December gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue.
Indoor plants
On cold nights, monitor the temperature around windows. Some tropical plants can be damaged by temperatures below 40 degrees F.
Avoid placing plants near heat vents. Warm air blowing on leaves can cause them to turn brown and drop from the plant. For more information, see MU Extension Guide g6510 Caring for Houseplants https://extensiondata.missouri.edu/pub/pdf/agguides/hort/g06510.pdf.
Geraniums can be overwintered. They like bright light and cool temperatures. Keep soils on the dry side. Water houseplants with room temperature water. Cold tap water may shock plants. Phalaenopsis orchids and holiday cactus benefit from cooler temperatures next to a window or in a cool room to trigger flowering.
Fruits and nuts
Wrap the trunks of fruit trees with chicken wire or hardware cloth to prevent rabbit damage. Mulch strawberries with a layer of straw to prevent winter damage to the crowns and prevent soil heaving.
Straw should be shifted loosely over the plants, just enough to cover them from view. After the straw settles, check to see if more straw is needed. Pecans continue to fall after periods of wind. Prevent frost cracking or sunscald on trunks by wrapping trunks with tree wrap. Many fruit trees are especially susceptible.
Store leftover garden chemicals where they will stay dry, unfrozen, and out of reach of children and pets.
Additional tips
Do filling and grading around the yard. The loose soil will settle during the cold months. Seed catalogs start to arrive. If you are longing for spring, start making wish lists and orders. Otherwise, put them all together for a time when you are dreaming of spring!
Dhruba Dhakal, Ph.D., is a University of Missouri Extension Horticulturist, serving Missourians in Central Missouri. Dhakal can be contacted at [email protected] with gardening questions.
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