DECEMBER

In the Edible Garden

• Cover strawberries with straw after the ground freezes.
• Create a journal to record what worked in '07. Be specific about varieties that performed well. If possible, record soil amendments to track how beds perform next year.
• Seed catalogues begin arriving late this month. If you're not on a list, here are two you can't live without: Burpee and Park Seed. Both are free. For a Midwest source, order from Jung Seed of Randolph, Wis. Their $3 fee is refundable with an order.
• Organize leftover seeds, discard packets that are empty or nearly so.

In the Ornamental Garden

• 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.
• 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.
• Mulch to keep cold in once soil freezes. This includes roses and perennials. Use chicken wire cages to contain shredded leaves in windy locations.
• Continue to plant bulbs until the soil freezes solid.
• Remove leaves from gutters and roof surfaces to avoid ice dams later. A blower works well on dry leaves.

In the Indoor 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.
• Amaryllis stems bend toward light. Turn the plant frequently to keep it growing straight.
• Keep poinsettias in a bright, non-drafty location. Check moisture frequently; do not allow to dry out.
• Punch holes for drainage in decorative foil used to wrap pots of flowering plants.
• If you use live mistletoe, keep it away from pets and children-all parts are poisonous.