As winter settles into Eastern North Carolina, local gardeners still have plenty to do to protect their landscapes, plan for spring, and keep cool-season plants thriving. December marks a shift from active growth to maintenance, preparation, and protection. Here’s what to focus on this month:
🌱 Winter Garden Prep & Protection
- Mulch, Mulch, Mulch
Add a fresh 2–3 inches of mulch around shrubs, perennials, and young trees. Mulch helps regulate soil temperatures and protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles common in our region.
- Protect Tender Plants
Cover vulnerable plants — such as figs, hydrangeas, or newly planted shrubs — with frost cloth during hard freezes. Remove coverings during the day to prevent heat buildup.
- Water Before Freezes
Hydrated plants handle cold temperatures better. Water deeply ahead of any major drop below freezing.
🥬 What You CAN Grow in December
Cool-Season Vegetables
If the ground isn’t frozen, you can still plant or maintain hardy winter crops:
- Collards
- Kale
- Spinach
- Garlic
- Onions (sets and slips)
Keep frost cloth handy to extend harvests during severe cold snaps.
Herbs That Thrive in Cool Weather
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Chives
These can survive most Eastern NC winter temps with light protection.
🌳 Trees & Shrubs: Planting Season Continues
December is one of the best months to plant:
- Fruit trees (apple, pear, peach, plum)
- Hardy shrubs (azaleas, hollies, camellias)
- Shade trees (oak, maple, elm)
Cool temperatures and moist soil help roots establish before spring.
🌺 December Blooms to Enjoy
Winter doesn’t have to be colorless. Look for:
- Camellias (sasanqua & japonica varieties)
- Pansies and violas
- Winterberry holly
These brighten yards when most plants are resting.
🌿 Lawn & Landscape Care
- Hold Off on Fertilizing
Warm-season lawns like Bermuda and Zoysia are dormant. Fertilizing now can cause damage.
- Remove Leaves Promptly
A thick layer of fallen leaves can smother turfgrass. Shred them for mulch or compost.
- Sharpen Tools for Spring
Clean and sharpen pruners, lawnmower blades, and garden tools now when they’re not in heavy use.
🌼 Planning for Spring Starts Now
- Order seed catalogs or browse online for early spring crops.
- Map out next year’s garden beds.
- Consider adding pollinator-friendly plants such as coneflowers, asters, and milkweed.
Early planning leads to a stronger, healthier garden come March.
🧤 Holiday Gardening Tip
Use leftover holiday greenery—like pine boughs, cedar, and holly—as natural mulch around sensitive perennials. It provides insulation and looks festive in the garden.
