Gardening Checklist for December

It’s hard to believe we will be closing out another year at the end of the month. If you’ve followed our monthly garden checklist, we know it’s been a busy year for you! Staying on top of the chores in your yard and garden is quite the undertaking, but isn’t it rewarding? To wrap up the year, here are a few things to take care of:

1. Keep an eye on the weather. Mississippi is known for its unpredictable weather, and you don’t want a sudden cold snap to ruin your plants! Bring cold-sensitive container plants indoors and apply 6 to 8 inches of mulch in your garden or flower beds to protect tender plants. Extension Publication 2301, “Mulches for the Landscape,” provides great info on the benefits and different types of mulch available to purchase. 
2. If you were planning on planting tulips or hyacinths for spring color, you’ve likely had them in your fridge for the past six weeks. Now is the time to pull them out and start planting!
3. If you want to plant dormant shrubs, start planting this month! Shrubs like azaleas, camellias, nandinas, hydrangeas, and others should be available for purchase at your garden store. Extension Information Sheet 0965. “Transplanting Trees and Shrubs in the Landscape,” is a great resource to have handy as you start your planting! 
4. It’s almost pruning season, but we’re not quite there yet! Hold off on pruning spring-flowering shrubs. You can cut back damaged or dead wood on trees and the tops of brown perennials. You’ll do most of your pruning in the new year!

As we head into 2022, you can always look back on our previous blog posts to check out each month’s tasks. The full monthly garden calendar is also available for reference! We have lots of new tips and information for you on the Extension for Real Life blog in the new year. So, now is a great time to subscribe if you haven’t already!! 

We wish you and your family a happy New Year!