Gardening Tips and Highlights Waushara County Master Gardeners – Waushara Argus
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December in the garden
Christine Yesko
Even though our gardening and planting have ended, we still have some chores that can spruce things up. Mulch perennials to protect them from the cold and prevent heaving.
Wait until the ground is frozen to protect your rose bushes, as rodents find a new home for the winter if covered too early. Keep your bird feeders full and if possible, provide water. Place bulbs for forcing in a cool location for 10-12 weeks. In some areas, if the ground is not frozen, plant your spring bulbs. If you haven’t done so earlier, prep your lawnmower for winter storage and your snowblower for winter use. Do any last-minute raking to prevent smothering of your lawn. Use fireplace ashes to amend your soil over garden beds if you have fireplace ashes.
When Christmas is over, don’t take your tree to the dump, but place it in the garden for added wildlife protection. Also, place them near bird feeders for added bird protection. Now is the time to take inventory of your leftover seeds before ordering new ones. Make notes for changes and improvements. Wrap newly planted trees with tree wrap to protect them from rodents and deer damage. Visit nursery centers for ideas and new products advertised for the coming gardening season.
Pretty soon those seed catalogs will be filling up our mailboxes, so enjoy and dream of gardens to come. Stay warm.