What to do in the Garden in December

Maintenance/Clean up
Rake leaves to mulch flower or vegetable beds, adding extra layers over marginally tender plants.

·      Clearing weeds and mulch a few inches around tree trunks prevents rodent and rot problems.

·      Protect compost pile from heavy rains to save nutrients. Tarps or structures are great for this.

·      Hoe, pull, or thoroughly mulch winter weeds. 

·      Check stored bulbs, veggies, and fruit for rot. 

·      Protect newly planted trees from wind. Use tree chain, arbor tie, or even old bicycle inner-tubes to tie and/or windbreaks as needed.  Be sure to loosen them in spring to allow for more growth and movement.  The swaying of the trunk makes it grow stronger. Trees should never be tied in place longer than one year. 

·      Spread wood ashes thinly on vegetable garden.

Planting/Propagation-

·      Great time to plant trees and shrubs.

 Check that seeds are sealed up tightly and in a cool or cold area, though not freezing.

·      During heavy rains, watch for drainage problems in the yard. Ditching and French drains are possible short-term solutions. Consider rain gardens and bioswales as a longer-term solution and a fun excuse to landscape. 

Check out the Oregon Rain Garden Guide for plant choices and other ideas you can use in your own rain garden.  Once you click the link, look for the free pdf at the very bottom of the page -Oregon Rain Garden Guide