December Gardening Tips

• Planting – Deadhead and feed cool season color and vegetables with an organic slow-release fertilizer such as Hasta-Gro or Ladybug Flower Power. Continue to plant cool weather color: pansies, snapdragons, and cyclamen. Lettuces can also still be started from seed.
• Water – Maintain watering on newly planted seeds and transplants. Continue to deep water trees and shrubs. A well hydrated plant holds up to frosts and freezes better than a drought stressed plant.
• Pests – Bring in containerized tropicals: Plumerias, crotons, dracaenas, etc. Check undersides of leaves and new growth for insects and treat accordingly.
• Lawns – Mow fallen leaves with a mulching mower. When lawn can’t take more leaves, add to flower beds. When beds are full of mulched leaves, add to the compost bin.
• Poinsettias – Water well until soil is saturated and allow to dry between waterings. Apply water to soil and not the foliage or blooms. Keep away from drafts.
• Birds – Don’t forget to keep seed feeders full and fresh water in bird baths. Put out suet cakes — the extra protein helps keep our feathered friends warm in the winter months.
• Freezes – Have frost cloth on hand to cover tender plants in case of freezing weather.

— Source: Buchanan’s Native Plants