As the gardening season comes to an end, now is the time to complete any last-minute tasks that will prepare your plants, garden, and supplies for the colder months ahead. Here are some tips to help you get ready for winter and get off to a terrific start next spring.

Over-Wintering Outdoor Plants

If you have any plants such as trees, evergreens, or perennials that did not make it into the ground, do not leave them above ground. Instead plant them in a spot where you can easily dig them up and plant them in a more permanent spot next spring. Remove the pots as this can cause too much moisture and rot off the roots, causing death. 

While the weather is still nice, bring in fragile outdoor things like ceramic pots, glazed ceramics, and even concrete decorations.

These materials are also susceptible to moisture absorption and cracking in cold temperatures. To prevent water damage, empty birdbaths and fountains, flip them over, and cover them with a tarp.

Get Ready For The Holidays With Bulbs

Now is an excellent time to start bulbs like amaryllis and paperwhites. Paperwhites grow rapidly and blossom within three weeks, whereas amaryllis takes three to six weeks to flower. Plant them now and enjoy beautiful blooms just in time for the holidays.

For paperwhites, count about three weeks and amaryllis about six. If you want to enjoy these beautiful plants for the holidays or any other time, count the weeks backward from the time you’ll want them in full bloom and you’ll know when to plant them.

Prepare Your Garden Tools And Watering Supplies

Before the frost hits, there are a few things you must do in order to maintain some of your gardening tools and supplies:

• Gather your hoses, drain them, and store them in a shed or garage.
• Turn off outdoor water taps from inside your home to prevent freezing and pipe damage.
• Clean all gardening tools, pots, and trays. Soak them in a mild bleach or Javex solution to disinfect them for the next season. This is really important to help you start the next season with tools that are clean and well-maintained.

Adjust Indoor Plant Care For Winter

Even indoor plants slow their growth during winter, requiring less water. Overwatering during this time can harm your plants. With that being said, the heat source in your home can affect the water that is needed for your plants. Be mindful of heating sources like wood stoves or radiators, which can dry plants out faster. Consider misting plants, using a humidifier, or setting pots on saucers filled with stones and water to the stone line to increase humidity.

If your plants have cream or white in their leaves, move them closer to a light source. Green-leafed plants can tolerate lower light and may need to be moved away from windows to prevent scorching.

Watch For Pests On Plants You Brought Indoors

If you’re bringing herbs or tropical plants indoors, isolate them for at least three weeks to monitor for pests like aphids, scale insects, or mealybugs (which look like tiny cotton balls). Check the underside of the leaves and where the leaf meets the stem. Address infestations before introducing these plants to your indoor collection to avoid any problems.

Plan For The Next Growing Season

Winter is the perfect time to get a head start on next year’s garden. To reuse your pots, you’ll want to clean them by washing them in a bleach or Javex solution. Consider the following as well:

• Start seeds like snapdragons, pansies, and lavender in December, as they require long germination times.
• Order spring and summer bulbs now, as seed catalogs will be arriving soon.

Seasonal Decorations And Live Christmas Trees

If you’re decorating for the holidays, now is a good time to do so before the weather gets colder. For those putting up live Christmas trees early, ensure the tree base has a proper reservoir for water. A well-hydrated trunk will keep the tree looking fresh throughout the season.

These are the things you can do in December to help you prepare for the upcoming holidays, care for your plants, and prepare for your next gardening season. Enjoy the transition to the quieter season and happy gardening!