In December, the chill of winter settles over Bedford, bringing a slower pace to the garden. While the landscape may seem dormant, there are still important tasks for gardeners to ensure their gardens remain healthy and are ready for spring. Here’s a guide to December gardening in Bedford:
- Winter Protection: If you haven’t already, protect sensitive plants with burlap wraps or mulch. Ensure evergreens are watered well, as they can dry out during cold, windy weather.
- Tree and Shrub Care: Inspect trees and shrubs for broken or diseased branches and prune as necessary. Winter is an ideal time for pruning many dormant species as it can prevent disease transmission and allows for easier structure visibility.
- Tool Maintenance: Take advantage of the slower pace to clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools. Proper care now means they’ll be ready to go when spring arrives.
- Bird Feeding: Keep bird feeders full and provide a water source. Birds are not only lovely to watch, but they also play a crucial role in pest control and pollination.
- Plan for Spring: Cozy up with gardening books and catalogs and start planning for next year’s garden. Consider what worked well this year and what new plants or strategies you’d like to try.
- Indoor Gardening: Keep your green thumb in practice with indoor plants. Check for pests, rotate pots for even light exposure, and adjust watering as needed in the drier indoor air.
Gardening in December in Bedford is less about hands-on work and more about preparation and planning. It’s a time to protect, plan, and dream about the lush spring days ahead.
