Before we cozy up with our cocoa and drift into winter’s slower rhythm, it’s worth bundling up and taking one last walk through the garden as one of our December garden goals. Think of it as a gentle sendoff to the growing season—a final lap that sets the stage for healthy, thriving plants come spring.
December is a transition month. The trees are mostly bare, the days are shorter, and our gardens are heading into hibernation. But there are still a few key things we can do to tuck everything in, check off the last to-dos, and make the most of the resources already lying around the yard. Plus, it feels good to move around outside before diving into holiday treats and binge-worthy shows.
1. Hoses, Faucets, and Outdoor Water
Let’s start with the basics. Have you drained and stored your hoses yet? If they’re still coiled up by the spigot, don’t wait. Water left in hoses can freeze, expand, and cause cracking—not only in the hose itself, but in your faucets or connectors, too.
Here’s your quick checklist:
- Disconnect all hoses and let them drain thoroughly.
- Coil and store them in a dry place like a garage or shed.
- Turn off outdoor faucets from the inside shut-off valve if you have one.
- Cover exposed spigots with insulated faucet covers to protect from freezing temperatures.
This simple step can save you a plumbing headache when spring returns.
2. Turning Leaves From a Nuisance to Nature’s Mulch
If you’re staring down another layer of crispy brown leaves in your yard, you’re not alone. Many deciduous trees (especially oaks) are late droppers, and their leaves might still be fluttering down well into December.
Yep, it’s tempting to rake them all up and haul them away—but wait! Those leaves are garden gold.
Why keep your leaves?
- They’re free mulch. Shredded leaves insulate your soil, help retain moisture, and break down into nutrient-rich organic matter.
- They protect beneficial insects. Many pollinators and other helpful critters overwinter in leaf litter.
- They reduce waste. Sending bags of leaves to the curb removes valuable nutrients from your ecosystem.
What to do with them:
- Shred and mulch: Run over dry leaves with a mower, then use them around garden beds and shrubs.
- Compost them: Mix with green materials like veggie scraps and grass clippings for balanced compost.
- Store for spring: Bag up dry shredded leaves and save them to mix into compost piles or use as mulch later.
3. Time to Tuck In Your Pots and Containers
Have a few containers still lingering on the porch or patio? Before a hard freeze sneaks in, take stock of what can stay outside and what needs to be stored.
Which containers need to come inside?
- Terracotta and ceramic pots are prone to cracking when water inside the soil freezes and expands.
- Tropicals and tender perennials like elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta), alocasia, and caladium need indoor shelter.
- Any pot that’s not labeled frost-proof is at risk.
Helpful tip: Even if the plant inside is hardy, the container might not be. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to bring it into a protected, unheated space like a garage or basement. Need a how-to? We have an essential guide to properly caring for your planters over winter.
And if you’re itching to plant something, you’re not alone. Try your hand at designing winter containers with cold-hardy greenery like Japanese skimmia (Skimmia japonica), winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata), or trailing English ivy. Just remember to keep them watered. It’s not the cold that kills potted plants—it’s dehydration.
4. There’s Still Time to Plant Bulbs (Just Barely!)
Did time get away from you this fall? If your spring bulbs are still sitting in the garage, don’t panic! December can still work, especially here in Western North Carolina, where the ground may not freeze solid until January.
Most tulips, daffodils (narcissus), hyacinths, and crocus bulbs have been pre-chilled, which means you’re still within the safe planting window.
A few tips:
- Plant before the ground freezes: If the soil is too hard, use containers instead.
- Try “bulb lasagna”: Layer bulbs in a deep pot—tall ones like tulips on the bottom, mid-sized daffodils in the middle, and smaller ones like crocuses or grape hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum) on top.
- Water them in: Even in cool weather, a good soak helps settle the soil and trigger root development.
5. Bring in the Tropicals
Let’s be honest: If your tropicals are still outside by now, you probably already know they need help. As soon as nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 55°F, it’s time to bring plants like peace lilies (Spathiphyllum wallisii), snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata), and fiddle-leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) indoors.
Even if they’ve survived a few chilly nights, prolonged exposure to cold can stunt growth or cause long-term damage. If you’ve already lost a few, well, there’s always next season. And hey, it’s a great excuse to check out some new houseplants while holiday shopping. You might want to check out your favorite garden center for the beautiful selections we have this time of year!
6. Deck the Halls… Thoughtfully!
Cutting evergreen branches to decorate for the holidays? It’s a lovely way to bring the garden indoors, but a few quick reminders will keep your trees and shrubs happy.
When cutting:
- Use clean, sharp pruners for a clean cut.
- Snip selectively: Don’t remove entire branches or shear indiscriminately.
- Stay in your yard: Always ask permission before gathering greenery from someone else’s property. That’s just being smart. (And neighborly!)
Great plants for winter décor include:
- American holly (Ilex opaca)
- Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
- Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
- Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), though use sparingly—its berries are toxic to birds
7. Take Care of the Birds
As the garden slows down, your local birds are still very much active… And hungry. December is a great time to clean and refill bird feeders, or install new ones.
Look for seed mixes that attract a variety of species: Cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, and finches all love black-oil sunflower seeds. And if squirrels are a problem (when are they not?), try a squirrel-proof feeder like the Squirrel Buster®, which uses weight-triggered technology to keep the freeloaders out.
You could even gift one to a bird-loving friend this season. It’s practical, and the birds will thank you, too.
8. Sharpen, Store, and Take Inventory
Before you hang up your trowel for the winter, take a few minutes to give your tools a little TLC:
- Sharpen pruners, loppers, and shears
- Clean blades with alcohol to prevent disease spread
- Oil wooden handles with linseed oil to prevent cracking
- Check for rust and sand it off if needed
This is also a good time to take stock: What tools need replacing? Which gloves have holes? A winter’s rest is the perfect time to put together a wish list. Or drop a hint for your holiday gift-givers.
One Last Sip
And there you have it, your December garden checklist, all wrapped up like a bow on the season. You’ve put in the work, tended the soil, fought the weeds, and harvested the rewards. Now it’s time to rest, reflect, and maybe dream a little about next year.
So go ahead. Pour that hot chocolate, cue up your favorite holiday music, and scroll through some garden inspiration. You’ve earned it.
Until spring, friend. Happy wintering!
