Mid-Atlantic Gardener's December Checklist
Let winter's slower pace set a relaxing rhythm — allowing your garden to rest now can be good for both of you
The weather outside is frightful, and the plants are fast asleep, but that doesn't mean that gardening is dead in winter. A few remaining tasks — from cleaning and prepping to fun little potting chores — will make those cooped-up winter days a bit less dreary.
Gardening indoors becomes a slower way of enjoying the green while outdoor gardens beg to be left alone for a few months. Listen to the rhythms of nature and relax while dreaming of spring.
Gardening indoors becomes a slower way of enjoying the green while outdoor gardens beg to be left alone for a few months. Listen to the rhythms of nature and relax while dreaming of spring.
Keep off those flower beds and lawns, too! Once they are covered in snow and start a freeze-thaw cycle, the soil goes through vital reshuffling processes. It will loosen and break from the water and ice, but many of the benefits will be lost if you step on the work in progress and compact the soil.
Garden Indoors
A few evergreen saplings potted in various containers are perfectly festive and a green option to the traditional cut tree. Place your saplings in a cool spot while they're indoors, then plant them in the backyard later or them give to a friend with land to give back a little after the holidays have past.
For a temporary display, pot cut evergreen branches to serve as mini Christmas trees through the holidays.
See how to create these mini Christmas trees
A few evergreen saplings potted in various containers are perfectly festive and a green option to the traditional cut tree. Place your saplings in a cool spot while they're indoors, then plant them in the backyard later or them give to a friend with land to give back a little after the holidays have past.
For a temporary display, pot cut evergreen branches to serve as mini Christmas trees through the holidays.
See how to create these mini Christmas trees
Monitor indoor potted plants for signs of disease and pests. Whiteflies are easily taken care of with soapy water and traps, while others can be harder to get rid of. If a plant falls prey, quarantine it quickly so other plants don't become infested.
If the ground has not frozen over, you still have time to plant those bulbs. Get them in the ground quickly, though. If a solid freeze has already hit your region, take advantage of those clearance bulb sales and force the bulbs indoors.
Wildlife Care
Many berries are at their peak right now. Enjoy their beauty but leave them alone this time of year. They are a vital part of native birds' diets.
Many berries are at their peak right now. Enjoy their beauty but leave them alone this time of year. They are a vital part of native birds' diets.
Cleanup Time
Winter is the perfect time to spend an afternoon in the tool shed organizing, cleaning and prepping tools for the next growing season. Simple soap and water will take care of cleaning most tools, while pots and clippers should be cleaned with a mild solution of bleach water to prevent plant disease.
Winter is the perfect time to spend an afternoon in the tool shed organizing, cleaning and prepping tools for the next growing season. Simple soap and water will take care of cleaning most tools, while pots and clippers should be cleaned with a mild solution of bleach water to prevent plant disease.
Break out the window cleaner and sharpen those snowy views! We need lots of light this time of year to combat the shorter days and the moods that can accompany them. Open the shades, make sure those windows are clean and enjoy the snow.
Whether you are cleaning and prepping for spring, or simply enjoying the charms of winter, allow the slower winter pace to lure you in. Take time to watch the birds outside your freshly shined windows, plant just a few pots every now and again, and let yourself relax until spring starts knocking with her long list of wake-up chores.
More guides to winter gardening
More guides to winter gardening
The grounds here in the mid-Atlantic might start seeing snow in December. Once the snow layer has landed, leave it alone. Snow actually protects plants from wind and the disastrous effects of a freeze -thaw cycle. Leave plants covered in the blanket of snow, and they will stay frozen instead of thawing out and exposing themselves to the next deadly freeze.