Your Essential December Gardening Checklist

Tasks to Keep Your Garden Healthy and Ready for Spring

As the winter months settle in, gardening might be the last thing on your mind, but December is an important month for preparing your garden for the year ahead. While it’s a quieter time in the garden, there are still several tasks that can help maintain your outdoor space and ensure it’s ready for spring. Here’s a comprehensive December gardening checklist to keep your garden healthy and thriving.

A man covering his plants to protect them from harsh winters ©Olga Seifutdinova from Getty Images via Canva.com

1. Protect Plants from the Cold

December brings cold weather, frost, and even snow in some areas, so it’s essential to protect vulnerable plants. Use horticultural fleece or frost protection covers to shield plants such as tender shrubs, roses, and perennials. If you haven’t already, consider mulching your flower beds and vegetable patches to insulate the roots of plants and retain moisture.

2. Prune Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

While it’s generally best to prune most plants in late winter or early spring, December is a good time to cut back deciduous trees and shrubs that are dormant. This helps to remove any dead or diseased wood, encouraging healthy growth in the spring. Pay attention to your apple and pear trees, cutting away any unwanted growth. For more delicate shrubs, make sure to prune lightly, removing only dead or damaged branches. If you want more information on what happens to apple trees during this time check out our blog on what to do when your apple tree falls over!

3. Check Tree Stakes and Supports

Strong winter winds can cause damage to trees and shrubs if they aren’t properly supported. Check tree stakes and supports to ensure they’re still securely in place. This is especially important for young trees that are still establishing themselves in your garden.

Raking fallen leaves to prevent them from causing damage ©Svetlana Verbitskaya from Getty Images via Canva.com

4. Tend to Your Lawn

Although December isn’t a time for mowing, it’s still important to care for your lawn. Rake up any fallen leaves to prevent them from suffocating the grass and causing fungal diseases. If your lawn gets compacted due to foot traffic or wet weather, consider aerating the soil. You can use a garden fork or aerator to relieve compaction and help water and nutrients reach the grass roots.

5. Clean and Prepare Garden Tools

Winter is an ideal time to give your garden tools some TLC. Clean and sharpen tools like shears, pruners, and spades, and make sure they are well-oiled to prevent rusting. Take the time to fix or replace any broken tools so you’re ready for spring gardening.

6. Plan Your Garden for Next Year

December might be a quieter time for planting, but it’s a great opportunity to plan for next year’s garden. Review your garden’s layout and make a list of plants you'd like to add. Consider flowers, vegetables, and herbs that thrive in your climate. If you plan to start seeds indoors, research the best time to begin sowing. Look into buying your seeds now to avoid shortages later in the season.

7. Feed Birds

The colder weather can be challenging for wildlife, particularly birds. Provide food sources by setting up bird feeders with seeds, nuts, and berries. You can also put out fresh water in a shallow dish to ensure birds stay hydrated during the winter months. Adding a few nesting boxes can encourage birds to stay in your garden through the colder season.

Bird feed, filled with a mix of seeds, is now ready to attract a variety of beautiful birds to the Beechwood Trees and Landscapes yard.

8. Indoor Gardening: Start Seeds for Spring

Although it’s too early to plant outdoors, December is a great time to start seeds indoors. Many gardeners begin sowing seeds like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in late December or early January, so they’re ready to transplant once the weather warms up. Consider investing in grow lights if you don’t have a sunny spot for your seedlings.

9. Maintain Garden Structures

Check garden fences, gates, and structures like trellises or garden arches. Make sure they’re sturdy and secure before the weather gets worse. If you have climbing plants, ensure that they are well-supported and properly tied back to prevent damage in high winds.

10. Tend to Winter Vegetables

If you have winter vegetables growing, now is the time to care for them. Winter cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kale should be harvested before frost damages them. Make sure any cold-hardy crops are properly covered to protect them from freezing temperatures. Consider using row covers or cloches to keep your veggies safe.

Final Thoughts: Preparing Your Garden for the New Year

While December gardening might not be as active as other months, it’s still an important time to get ahead of next season. By following this checklist, you’ll ensure that your garden is prepared for winter and set up for a successful growing season in the year ahead.

From protecting plants against frost to cleaning your garden tools, every small task adds up to create a thriving garden when spring arrives. Whether you’re planning ahead or taking care of winter crops, December offers a chance to pause, reflect, and take practical steps for your garden’s future.