Gardening Jobs for December

December ushers in a deeper quiet across the garden, inviting us to shift our focus from active tending to mindful care, preparation, and a bit of fun. While growth has slowed and many plants are resting, there are still a handful of tasks that help keep your outdoor space protected and organized through winter. From safeguarding delicate perennials to planning next year’s projects, this month offers a gentle, intentional pace. With a warm drink nearby and a bit of seasonal spirit, you can set your garden up beautifully for the year ahead.

Protect your terracotta pots

When protecting your terracotta pots for Winter, the key focus is preventing moisture from freezing inside the clay, which can cause cracking and irreversible damage. Because terracotta is naturally porous, it absorbs water long after your plants have been tucked in for the season.

To safeguard your pots, start by emptying them, brushing away excess soil, and allowing them to fully dry in a sheltered area for a few days. Once dry, consider wrapping them snugly in burlap or insulating garden fabric, or storing them upside-down to stop water from pooling inside. Many gardeners also swear by sealing the interior with a breathable, water-resistant barrier to limit absorption. If storage space allows, the best protection is bringing your pots indoors—whether that’s a shed, garage, or covered porch—because even the toughest clay can fall victim to extreme freeze-thaw cycles. With just a little seasonal care, these rustic beauties will make it through the cold months and be ready to shine again when the garden blooms return.

Remove yellowed leaves from overwintering crops

Removing yellowed leaves from your overwintering crops is one of those simple Winter garden habits that can make a huge difference come Spring. When cold-tender vegetables like kale or Brussels sprouts are riding out the season, their older outer leaves often sacrifice themselves first—fading to yellow or brown as the plant redirects energy toward new growth.

While it may feel harmless to leave them be, these dying leaves can trap moisture, invite pests such as aphids, and increase the risk of fungal issues. A quick tidy session using clean garden snips or simply your hands to gently peel them away improves airflow, keeps your plants healthier, and reduces hiding spots for unwanted pests. Think of it as a Winter refresh for your crops—removing what’s no longer serving them so they can stay strong, vibrant, and ready to take off again when warmer days return.

Check on stored bulbs and corms

Checking for rot on stored bulbs and corms is an essential off-season ritual that keeps next year’s garden dreams firmly on track. Overwintered treasures like garlic, tulip bulbs, and dahlia tubers may look like they’re simply sleeping in storage, but a little humidity or a small unnoticed bruise can quickly turn into soft spots, mold, or rot if left unchecked.

Once a month, gently sift through your saved bulbs and corms, looking for anything mushy, slimy, foul-smelling, or coated in fuzzy mold. Any suspect bulbs should be removed right away—rot spreads faster than you think, and losing one can easily lead to losing many. Many gardeners dust healthy bulbs with a light antifungal powder or refresh their packing material with dry peat, sawdust, or shredded paper for extra protection. Think of this process like wellness checks for your future garden—catching problems early, protecting the healthy stock, and ensuring only the strongest, happiest bulbs make it back into the soil when planting season returns.

Forage for Christmas decor

December is the perfect time to bundle up, head outside, and forage your own materials for DIY Christmas wreaths and garlands—it’s part craft project, part nature walk, and all festive magic. Evergreen boughs from fir branches and cedar create a lush, classic base, while accents like pinecones, holly, and even dried seed heads from your own garden add texture and personality you just can’t fake. The best part? It’s completely free, wildly sustainable, and gives your decor that one-of-a-kind charm store-bought wreaths can only dream of.

Simply snip mindfully—never overharvest, avoid protected areas, and always leave plenty behind for wildlife. Many foragers finish their wreaths with a satin ribbon or weave garlands to drape across mantels, door frames, and stair rails, filling their homes with that fresh forest scent that instantly says Christmas is here. It’s such a feel-good way to decorate—bringing the outside in, celebrating the season, and creating holiday pieces made with your own hands and a little Winter wonder.

Start dreaming of your Spring Garden

December may slow the garden down, but it’s the season where imagination blooms the brightest. While frost sparkles outside and the soil rests beneath its Winter blanket, this is my favorite time to dream up next year’s garden—no weeds, no watering, just pure possibility. It’s the perfect month to picture warm-weather crops like tomatoes climbing supports beside cheerful blooms like zinnias, and to start mentally mapping color themes, pollinator pockets, and cozy garden corners. Many gardeners plan with apps like Garden Planner or organize ideas in boards on Pinterest. For me, it’s about capturing the hope of the season—reminding myself that the garden isn’t gone, it’s just waiting, and right now I get to decide how magical it will be when Spring finally returns.