By December, outdoor planting in Cleveland is largely off the table. The cold temperatures and frozen ground make it difficult to plant anything outdoors. However, there are still important tasks you can tackle to prepare your garden for the next growing season.
1. Pruning Shrubs and Trees
December is an excellent time to prune dormant trees and shrubs. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches, which will help improve the plant’s shape and health for spring. Avoid pruning spring-blooming trees like magnolias or lilacs, as this could remove their flower buds.
2. Protect Perennials and Bulbs
Ensure your perennials and bulbs are well-protected by adding mulch to insulate them from the harsh winter temperatures. This helps regulate soil moisture and protects plants from freezing.
3. Clean and Store Tools
Winter is the perfect time to clean, sharpen, and organize your gardening tools. This helps extend their lifespan and ensures they are ready for spring.
4. Soil Prep for Next Year
If you didn’t amend your soil in the fall, you can still add compost or manure to your beds before the ground freezes completely. This will help your soil retain nutrients and improve its structure for the spring growing season.
5. Indoor Gardening
While outdoor planting is out of the question, you can still grow herbs like basil, cilantro, or rosemary indoors in pots by a sunny window. Consider starting seedlings for cool-weather crops like kale or spinach, which can be transplanted in early spring.
Conclusion: Winter Garden Prep is Key
Though you can’t plant much in December in Cleveland, there are plenty of garden tasks that will set you up for success in the coming year. Prune dormant trees, protect perennials, clean tools, and prepare your soil for the upcoming spring. Plus, indoor gardening can keep your green thumb active all winter long.
