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.  Leaves naturally decompose to return nutrients and improve the soil.  If they are taken away yearly, soil is gradually depleted and impoverished.

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

·     Hoe, pull, or (best) thickly mulch winter weeds.  

·      Protect newly planted trees from wind with windbreaks or guying. Use stretchabletree chain, arbor tie, or even old bicycle inner-tubes to tieon the windward side.  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. 

·     Protect nutrients in compost pile from heavy rains with tarps or structures.

Planting/Propagation-

·     It’s still a good time to plant trees and shrubs to establish before summer drought hits!

·     Check that seeds are sealed up in a cool area.

Landscaping-

·     Consider adding rain gardens and bioswales to your landscape to capture rainwater.  Check out the Oregon Rain Garden Guide for ideas and plant lists.