Your December Garden Checklist with Mike Darcy

With the month of December, there are major holidays to celebrate and much of it has to do with tasks indoors. However, there are always things to do in the garden and December is no exception. As with any other month, but perhaps more so in December, the weather plays an important part of multiple factors in the garden. Anyone that has lived in the Pacific Northwest for several years can attest to our unpredictable December weather. The conditions are variable depending on your location, but the following is a general guide.

Support for Trees

Strong winter winds can uproot newly planted trees, or in some instances actually snap the trunk into two pieces. If a newly tree is in a location that receives strong winds, staking the tree with a strong wooden stake may be a benefit. I like to use the Zenport Plant Chain Tie because it pulls through itself and easily twists into a locking position. Another benefit is that it is adjustable and reusable. The current thinking about staking a tree is that in most instances it is best to let the tree grow on its own without being staked. However, I think that a newly planted tree in a strong wind location, staking is advisable.

Mulch Tender Plants

For plants that may be somewhat winter tender, a mulch of garden compost around the base of the plants can help to protect the roots during hard freezes. For plants in containers, even moving them up against the house can sometimes offer some winter protection. For plants that I know are not winter hardy, I will bring them indoors or in the garage on very cold nights.

Check for Drainage

After a winter rain, walk around the garden and check for standing water. If there are areas with puddles of water, it might indicate there are some drainage issues. If it is not a major issue, adding perlite or pumice to the soil can be helpful. If outdoor pots have standing water, this would indicate that the drainage hole is plugged, and the pot should probably be emptied, and new potting mix added. Select a potting mix with perlite or pumice in the mix.

Water Pots & Plants

We may have had lots of rain, and we might not think about plants outside needing water. However, those plants under the eaves of a house may not be receiving the rain. Check the soil and water when necessary, it is easy to forget to do this. When plants are stressed for lack of water, they are more susceptible to cold damage.

Tie Columnar Evergreens

The limbs on columnar evergreen trees and shrubs can easily be broken by snow and ice. Many gardeners will tie the limbs to prevent breakage. This would not be feasible on tall trees, but smaller columnar trees can benefit from the limbs being tied. A plant net material, such as the netting sold to protect fruits and berries from birds in the summer, will work just fine.

Plants for Winter Color

Consider adding some plants to your garden, either to be in the ground or in pots, that will provide some winter color. Having plants with red berries is a typical winter color and there are many holly plants that produce red berries and provide some winter color. Note that many holly plants require a male and female plant to produce berries so if you buy a single plant that is loaded with red berries and if you want future berry production be sure to select a plant that is self-fertile. Gaultheria (Wintergreen) is another plant that has red berries and will grow in a container. Hellebores will probably not be blooming yet but will be soon and they provide wonderful winter color with long lasting flowers. There are many other plants that give winter interest, check the garden center.

Feed the Birds

This is the time of year that food sources for birds may be scarce so keep the bird feeder full of fresh seed. My bird seed of choice is sunflower hearts or sometimes called sunflower meat. It is the inside of the sunflower seed. It seems to be a favorite of an assortment of birds and there is no waste and so no mess. If you are feeding hummingbirds, be sure to bring the feeder inside on cold nights so it does not freeze. Wash the container regularly to keep it clean.

Dream of Spring!

MIKE’S GARDEN IS LOCATED IN OREGON’S WILLAMETTE VALLEY AND HIS ADVICE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE MILD CLIMATE THERE.

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