Gardening Checklists for November and December

There are "Must Do" and "Nice To Do" Garden Tasks

Sep 19, 2009 Margo Dillard

Gardening isn't a top priority as November begins the countdown to the holiday season, however, for gardeners spending time in the dirt provides welcome stress relief.

If the urge to be outdoors won’t go away, and scheduling allows, there are still many checklist items that can be completed on nice days in both November and December. Some garden chores are "must do" items, while some checklist items can be delayed if the holiday season gets too hectic to allow playing in the garden or flower beds.

November "Must Do" Tasks

• Cut Chrysanthemum down to 2-3 inch stems as they die to make them healthy for next season.
• Mulch around plants, make sure to mound around the bases of roses and other plants that have exposed stalks or stems to give extra protection.
• Check the lawn for areas that need a last minute raking. Use the leaves as mulch to protect sensitive plants from freezing temperatures or save them for compost piles.
• Those spring blooming bulbs can still be planted if the ground isn’t frozen and snow covered. If time and climate doesn’t permit don’t worry, check the other calendars for possible openings for the next planting times.
• Make sure rose bushes have been pruned back, depending on the size of the plant, a foot for small young plants and about three feet high for mature plants.
• To keep flowerbeds looking fresh, plant winter pansies and kale, if time didn't allow in October.
• Vegetable gardens should be cleared of leftover tomatoes, pumpkins, and potatoes to avoid diseases and attracting unwanted pests. Set out the “cold” weather vegetables now. Cover perennial garden plants such as strawberries with an extra layer of mulch, straw, or burlap.
• If living in a cold climate that doesn’t offer much opportunity for spending time on decks and patios, now is a good time to clean and put away outdoor furniture.

November "Nice to Do" Tasks

There are items that can be delayed, such as tool care until after the Holidays, depending on zones and locations. Check the January and February Checklists to see when some of these tasks can be done after the holidays.

• Transplanting shrubs and smaller trees can be accomplished over the next several months. Just ensure that they are dormant to avoid plant damage. No matter when you complete this task, make sure that the hole is at least twice the size of the root ball and feeder roots as possible. Mulch the area after planting to give extra protection to the plants.
• Prune evergreens to shape or if done later in December save clippings for use in decorations.

The weather outside may be frightful, but on more pleasant days there are still tasks that can be accomplished for the gardener’s plants and gardens in December. With the holidays as the focus for most people, last minute tasks are often overlooked. However, December has just a few “must dos” on the gardening checklist and other “time permitting” tasks.

December "Must Do" Tasks

• Ensure that delicate plants have extra protection from extreme temperatures by adding extra mulch, burlap bags and even leaves to the garden bed.
• Put away garden hoses, draining them first.
• Shut off valves to outdoor faucets or use covers to protect them from freezing temperatures for the next several months.
• Bring in ceramic and terra cotta planters that will break or shatter due to prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures.
• Make sure bird feeders are filled. Having birds near your gardens will help keep insect populations in check in growing months.
• Care for your indoor Holiday plants such as the Christmas cactus and Poinsettia to make them last more than a season. With the proper care, these plants will remain healthy and beautiful long past the Holidays. Keep the plants away from both high heat and cold drafts. Water the soil when dry to the touch, but do not over water.

December "Nice To Do" Tasks

• Spring blooming bulbs can still be planted if you are itching to take a break from all the holiday stress and get your hands in dirt. If time doesn’t allow and there are bulbs that haven’t been planted, keep them cold (a vegetable drawer in the ‘fridge works) and plant them in February.
• Holly plants and evergreens can be pruned and used for creating centerpieces and wreaths for holiday decorating.
• As outdoor holiday decorating is completed, check on gutters for clogs and problem areas.Enjoy the season with a new gardening book.

Don't add extra stress by trying to do too much in the flowerbeds. Look ahead to the January garden calendar to determine what can be delayed.

The copyright of the article Gardening Checklists for November and December in Flower Gardens is owned by Margo Dillard. Permission to republish Gardening Checklists for November and December in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Holiday Holly

Kale

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