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.
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