December in the Contra Costa Garden December Garden To Dos
General Garden Care - Turn off irrigation systems if raining—if
not raining, reduce time and frequency to the minimum amount of
time needed to keep plants alive. - Remove summer-created
watering basins to prevent standing water around trees and
shrubs from causing root or crown rot. - Protect tender plants
if frosts are predicted: use outdoor lights or build a light
weight frame and cover. Antitranspirants such as ‘Cloudcover’
will provide a bit of protection.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/ENVIRON/frostdamage.html -
Avoid compacting wet soil: minimize walking or driving and don’t
work wet soil. - Avoid walking on frosted grass; the cells
rupture and turn brown. - Clean up all garden beds; compost
spent garden plants. - Turn compost; cover if raining. - Use
rainy days to clean, sharpen and lubricate garden tools; —store
in dry area. - Check plants under eaves—are they getting enough
water? - Order seeds (this month or next). - Inventory all pes