Regional Gardening Guide - Zone 7-8
December 1 to December 31 - Discover what you should be doing right now. Our experts share gardening advice, techniques, news, and ideas to make your garden the best ever.
Here’s what’s happening in your gardening region:
December – and we are in the holiday season. Goodwill and parties keep everyone busy and the garden gets left behind until after the new year celebrations have past and seasonal decorations have been taken down. For those of us in the south though, you can still plant bulbs for spring and there will usually be some leaves to rake in the garden.
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Kate is an avid veggie gardener and writer.
She is a board member of the Garden Writer's Association. She authored 2 books: The Downsized Veggie Garden (Feb 2016) and New York & New Jersey Month by Month Gardening (Aug 2016).
To see What's in Kate's Garden Click Here!
1.) Keep Planting bulbs
1. Keep Planting Bulbs: Daffodils, tulips, crocus and hyacinths all do well in our gardens albeit that they arrive at a different time to our northern neighbors. Most spring bulbs do require some cold temperatures so check the zone but usually for us the really cool weather and cold nights don’t arrive until January, so you have plenty of time to get them in the ground. Find some great deals and ideas on mixing bulbs together for a stunning spring display.
2.) Grow Amaryllis
2. Grow some Amaryllis: Amaryllis are a stately flower that comes in a variety of colors. Once the bulb starts to show green leaves and growing well, it just needs a bright, out of direct sun, position and a little water to produce the elegant flowers. Once the flowers arrive, they continue to bloom for several weeks giving some color in the house during the dark winter month of January.
3.) Indoor Plants
3. Indoor Plants: Growing plants indoors in winter is the perfect way to keep your thumb green and herbs can be kept healthy indoors too! Ornamental plants and herbs in containers just need a sunny location away from a draft and many can spent the summer outdoors. Learn about houseplants and get some color for winter.
4.) Seasonal ornaments for your trees
4. Seasonal Ornaments for your Trees: Ornaments with garden designs are fun for your tree whether the tree is inside or outside. Show your passion for gardening with these fun ornaments – and give some to gardening friends too!
5.) Great gifts for gardeners.
5. Great Gifts for Gardeners: Whether you want inspiration for gifts to give, or things to put on your list for the holiday, Burpee has lots of great options. From last minute e-gift cards to growing kits.
