December is often considered a quiet month for gardening, especially in temperate climates. While it is a time to rest and recover from the busy gardening season, there are still many meaningful tasks that gardeners can undertake to prepare for the next growing cycle. This article explores essential activities to keep gardeners engaged during December, from harvesting fall crops to planning for the upcoming season.
Harvesting Fall Crops
Gardening in winter can be highly rewarding, particularly for those in mild climates such as Zone 7B. Here are some tasks and tips for managing fall crops during December:
1. Monitoring Frost Tolerance:
- Crops like broccoli and cabbage can withstand temperatures down to the mid-20s °F. Use floating row covers to protect plants during colder spells.
- Root vegetables like carrots can overwinter in the soil but should be harvested before the arrival of spring.
2. Harvesting Schedule:
- Observe your crops carefully. For example, broccoli begins to suffer below 24°F. Test the tolerance of plants by leaving a small portion unharvested during cold spells to gauge their resilience.
Utilizing Mild Days
Even during December, there may be occasional days of mild weather that provide an opportunity to get outside and work on garden projects. Some ideas include:
- Construct or repair compost bins, organize leaves, and clean garden tools.
- Projects like compost sifters or storage solutions for garden supplies can be tackled during this quieter period.
- Remove debris or prune plants that need attention.
Planning for the Next Season
December is the perfect time to dream about your garden’s potential while reflecting on the previous season. Use a garden planner to organize your ideas and take actionable steps for the year ahead.
1. Inventory and Reflection:
- Take stock of food storage and evaluate which crops were overproduced or underutilized.
- Use this insight to plan which crops to prioritize next year.
2. Exploring Seed Catalogs:
- Seed catalogs often arrive in December, providing inspiration for new plants to try.
- Organize and inventory seeds from previous seasons to avoid unnecessary purchases.
Indoor Activities
As the weather turns colder, many gardeners shift their focus indoors. Activities include:
- Reviewing gardening journals and notes from past seasons.
- Designing layouts for the upcoming garden, taking into account crop rotation and companion planting.
- Researching new techniques and ideas to implement in the garden.
Embrace the Season
December is not only a time for preparation but also for appreciation. Reflect on the hard work of the past season and use this time to recharge. Gardening is as much about dreaming as it is about doing, and the darker days of winter provide the perfect backdrop for imagining the possibilities of the year ahead.
