All the Gardening Tasks You Should Do in December

It’s December, and many of my gardener friends across the U.S. have yards blanketed in snow. In the Southwest, friends are just starting to get serious about vegetable gardening for the season, and here in the Pacific Northwest it’s been cold but without a lick of moisture, which is a welcome break. Piles of leaves decorate the streets, waiting to be picked up, and everyone’s garden beds have been put to bed. 

Most gardeners use this time to take a breather and get ready for next year’s garden. That said, there’s still quite a bit you can do outside right now, as long as your ground is still workable. You can still get in bulbs, and not just flower bulbs like tulips, daffodils and alliums, but garlic and shallots, too. Even if you can’t find garlic in your garden center (it’s late), your grocery-store garlic will do just fine. 

Use the rain to your advantage

Something I try to remember this time of year is to get carrot seeds on the ground, because the rain and snow will do the heavy lifting to germinate them, and come spring, you’ll have early, sweet carrots. The same is true for allium seeds like onions and daikon. 

Get rid of slugs

Winter is when slugs and snails make their move in your garden beds. Staying on top of that with applications of Sluggo is imperative, since the rain washes it away.

Cold stratification starts now

I recently wrote about a new cold stratification system, and I’m excited to try it this year. Remember, lots of flower seeds and a few vegetable seeds require this period of cold temperatures in order to germinate in spring. 

Keep your sidewalks and driveways clear

With the wet weather settling in, whether that’s ice, snow or rain, keeping your sidewalks and driveways clear becomes more important. I can’t count how many times I’ve almost been taken out by slippery leaves. On dry days, get out and rake your pathways clear. 

Last chance to prune shrubs and fruit trees

I’ve been eyeing a cherry tree that’s due for a big chop, and I took down my 30-year-old hydrangea this week. Both will come back stronger and in a way that is more conducive to blooms and fruit. The time to get pruning done is when plants are in hibernation, so if you’re not experiencing deep freezes yet, get the work done. Not just fruit trees—look at the property and check trees for branches that overhang power lines or the street. Those will become risks in a storm. 

Wrap up young shrubs and trees

If you experience severe winters, you might consider shrouding your young shrubs and trees, which means tucking them in under some burlap or leaves for insulation. Your nursery can help with supplies and specific instructions for your particular situation.

It’s seed time

Believe it or not, the first seeds will get started in about eight weeks. Next year’s seed releases seem to be earlier than usual. I haven’t received paper catalogs yet, but more websites have been updated by major seed houses already for next year. Be sure to get your seed orders in by the end of the year. If you’re not yet actively planning for next year’s garden, you should start.