This Month in the Garden: December

When it comes to your yard and garden, the work never ceases, but as English Poet Alfred Austin said, “To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul.” Here’s a definitive list of what to do this month.


Top 3 Must-Dos (More info in the sections below.)

  1. Keep off the [frozen] grass!
  2. Plan next year’s garden.
  3. Feed the birds.

Garden Care

  • Plant the last of your tulip bulbs.
  • If you plan to bring dahlia tubers inside for winter and haven’t done it yet, do it now.
  • Prune climbing roses and make sure that they (and other climbing plants) are tied securely to their supports.
  • Clear fallen debris from around roses to prevent disease next year.
  • DO NOT deadhead your hydrangeas; the spent flowers help insulate new buds and protect them from winter weather.
  • Drain and store your hoses.
  • Have your garden tools cleaned, sharpened, and/or repaired so that they’re ready to go next spring.

Lawn Care

  • Prune dead branches from trees and shrubs as they go dormant for winter.
  • Avoid walking on frozen grass, which can damage it.
  • Keep weeding! (As long as the ground’s not frozen.) Wet soil makes it easier to remove weeds’ roots.
  • Keep removing leaves (if they’re still falling).
  • Keep mowing if your grass is still growing, but be sure not to shear it too short — that can cause stress.
  • Keep feeding the birds.

Harvesting & Sowing (Fruits & Veggies)

  • Prune your fruit trees and grape vines to shape them up and encourage fruit production next year. (Use sharp tools so that you don’t damage limbs!)
  • Apply glue or grease bands to fruit trees to keep worms at bay.
  • Plant raspberries and blueberries!
  • Plan next year’s vegetable garden. Consider rotating crops every year to keep your soil nice and healthy.
  • Order your vegetable and flower seeds.

Indoor Plant Care

  • Check to make sure that your indoor plants are well hydrated as you turn up the heat in your home.
  • Keep a close eye on any plants that you’ve brought in from outside and take measures to eliminate pests before they multiply.

Visit Rexius.com or Give Us a Call If...

  • You need help winterizing your yard & garden.
  • You need help planning next year’s garden.
  • You’ve got a trailer full of green waste (including brown leaves) and you’d like to drop it off at the Rexius Retail Yard.
  • You want to give the gift of Opus Grows (or other Rexius products) this holiday season.

What’s Coming Next Month

Nothing! Well, there are things that you could be doing in the garden during the month of January, of course, like planting asparagus, but we suggest that you take the month off. Put your “free time” to use elsewhere. Maybe get started on those New Year’s resolutions! We’ll see you in the spring.