Who says gardening stops when it’s too cold to be outside? December is all about the cozy side of gardening—planning next year’s blooms, cleaning tools, and maybe even gifting a little green joy to your fellow plant lovers. (And let’s be honest, is it even December if you’re not secretly adding seeds to your online cart?) So grab your notes, your favorite catalog, and let’s make the most of this off-season!

Plan for Indoor Growing

Winter doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to gardening. Growing indoors is a great way to keep your green thumb active and your home filled with life. If you haven’t tried indoor gardening before, December is the perfect time to get planting.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Grow Lights: Choose full-spectrum lights for the best results.
• Seed Trays and Pots: Consider reusable trays to reduce waste or made of high quality.
• Potting Soil: Use a light, well-draining mix designed for indoor growing.

Start small with microgreens or herbs to get your technique down. Not only are they easy to care for, but they also add a fresh touch to your winter cooking. This month I’m leaning on my go-to indoor staples, basil and cilantro — they make everything from soups to teas feel extra special!

Order Seeds for Next Season

Seed shopping in December is like flipping through a garden dream book—it’s exciting, inspiring, and full of possibilities. Take some time to review what you grew this year and decide which seeds to reorder and which new varieties you’d like to try.

Consider jotting down a list of your goals for next season. Want more pollinator-friendly flowers? Dreaming of a bigger veggie harvest? This is the time to plan it all out.

When ordering seeds, don’t forget to check the germination dates on leftover packets from previous years. Seeds can last several years if stored properly, but some, like onions or parsnips, lose viability quickly.

(Pro Tip: If you’re like me and get carried away with seed orders, make sure to leave room in your budget for the inevitable “oops, I need that too” purchases later in the season!)

Protect your Crops: Mulch Roses and Tender Perennials

Winter can be tough on your plants, especially if you live in a region with crazy low freezing temperatures and fluctuating weather patterns like we do in Indiana. Adding a generous layer of mulch around the base of your roses and tender perennials helps insulate the roots and maintain soil moisture during the dry, cold months.

What type of mulch should you use? Shredded leaves, pine needles, straw, or bark mulch work well. For roses, mound the mulch 8–12 inches up the base of the plant. For tender perennials, apply a 2–4 inch layer around the root zone.

If you’ve recently planted new perennials this year, make sure they get extra protection—young plants are more vulnerable to frost damage. (One year, I forgot to mulch my first-year heuchera plants, and let’s just say I learned my lesson the hard way!)

Clean and Sharpen Your Pruners

Your pruners and other tools have been your trusty companions through the growing season. A little maintenance now ensures they’ll be in perfect shape when spring arrives. Start by scrubbing off any dirt or sap with warm, soapy water and a stiff brush. For stubborn rust spots, use a fine-grade steel wool or a vinegar soak.

After cleaning, sharpen the blades with a whetstone or a sharpening tool—sharp pruners make cleaner cuts, which is healthier for your plants. Don’t forget to lubricate the moving parts with a drop of oil and tighten any loose screws. (It’s strangely satisfying to see them shine like new again!) Finally, store them in a dry, safe place to prevent rust over the winter.

Pro Tip: Keep a small cleaning kit handy in the garden shed for quick touch-ups throughout the season.

Put Away Hose Reels

Leaving hoses outside during winter can lead to cracks or bursts when water inside them freezes. Save yourself the trouble (and expense) of replacing hoses in spring by putting them away properly now.

Start by disconnecting the hose from the faucet and letting all the water drain out. Next, roll it up neatly, securing it with a strap or bungee cord to keep it tidy. If your hose reel is portable, store it in a garage or shed for added protection.

While you’re at it, check the reel for any damage or leaks that might need repairing. A little maintenance now ensures your watering setup is good to go when you need it next season. (Nothing kills my spring planting vibe faster than finding a leaky hose!)

Garden Gifts for Fellow Plant Lovers

The holiday season is the perfect time to share your love of gardening with friends and family. Whether they’re seasoned green thumbs or just starting out, there’s a gift for every gardener on your list.

Here are a few ideas:

• Practical Gifts: High-quality pruners, a sturdy trowel, or a hose reel like my favorite one in Charcoal from Hoselink
• Decorative Gifts: Cute plant stakes, garden-themed mugs, or bird feeders.
• Inspirational Gifts: Gardening books, seed-saving kits, or a journal for recording garden observations.
• Unique Gifts: A DIY plant propagation station or a set of heirloom seeds. Don’t forget to treat yourself, too! (I may or may not have already ordered myself a new set of trellises…)

Reflect on This Year’s Garden Wins and Losses

The slower pace of winter is a wonderful time to look back on the growing season and take stock of what worked—and what didn’t. Dig out your garden journal or notes and ask yourself:

• Were there plants that struggled despite your best efforts?
• Did certain areas of the garden thrive more than others?
• Are there shrubs or perennials you’ve been nursing along without much success?

If a plant isn’t pulling its weight, it might be time to let it go and make space for something new. For me, that meant finally saying goodbye to a scraggly vine this year—it was a tough decision, but my garden will feel so much brighter without it!

On the flip side, celebrate your successes! Did you grow an amazing tomato variety or discover a new favorite flower? Make a note to repeat those triumphs next year.

December may be quiet in the garden, but it’s a vital month for setting the stage for the coming year. Take this time to care for your tools, protect your plants, and indulge in a little planning and dreaming. Gardening is a journey, not a race, and every season brings new lessons and opportunities.

Here’s to a winter filled with cozy garden dreaming and a spring full of blooms and growth. Happy gardening, and don’t forget to enjoy the slower pace while it lasts! 🌱