As winter settles into Eastern North Carolina, local gardeners still have plenty to do to protect their landscapes, plan for spring, and keep cool-season plants thriving. December marks a shift from active growth to maintenance, preparation, and protection. Here’s what to focus on this month:
Winter Garden Prep & Protection
• Mulch, Mulch, Mulch
Add a fresh 2–3 inches of mulch around shrubs, perennials, and young trees. Mulch helps regulate soil temperatures and protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles common in our region.
• Protect Tender Plants
Cover vulnerable plants — such as figs, hydrangeas, or newly planted shrubs — with frost cloth during hard freezes. Remove coverings during the day to prevent heat buildup.
• Water Before Freezes
Hydrated plants handle cold temperatures better. Water deeply ahead of any major drop below freezing.
What You CAN Grow in December
Cool-Season Vegetables
If the ground isn’t frozen, you can still plant or maintain hardy winter crops:
Collards
Kale
Spinach
Garlic
Onions (sets and slips)
Keep frost cloth handy to extend harvests during severe cold snaps.
Herbs That Thrive in Cool Weather
These can survive most Eastern NC winter temps with light protection.
Trees & Shrubs: Planting Season Continues
December is one of the best months to plant:
Fruit trees (apple, pear, peach, plum)
Hardy shrubs (azaleas, hollies, camellias)
Shade trees (oak, maple, elm)
Cool temperatures and moist soil help roots establish before spring.
December Blooms to Enjoy
Winter doesn’t have to be colorless. Look for:
Camellias (sasanqua & japonica varieties)
Pansies and violas
Winterberry holly
These brighten yards when most plants are resting.
Lawn & Landscape Care
• Hold Off on Fertilizing
Warm-season lawns like Bermuda and Zoysia are dormant. Fertilizing now can cause damage.
• Remove Leaves Promptly
A thick layer of fallen leaves can smother turfgrass. Shred them for mulch or compost.
• Sharpen Tools for Spring
Clean and sharpen pruners, lawnmower blades, and garden tools now when they’re not in heavy use.
Planning for Spring Starts Now
Order seed catalogs or browse online for early spring crops.
Map out next year’s garden beds.
Consider adding pollinator-friendly plants such as coneflowers, asters, and milkweed.
Early planning leads to a stronger, healthier garden come March.
Holiday Gardening Tip
Use leftover holiday greenery—like pine boughs, cedar, and holly—as natural mulch around sensitive perennials. It provides insulation and looks festive in the garden.
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