December Gardening: Winter Garden Care
While much of the country hangs up their gardening gloves by December, Texas gardeners still have plenty of Winter Garden Care left to do! Our mild winters offer the perfect window to plant hardy crops and prepare the soil for spring.
Right now, cool-season vegetables like spinach, kale, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, and onions thrive in most parts of the state. Garlic planted in early winter will reward you with fragrant bulbs by late spring. Add a good layer of compost and mulch to keep soil temperatures stable and moisture locked in.
Winter is also prime time for maintaining your garden beds. Prune dormant fruit trees and roses, clean up fallen leaves, and sharpen your tools. If you’re dreaming of colorful blooms, plant pansies, violas, and ornamental kale – they’ll brighten up the garden all season long.
Don’t forget about protecting plants from surprise freezes. Keep frost cloth or old sheets handy for those unpredictable Texas cold snaps. Watering before a freeze also helps insulate roots and minimize damage.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and plan for the spring ahead. Stop by Arcola Feed for garden tools, seed potatoes, transplants, and soil amendments. Our team can help you choose hardy winter crops that thrive in Texas soil for Winter Garden Care – and keep your garden growing strong, no matter the season.