Gardening Calendar for December
December is a quiet month in the gardening calendar. Most plants have gone dormant, and the weather is cold and frosty. However, there are still a few things that you can do to prepare for the upcoming growing season. Here's a complete gardening calendar for December that will guide you through all the essential tasks and events that you need to know.
1. Planning
December is the perfect time to plan your garden for the upcoming year. Start by making a list of the vegetables, fruits, and flowers that you want to grow. Consider their sunlight and water requirements, and think about their compatibility with other plants.
2. Maintenance
December is also an excellent month for maintaining your gardening tools and equipment. Clean and sharpen your pruning shears, shovels, and other tools. Also, check your irrigation system for leaks or clogs and repair them as needed.
3. Soil Testing
December is the ideal time to test your soil for pH and nutrient levels. You can buy a soil testing kit from your local garden centre or send a soil sample to a laboratory for analysis.
4. Composting
December is an excellent time to start a compost pile. Collect your kitchen scraps, leaves, and grass clippings and mix them together to create a nutrient-rich compost that will nourish your plants.
5. Protection
December is also the month when frost and cold damage can harm your plants. Cover your plants with frost blankets or straw to protect them from the cold. Also, check your greenhouse heater to make sure it's working correctly.
6. Pruning
December is a good month to prune your fruit trees and grapevines. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and shape the plant according to your desired form.
7. Garden Design
December is also an excellent month to design your garden. Consider the placement of plants, garden paths, and other features. Also, think about adding hardscaping elements like raised beds, trellises, or fences.
8. Bulbs
December is the month when you can plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. Plant them in well-draining soil in a sunny location, and water them regularly.
9. Indoor Plants
December is a great month to take care of your indoor plants. Water them regularly and keep them away from cold drafts or heat sources.
By following this gardening calendar for December, you can ensure that your garden stays healthy, productive, and beautiful throughout the year. Happy gardening!
FAQs
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Can I plant anything in December? Yes, you can plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses in December.
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How do I protect my plants from frost and cold damage in December? Cover your plants with frost blankets or straw to protect them from the cold. Also, check your greenhouse heater to make sure it's working correctly.
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When should I prune my fruit trees and grapevines? December is a good month to prune your fruit trees and grapevines before they start growing again in the spring.
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How do I test my soil in December? You can buy a soil testing kit from your local garden centre or send a soil sample to a laboratory for analysis.
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How do I start a compost pile in December? Collect your kitchen scraps, leaves, and grass clippings and mix them together to create a nutrient-rich compost pile that will nourish your plants.
