Gardening in December can be a great way to plan ahead for the coming year. With the right tips and advice, you can protect your plants from the frost and get a jumpstart on the next growing season. In December, it’s important to bring potted plants inside, cover them with cloth, and water them in the morning.
It’s important to select the right seeds and bulbs, research potential growth spots, and choose hardy varieties that will best suit your garden. With the right preparation, December can be a great time to start planning your garden for a successful year.
What to Consider Before Planting in December
Before planting in December, it is important to consider the climate and your specific location. If you live in an area with a cooler winter climate, it’s best to wait until the spring to plant.
If you have milder winters, planting in December is possible. It’s important to research the varieties of plants that thrive in your area and to make sure you are prepared for any cold snaps that may occur. When planting in December, it’s important to protect your plants from frost.
If you have any potted plants, it’s best to bring them inside or to a sheltered area when the temperatures drop.
If you are planting directly into the ground, consider covering plants with cloth or other materials to protect them from frost. Be sure to water your plants in the morning so that the moisture is not trapped in the soil overnight. December is a great time to plan for the coming season.
Consider selecting seeds and bulbs that will thrive in your area and research potential growth spots to see what will work best. Choose plants that are hardy and will survive any frosty temperatures until the spring. Taking the time to properly plan in December will help ensure that your garden is successful in the upcoming season.
Protecting Plants from the Frost
Bringing potted plants inside is a great way to protect them from the frost. Before you do this, make sure to give them a thorough watering so that the soil is not too dry when you bring them inside.
Covering plants with cloth is also a great way to protect them from the frost, as it traps heat around the plant. Make sure to use a light cloth, such as a sheet, rather than something heavy like a blanket. Watering plants in the morning is also important as the water will evaporate throughout the day, releasing heat and keeping the plant a bit warmer.
Bring Potted Plants Inside
Bringing potted plants inside during cold weather is an important part of protecting them from frost. Make sure you bring them in before temperatures dip too low. If you wait too long and the temperature gets too cold, you risk damaging your plants, or even killing them.
Take the time to bring them in and you’ll be sure to have healthy plants in the spring! When you do bring your potted plants indoors, inspect them thoroughly before you place them in a warm area.
Look for pests, like aphids or mealy bugs, and inspect the leaves for any signs of discoloration or wilting. If you spot any of these issues, treat your plants with a pesticide and make sure to keep an eye on them while they’re inside.
Be sure to place your plants in a warm, sunny spot and make sure they get enough water. Don’t let the soil dry out completely or the plants may suffer. A bit of extra care over the winter months can help ensure that your plants will be in great shape for the spring.
Cover Plants with Cloth
It’s important to cover plants with cloth during December. This can help protect them from frost and keep them looking their best.
If possible, use a breathable cloth material like cotton, which will allow the plants to breathe. If you’re using a plastic material, make sure you leave it in place for no more than a few hours.
It can cause damage to the plants. When you’re covering plants with cloth, make sure you get it as close to the ground as possible. This is important because the closer the cloth is to the ground, the more effective it will be in keeping the plants warm.
Tie the cloth around the base of the plants and use a few small stakes to keep it in place. Make sure to remove the cloth when temperatures start to rise.
This will ensure that your plants can get enough sun, air and water. If you leave the cloth on too long, the plants will not be able to receive the nutrients they need, and they may not thrive. It’s important to keep an eye on the weather and remove the cloth when necessary.
Water Plants in the Morning
Watering your plants in the morning is the best way to help them thrive during the colder December days. In the morning, when temperatures are cooler, the water has more of a chance to soak into the ground and make its way to the root systems of your plants.
Be sure to water your plants deeply and thoroughly to give them the best chance of surviving and thriving in the winter months. If you don’t have a chance to water your plants in the morning, then you can also water them in the evening. But just make sure to do so before the sun goes down, as this can help your plants to absorb the water better.
You also want to avoid watering your plants in the middle of the day, when temperatures are higher and the sun is more intense.
This can actually do more harm than good to your plants. Watering your plants regularly and consistently throughout the winter months is key to keeping them healthy and strong. Doing this in the morning will give your plants a better chance at surviving the cold temperatures and will help them to be ready to bloom and grow in the spring season.
Planning for the Coming Season
When planning for the coming season, select seeds and bulbs that are suited to the area that you are gardening in. Consider the climate, soil type, and rainfall amounts in your area before making your selection. Research potential growth spots that get enough sunlight and have good drainage, as these will be the ideal locations to start your plants.
Choose hardy varieties that are resistant to disease and pests and that can handle any variation in temperature or conditions. Look for plants that will not require a lot of maintenance or need to be staked or supported.
By doing this, you can ensure success with your plants and create a beautiful garden.
It’s important to stay organized. Create a planting plan and a timeline for when you’ll need to start your seeds and bulbs, so you know exactly when to start preparing your garden. Keep track of which plants you’ve planted and where, so that you can easily keep up with their progress. By doing this, you’ll be able to maximize your success in the garden and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Selecting Seeds and Bulbs
When selecting seeds and bulbs for the upcoming garden season, remember to find a variety of plants that work with your climate and soil type. Consider hardy plants that can tolerate changes in temperature and moisture levels. Look for varieties that are resistant to pests and disease, and that can thrive in local conditions.
You may also want to consider plants that are drought tolerant and need minimal maintenance. Choose bulbs that can be planted in the fall or winter, which will give you a jump start come springtime.
Research Potential Growth Spots
It’s important to research potential growth spots for your plants before planting in December. Consider aspects like sunlight, drainage, and soil type. Start by researching the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find out what plants survive in your area.
You should consider the space you have.
If you’re tight on space, look for plants that don’t require much room to grow. Make sure to also think about whether you’ll need to move the plants indoors during winters. While researching the potential growth spots, you’ll also want to look into companion planting.
Companion planting means you’re planting two or more plants together to benefit one another. Herbs like parsley and dill can be planted together to give the other plant more nutrients.
Doing so also helps increase yields and reduce pests.
You should also consider crop rotation. This means that each year you’re planting different types of plants in the same spot. It’s important to understand the benefits of crop rotation so you can make the most of your planting.
You should also research the best soil for your plants. Different plants have different soil preferences.
Some plants prefer acidic soil, while others prefer alkaline soil. The best soil for your plants will be one that provides the right pH balance and the right amount of nutrients. You can also add amendments to the soil to make it more suitable for your plants. By researching your potential growth spots, you can better understand how to make them ideal for your plants.
Choose Hardy Varieties
When it comes to selecting seeds and bulbs for your garden, go for the hardy varieties. These are more likely to survive the winter and provide you with a much bigger, better harvest in the spring.
When shopping for plants and seeds this December, look for those labeled as ‘hardy’ or ‘cold tolerant’. This will save you a ton of time and effort in the long run.
Not all plants are created equal when it comes to surviving the winter. To ensure you have a successful garden in the following season, choose varieties that are proven to withstand cold temperatures. If you’re unsure of what types to go for, don’t hesitate to ask for advice at your local gardening store. They’ll be able to provide you with some helpful tips and ideas for your December garden.