## Gardening Tips for December
December can be a challenging month for gardeners in many parts of the world, as the days are short and the temperatures are cold. However, there are still plenty of things you can do to keep your garden looking its best and prepare it for the spring.
**Here are some gardening tips for December:**
### Protect your plants from the cold
One of the most important things you can do in December is to protect your plants from the cold. This can be done by mulching around them, wrapping them in burlap, or moving them into a greenhouse or cold frame.
**Here are some tips for protecting your plants from the cold:**
* **Mulch around your plants.** Mulch is a layer of material, such as straw, leaves, or compost, that is spread around plants to help insulate them from the cold. Mulch also helps to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
* **Wrap your plants in burlap.** Burlap is a coarse fabric that can be used to wrap around plants to protect them from the cold. Burlap is breathable, so it will not suffocate your plants, and it is also inexpensive and easy to find.
* **Move your plants into a greenhouse or cold frame.** A greenhouse or cold frame is a structure that is used to protect plants from the cold. Greenhouses are typically made of glass or plastic, while cold frames are typically made of wood or metal.
### Water your plants regularly
Even though the weather is cold, it is still important to water your plants regularly. Watering your plants helps to keep them hydrated and prevents them from drying out.
**Here are some tips for watering your plants in December:**
* **Water your plants deeply.** When you water your plants, make sure to water them deeply so that the water reaches the roots.
* **Water your plants less often.** In December, you will not need to water your plants as often as you do in the summer. Water your plants when the soil is dry to the touch.
* **Use lukewarm water.** When you water your plants, use lukewarm water instead of cold water. Cold water can shock your plants and damage their roots.
### Fertilize your plants
Fertilizing your plants in December can help to give them a boost of nutrients and help them to stay healthy during the winter.
**Here are some tips for fertilizing your plants in December:**
* **Use a balanced fertilizer.** A balanced fertilizer contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
* **Apply fertilizer according to the directions on the package.** Do not over-fertilize your plants, as this can damage their roots.
* **Water your plants after fertilizing them.** Watering your plants after fertilizing them helps to dissolve the fertilizer and make it available to the plants.
### Prune your plants
Pruning your plants in December can help to remove dead or diseased branches and encourage new growth in the spring.
**Here are some tips for pruning your plants in December:**
* **Remove dead or diseased branches.** Dead or diseased branches can spread disease to other parts of your plants. Remove these branches as soon as possible.
* **Prune back overgrown branches.** Overgrown branches can block sunlight from reaching other parts of your plants. Prune back these branches to a manageable size.
* **Shape your plants.** Pruning can help to shape your plants and make them more attractive. Prune your plants into the desired shape using sharp pruning shears.
### Other gardening tips for December
In addition to the tips listed above, here are a few other things you can do to keep your garden looking its best in December:
* **Clean up your garden.** Remove any dead leaves or debris from your garden. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and pests.
* **Inspect your plants for pests and diseases.** If you find any pests or diseases on your plants, treat them immediately.
* **Plan for next year.** December is a good time to start planning for next year’s garden. Decide what you want to plant and where you want to plant it. You can also order seeds and supplies now to get a head start on the spring.