Garden Chores by Month: December

December is a special time of year – the holidays are around the corner and it's a great opportunity to take a break from the regular hustle and bustle of life. However, this doesn't mean you can let your garden go neglected. While most garden tasks will have already been taken care of in earlier months, there are still some important tasks that should be done during December. 

To make sure your garden remains in optimal condition throughout the colder months, here are five chores you should tackle this month:

1. Prune Evergreens - Pruning evergreen trees and shrubs during December is recommended for keeping them healthy and looking their best. This task involves cutting away any dead or diseased branches, as well as shaping and removing overgrowth. 

2. Winterize Garden Beds - Covering vulnerable plants with a thick layer of mulch can help insulate them from frost and protect them against winter damage. Additionally, make sure to clear away any debris left over from the previous growing season so pests don't have anywhere to hide over winter. 

3. Check For Pests - Inspect your garden beds for signs of overwintering pests such as aphids, slugs, snails, and moths. If any of these critters are present, remove them by hand or use an appropriate pesticide to eradicate them completely. 

4. Weed Control - Weed control should always be a top priority in the garden. During December it's important to make sure you keep on top of any weed growth that might occur due to warm spells or milder weather conditions. The sooner weeds are removed the better! 

5. Protect Container Plants - Moving container plants indoors during cold weather will help ensure they survive the winter unscathed. Keep an eye on temperature drops and be prepared to bring plants inside when necessary; however, do make sure you allow enough light exposure as this will help ensure your plants stay healthy throughout winter months too! 

Following these five tips will help keep your garden looking great throughout the chilly months of December – happy gardening!