DECEMBER

In the Edible Garden

• Cover strawberries with straw after the ground freezes.
• Check out vegetable garden catalogs. Free listing of seed companies available.

In the Ornamental Garden

• Apply winter protection to perennials and roses after the ground has frozen.
• Plan a backyard wildlife habitat.
• Protect newly planted broadleaf evergreens such as azaleas, boxwood and hollies with a burlap screen. Set screen stakes in ground before the ground freezes.
• Mulch the root zones of azaleas and rhododendrons.
• Protect newly planted trees from gnawing by rabbits and mice. Put a loose cylinder of hardware cloth or poultry wire around the trunk base.
• Winterize all power equipment before storage.
• Move stone statuary indoors to prevent frost cracks.
• Feed the birds.

In the Interior Garden

• Reduce or eliminate fertilizer for houseplants until spring.
• Keep succulents and cacti on the dry side.Try indoor worm composting. Great for kids!
• Make a Christmas candle arrangement.