It’s the last month of the year, but there are still plenty of things that we can be doing with our plants. December sure came in like a bang here in Richmond with over 8 inches of snow in the first nine days. 2025 is almost over, so let me do a little recap of November and where we stand. Currently, our soil temperature is above freezing. Seldom, if ever, does our soil really freeze.
DECEMBER GARDENING TASKS
Below are some gardening tasks that we can be doing in December. BE ALERT: It is best to let nature take its course when it comes to removing snow off of your plants. If you force it you could be doing some damage to the branches. So, just be patient.
FEED THE BIRDS
Let’s all remember that we live with nature and we need to be kind to our feathered friends in the winter. The best thing we can do is to provide birds with food, water, and shelter.
LEAVE THE LEAVES
Our shade trees are still shedding leaves. As the leaves fall think about mowing over the leaves and chopping them up into small matter. These leaves will break down over time giving organic matter and nutrients back to our lawns. Main thing is that you don’t want leaves to pile thick on top of your lawn. Letting so will cut off sunlight to the grass and cause it to turn yellow and eventually die. Also, you can rake or leaf blow leaves into your landscape gardens. These piles of leaves will provide shelter for our birds and other beneficial pollinators that live with us year round.
BULBS
You still have bulbs, such as daffodils, crocus, tulips that you did not plant yet? No problem. December is still a good planting month for bulbs.
LAWNS
If you have a cool season fescue lawn then now is still a good time to give your lawn a winterizing feeding.
WATERING
Keep your evergreen plants watered during winter when there is no rainfall. Dessication, or drying out, can cause significant damage to evergreens. Please be mindful of your winter container gardens as they will dry out faster since sitting up out of the ground and exposed to more wind and sun drying the soil quicker.
Enjoy December and what Mother Nature gives us. Be sure to get outside and walk around. This is good for the soul.