12-December Gardening Tips for California Gardens

December Tips for California Gardens

1. Plant Chilled Bulbs Immediately:

   • If you’ve pre-chilled bulbs in the refrigerator, plant them as soon as you take them out to ensure they grow properly. Delaying could impact their bloom potential.

2. Protect Compost from Rain:

   • Cover open compost bins with a tarp when the rainy season begins. This prevents excessive moisture, which can hinder the decomposition process and lead to soggy, unusable compost.

3. Prepare for Frost:

   • When frost is predicted, protect sensitive plants like citrus, fuchsia, and succulents. Use stakes to create a frame around the plants and suspend coverings, such as frost cloth or sheets, to avoid direct contact with the foliage. Alternatively, move potted plants under shelter or an overhang.

4. Clean and Maintain Gardening Tools:

   • Remove all soil from your tools and wash them with a 10% bleach solution to eliminate potential pathogens. Once dry, apply a thin coat of vegetable oil to metal parts to prevent rust and keep them in good condition for the next season.