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December Garden Maintenance for the Low Desert: Your Essential Guide

winter gardening herbs in frost

winter gardening herbs in frost

December can bring surprising challenges for gardeners in the low desert. While Arizona and other parts of the desert Southwest may be known for hot, dry weather, winter still brings risks like frost and sudden temperature drops. For a healthy, thriving garden, December garden maintenance is key. Let’s explore essential December garden tasks to keep your plants in top shape all winter.

December garden maintenance herbs in frost
Frosted herbs in low desert winter months.

Preparing for Frost

Freezing temperatures are common in December. A few smart precautions will help protect your plants and reduce the risk of frost damage.

Protect Sensitive Plants

  • Cover Plants: Use frost cloths or old bedsheets to cover delicate plants at night. This keeps them insulated and protects against temperature dips.
  • Move Containers: Move container plants to sheltered areas, like patios or garages. They’ll stay warmer and more protected here.
  • Use Mulch: Add a thick layer of mulch around the base of plants. Mulch insulates the soil, helps retain warmth, and reduces the effects of sudden cold snaps.
plant a seed in the soil Seed Planting Secrets for the Southwest

Planting Seeds and Starting New Growth

Winter is a good time to get a head start on spring crops and introduce new native plants.

Sow Seeds for Greens

  • Start Indoors: December is the perfect time to sow seeds for leafy greens in trays or flats. Grow them indoors and transplant them outside in February for a strong start to spring.
  • Best Varieties: Try leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and Swiss chard, which adapt well to the desert climate and provide fresh, nutritious produce.

Plant Native Wildflowers

  • After Winter Rains: Once you have a good winter rain, sow native wildflower seeds around water-harvesting earthworks. These natural rain catchment areas will give your wildflowers a strong start.
  • Top Choices: Consider desert-adapted wildflowers like California poppies, desert marigolds, and bluebells. They bring color and attract pollinators in spring.
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Propagate Desert Plants

Winter offers an ideal time to propagate certain desert plants for transplanting later in your healing garden.

Root Prickly Pear Cuttings

  • Cut and Dry: Take healthy cuttings of prickly pear pads. Let the cut end dry for a few days to prevent rot.
  • Pot and Root: After drying, pot the cuttings in well-drained soil. They’ll start rooting and be ready for transplanting by spring.

Transplant Agave Pups

  • Dig Carefully: Look for new agave pups around the base of mature plants. Dig these up with care to avoid damage.
  • Pot or Plant: You can pot the pups or plant them directly in a new location. Agave murpheyi, in particular, is an excellent choice, as it adapts well to various desert landscapes.

Fertilizing for Winter Health

Although many plants are dormant, they still benefit from pre-plant fertilizers to support root health and prepare for spring growth.

Apply Pre-Plant Fertilizer

  • Select the Right Fertilizer: For best results, use a balanced fertilizer like 16-20-0 ammonium phosphate.
  • Where to Apply: Apply around the base of plants that will need extra nutrients, like fruit trees, winter vegetables, and other perennials that support spring growth.

Strategic Watering

In the low desert, overwatering can lead to rot, while underwatering risks dehydration, even in winter.

Water Sparingly

  • Check Soil Moisture: The soil should be slightly moist but never waterlogged. Test the moisture by feeling the soil around the base of plants.
  • Adjust Frequency: Water only when needed. Overwatering encourages fungal issues, which can be more difficult to treat in winter’s cooler temperatures.
December garden maintenance watering

Additional Tips for December Garden Success

December garden maintenance includes unique tasks to keep your plants and garden beds in the best possible condition.

Keep Up with Weeding

  • Reduce Competition: Winter weeds often take root around trees and shrubs, competing for moisture and nutrients.
  • Manual Removal: Pull weeds by hand to minimize soil disruption. Adding a layer of mulch helps prevent new weeds from sprouting.

Inspect for Pests

Winter may seem like a break from pests, but some pests, like aphids and caterpillars, remain active.

  • Check Regularly: Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems for any signs of pests. Remove any visible pests by hand or with a gentle spray of water.
  • Use Natural Sprays: If you see pests, try a natural insecticidal soap. This is gentle on plants but effective at reducing pest problems without harming beneficial insects.

Prune Winter-Blooming Plants

  • Trim Carefully: Lightly prune plants that bloom in winter, such as some species of aloe or winter jasmine. Remove dead or damaged branches to improve airflow and reduce disease.
  • Avoid Heavy Pruning: Reserve major pruning for late winter or early spring. Heavy pruning in December can stress plants, especially those sensitive to cold.
December garden maintenance houseplants

Indoor Garden Tips for December

For gardeners who also enjoy indoor plants, winter poses its own set of challenges.

Adjust Light Exposure

  • Maximize Sunlight: Place indoor plants near south-facing windows to ensure they get the most light possible during short winter days.
  • Consider Grow Lights: If natural light is scarce, use a grow light to supplement and keep plants healthy and vibrant.

Adjust Indoor Watering

  • Monitor Soil Moisture: Indoor plants need less water in winter. Wait until the soil is dry to the touch before adding more.
  • Keep Humidity Up: Winter air tends to be dry. Group plants together or use a humidifier to keep indoor humidity at a plant-friendly level.
December garden maintenance compost

Planning for Spring

While it may seem early, December is the right time to start planning for spring gardening. Preparing now will make a difference once temperatures warm up.

Order Seeds and Supplies

  • Make a List: Check seed catalogs and order early to ensure you get the varieties you want. Supplies like new tools, planters, and soil amendments are often in high demand, so stock up now.
  • Choose Hardy Varieties: Look for heat-resistant, drought-tolerant plants for spring planting. Desert gardeners benefit from varieties like bush beans, tomatoes, and chili peppers, which handle warm desert conditions.

Prepare Planting Areas

  • Amend Soil: Begin amending soil now in garden beds for spring planting. Add compost, gypsum, or organic matter to boost soil health and improve structure, especially in areas with heavy clay.
  • Build Raised Beds: Consider building raised beds for improved drainage and temperature control. Raised beds warm up faster in the spring and make early planting easier.

Wrapping Up December Garden Maintenance

December garden maintenance in the low desert is all about balance. By focusing on protection, strategic planting, and thoughtful preparation, you can set the stage for a productive growing season ahead. Remember to keep your soil covered, monitor temperatures, and avoid overwatering. With these December garden maintenance tips, your low desert garden will thrive through winter and be ready for a spectacular spring.

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