Laidback Gardening: What to Do in December?

At the beginning of December, in cold climates, it’s hard to predict the weather. Some days may be mild and sunny, while others see our garden covered with a good layer of snow… which could disappear the very next day.

It’s a time when we can still get a bit busy: maintaining our tools, harvesting frost-resistant or sheltered vegetables, taking care of our houseplants, and so on.

But December is a time for reflection. What elements of the garden remain attractive in winter? Are there areas that are too empty, or features that could be improved, to ensure that the garden retains its charm all year round?

It’s also an ideal season for planning. Take the time to review the past year: which crops did well? Which plantings were disappointing? Start imagining next year’s vegetable garden, selecting seeds to order and considering new landscaping projects.

December is a time of unpredictable action and contemplation. It’s an opportunity to prepare for the coming season while enjoying the calm that winter brings.

And if you don’t feel like taking action, get out your holiday decorations and light up your neighbourhood: a little light is always good in these darker days!

Vegetable Garden

1. Plan your vegetable garden: In December, start planning the layout of your vegetable garden for the coming season.
2. Planning indoor seedlings for winter and spring: This is the ideal time to think about the seedlings you’ll want to start indoors in January or February.
3. Harvesting hardy vegetables: If you still have root vegetables like carrots or parsnips in the ground, you can harvest them. Some vegetables, such as kale, can also survive up to more intense frosts.

Ornamental Garden

1. Install winter protection in the first year only: Protection is especially necessary in the first year of planting, especially for shrubs and trees at the edge of their hardiness zone or for evergreens.
2. Decorate your containers for winter: Add branches of evergreen, holly or dogwood to embellish your pots and planters for winter.
3. Late bulb planting: Spring-flowering bulbs can be planted late as long as the ground is not frozen, and even if a thin frost crust has formed, it can be broken to reach the still crumbly soil.
4. Thinking about landscaping: Take advantage of the quiet time to think about the improvements or changes you’d like to make to your garden in the spring. Write down your ideas or sketch out plans.

Houseplants

1. Houseplant care: Make sure your plants get enough light. Reduce watering, as they need less water in winter. Stop or reduce fertilization.
2. Increase atmospheric humidity: Place a humidifier near plants sensitive to dry conditions caused by indoor heating. But don’t overdo it! This can cause condensation.
3. Pest detection: Inspect leaves and soil regularly for the presence of insect pests that can proliferate in winter.
4. Care for Christmas plants: Place them in a well-lit environment, away from draughts and heat sources. Water moderately, only when the soil surface is dry.

Other

1. Clean and store tools: If you haven’t already done so, December is a good time to clean, sharpen and store your gardening tools so they’re ready for the next season.
2. Bird feeder maintenance: In winter, help the birds by offering high-fat foods such as seeds or suet, while keeping the feeder regularly stocked to ensure a reliable food source.
3. Christmas tree care: If you’re using a natural Christmas tree, cut off about 2 cm from the base of the trunk before placing it in the water. Keep the water tank full to prolong the tree’s freshness, and avoid placing it near heat sources.