December in the
Garden
The weather outside might not be frightful yet, but this is probably your last chance to get your plants protected for the winter. Get those winter coats on and get out in the garden one last time before spring.
Flowering
Plants, Trees, and Shrubs
Here in Zone 5, roses are notorious for needing extra care in winter. A good layer of mulch goes a long way if you planted the bud union below the soil line. If not, mound up the soil so it covers the bud union then load on the mulch. Surprisingly, most damage to roses comes from winds that dry the canes out instead of the actual cold temperature. For superior protection, spray the canes with Wilt Pruf (or anti-dessicant of your choice) to help hold in the moisture from the frigid winds, then wrap burlap around the plant. This should pretty much insure your rosebush against an icy death. You can use the burlap wrap on other tender perennials to help them survive the winter, too.
There is a saying that if you can dig it, you can plant it. As long as the ground isn't frozen, you can still plant some trees and shrubs if you want. Just remember that they will need water and you probably should spray them with Wilt Pruf so the plants can hold in as much moisture as possible. You can still sneak in some last minute bulbs like crocus, daffodils, and tulips.
Fruits and
Vegetables
Strawberries will definately need a layer of straw mulch applied to them. You can keep carrots and potatoes in the ground with some straw insulation too. Do not prune any fruit trees. Only cut off damaged limbs. The no pruning now rule applies to roses as well.
Maintenance
Chores
Disconnect outdoor hoses, clean tools, take inventory of equipment, and store chemicals properly. Browse those catalogs and start planning next year's garden. Start placing rose orders now to reserve those special varieties that sell out early. Decorate outdoors for Christmas!
For Holiday Cheer
Buy amaryllis or poinsettia to brighten up your home. Deck the halls with boughs of holly...seriously. Use evergreen swags and wreaths throughout the house. Don't forget a sprig of mistletoe! Try buying a living tree instead of a pre-cut one for Christmas this year. You can plant it after the holidays and have a permanent Christmas tree in your yard! My elementary-aged daughter has one that we planted a couple of years ago and she watches over it very carefully. It is her personal Christmas tree and she decorates it every year. Water it thoroughly before taking it inside and don't keep it indoors more than a week and a half. If you still want a cut tree, then be sure it has plenty of water so it doesn't dry out and become a fire hazard. It may require up to a gallon of water a day.
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