and shallots in middle Tennessee. In the flower garden, focus on spring-blooming bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. These little investments now will bring big rewards come spring.
Harvest
Your fall greens—lettuce, kale, spinach, and Asian greens—are likely still thriving. Pick outer leaves as needed to keep plants producing. Root crops like carrots, radishes, and beets can stay in the ground for easy storage, but don’t let them freeze solid. Herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme are hearty companions this time of year, perfect for winter stews and roasts.
Frost Protection
Middle Tennessee weather loves to keep us guessing. Keep frost cloth or row covers handy for sudden temperature drops, especially for tender crops like lettuce. Your brassicas—broccoli, cabbage, and kale—are tough but appreciate a little help when a hard freeze looms.
Pest Patrol
Cold weather doesn’t eliminate pests entirely. Check for aphids or caterpillars lingering on hardy greens and deal with them as needed. If critters like squirrels are disturbing your beds, cloches or netting can provide protection.
Feed & Mulch
A layer of chopped leaves or straw can act as insulation for your soil. Mulch around perennials, garlic, and berry bushes to keep roots warm and add organic matter to your beds over winter. Avoid piling mulch directly against plant stems—it’s a cozy spot for pests.
Garden Dreams
Long evenings are perfect for garden planning. Reflect on what worked well this year and what you’d like to improve. Sketch layouts in your garden journal, list plants to try next season, or simply flip through seed catalogs with a cup of tea. This is the season for dreaming big! Add any equipment needs like grow lights, seed trays, or new pruners to your shopping or holiday wish list.
