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Gardening tips for December

December 12, 2021

  1. Run mowers until they are out of gas to prevent issues with starting next spring.
  2. Sharpen and clean garden tools and store for the winter.
  3. Do not prune spring blooming evergreens like rhododendron and azaleas as some flower buds will be lost.
  4. Do not plant evergreen shrubs now as they do not have time to develop strong roots before possible ground freeze. Winter damage can result from late season planting of evergreens.
  5. Order seed catalogues now and consider ordering early while most seeds are available.
  6. Water newly planted trees and shrubs as needed before the ground freezes.
  7. Mulch perennials that are susceptible to winter kill after the ground freezes.
  8. Protect any shrubs that are susceptible to winter wind damage, like rhododendrons and cherry laurels. A breathable light-colored fabric can be stapled to a frame and secured to the ground on the windward side of these shrubs.
  9. Check any stored bulbs and tubers every two weeks to make sure they are not rotting. If tubers, like dahlias, are shriveling, mist lightly with water.
  10. Certain fruit trees can be pruned during the winter but research any temperature limitations that may apply for the variety of tree.
  11. If voles are an issue during the winter, put wire grid barrier material around the base of shrubs or small trees that voles may damage.

Courtesy of the UConn Home & Garden Education Center. Click here to read the entire newsletter.

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Connecticut Horticultural Society
P.O. Box 330966
West Hartford, CT 06133-0966

Phone: 860-529-8713
E-mail: [email protected]

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