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December Gardening in the Ohio Valley
Protecting Your Lawn from Winter Damage
As winter approaches, protecting your lawn from damage is a top priority. Here are some tips:
- Cut the grass one last time to prevent snow mold.
- Avoid walking on frost-covered or frozen lawns to prevent breaking the blades and damaging the grass plants.
- Use lightweight inflatables for holiday lawn decorations instead of heavy ones that can block oxygen and sunlight from reaching the grass.
Preparing Flowerbeds, Trees, and Shrubs for Winter
- Remove greenery evenly from plants to prevent them from looking lopsided.
- Pull mulch away from the trunks of trees and shrubs to prevent insect and rodent problems.
- Remove heavy snow loads from shrubs and trees to prevent damage, but let ice melt on its own.
- Continue to water newly planted trees and shrubs when the ground isn’t frozen.
- Mulch perennial flowerbeds if needed.
Preparing Vegetables for Winter
- Clear old plant debris from gardens.
- Remove tomato stakes and trellises and store them for winter.
- Grow indoor lettuce or microgreens to provide fresh produce during the winter.
- Check stores for winter produce and discard any that shows signs of rotting.
- Inventory seed packets and make a list of the seeds you wish to order.
- Plan next year’s vegetable garden.
Other Gardening Tasks for December
- Wrap up unfinished chores before the end of the year, such as repotting houseplants, oiling hand tools, and discarding outdated chemicals.
- Decorate the house with poinsettias.
- Choose a live or fresh-cut Christmas tree early in the month.
- Purchase or handmake gifts for gardening friends.
- Send power equipment out for repair or tune-up.
- Make sure snow removal equipment is within easy reach and fuel is on hand.
How to Protect Turfgrass from Winter Damage in the Ohio Valley
- Cut the grass to a height of 2-3 inches before the first hard frost.
- Avoid walking on the grass when it is frozen or covered with snow.
- Use lightweight inflatables or other decorations that will not smother the grass.
- Apply a thin layer of mulch over the grass to help insulate it.
- Water the grass deeply before the ground freezes.
Tips for Preventing Frost Damage to Lawns in the Central States
- Cut the grass short in the fall to reduce the amount of leaf surface exposed to frost.
- Avoid walking on the grass when it is frozen or covered with snow.
- Water the grass deeply before the ground freezes to help insulate the roots.
- Apply a thin layer of mulch over the grass to help insulate it.
- Cover the grass with a tarp or blanket on nights when frost is expected.
Using Lightweight Inflatables to Decorate Lawns Without Damaging the Grass
- Choose inflatables that are made of lightweight materials, such as nylon or polyester.
- Avoid inflatables that have sharp edges or heavy bases.
- Place the inflatables on a flat surface and secure them with stakes or weights.
- Do not leave the inflatables inflated for extended periods of time, especially in high winds.
- Deflate the inflatables and store them in a dry place when not in use.
How to Prevent Insect and Rodent Problems in Flowerbeds and Around Trees and Shrubs
- Remove all plant debris from around your plants in the fall.
- Pull mulch away from the trunks of trees and shrubs to create a barrier between the plants and pests.
- Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help insulate them and deter pests.
- Inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests and treat them accordingly.
Best Ways to Prepare Shrubs and Trees for Heavy Snow Loads
- Remove any dead or diseased branches from your trees and shrubs.
- Prune your trees and shrubs to remove any branches that are too close to power lines or buildings.
- Tie up any loose branches to prevent them from breaking under the weight of snow.
- Apply a layer of mulch around your trees and shrubs to help insulate them.
- If heavy snow is expected, shake the snow off your trees and shrubs to prevent them from breaking.
Indoor Gardening Ideas for Winter
- Grow microgreens, which are young vegetable plants that are harvested just after they develop their first true leaves.
- Start seeds indoors for vegetables that you want to transplant outdoors in the spring.
- Grow herbs indoors to use in cooking and for medicinal purposes.
- Create a terrarium to grow small plants indoors.
- Force bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, to bloom indoors in the winter.
How to Check for Rotting Produce and Discard Wilted or Shriveled Veggies
- Inspect produce for any signs of bruising, cuts, or mold.
- Avoid produce that is wilted or shriveled.
- Discard any produce that has an off odor.
- Store produce in a cool, dry place to help prevent spoilage.
Inventory Seeds and Plan Next Year’s Vegetable Garden
- Check your seed packets to see which ones are still viable.
- Discard any seed packets that are more than two years old.
- Make a list of the seeds you need to purchase for next year’s garden.
- Plan your garden layout to maximize space and sunlight.
- Consider companion planting to improve plant growth and yields.
DIY Gift Ideas for Gardening Enthusiasts
- Create a personalized plant pot by painting or decorating a plain pot.
- Make a seed packet holder from recycled materials.
- Assemble a gift basket filled with gardening supplies and tools.
- Bake gardening-themed cookies or cupcakes.
- Give a gift certificate to a local garden center or nursery.
Checklist for Preparing for Winter Storms in the Ohio Valley
- Make sure your snow removal equipment is in good working order.
- Stock up on salt or sand to melt ice on walkways and driveways.
- Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris.
- Insulate your home to prevent heat loss.
- Have a supply of food and water on hand in case of power outages.
