December To-Do List

Fertilizing

None needed on plants outside.
Use wood ashes on your vegetable garden, bulb beds and lightly on your lawns if soil pH is below 6.0.
Fertilize house plants as needed.

Planting

After Christmas, plant live Christmas trees in the landscape. Keep these trees indoors no more than 14 days.
Plant trees and shrubs.

Pruning

Prune berry producing plants if berries are desired in table arrangements over the holidays.
Remove “weed” or undesirable trees from your landscape.

Spraying

Lawn Care

Propagation

Take leaf cuttings of your favorite house plants like African violets and begonia.
Hardwood cuttings of your landscape plants like forsythia (yellow bells), flowering quince, weigela, holly and hydrangea can be taken this month.

Specific Chores

Put pine needles or wheat/barley straw over your strawberry plants.
Keep your living Christmas tree outside until you are ready to decorate. White pine is a type of living tree that will do well in much of North Carolina.
Make a list of needed repairs on garden tools and equipment. Repair or have them repaired after the holidays.
Shop around for garden products for your favorite gardener.
Greenery will last longer if sprayed with an antitranspirant.
Keep your cut Christmas tree in water throughout the holiday season.
Order fruit trees and grape vines for February or March planting, if not already done.
Visit the Extension office for information on the holiday house plants like poinsettia and amaryllis.