Ask A Desert Gardener-December, 2024
December, although usually warm, can have brief but intensive cold spells. Therefore, you should take steps to protect your garden as well as preparing it for next year.
Check your irrigation making sure that tubing is buried at least 2” below ground to prevent “freeze splitting”. Inspect the valves in the irrigation box for leaks and place insulated “mittens” on all irrigation piping and hose spigots.
December is a good month to replenish both rock and organic mulch in order to protect both soil and plant roots from freezing.
By now, with deciduous trees and bushes having dropped their leaves and “cold hardy” plants having entered dormancy, clean out the beds and complete all necessary pruning. It is recommended to prune away at least 1/3 of the branches of plants, trees and bushes (removing any spent flowers) as well as shaping them for next season. Proper pruning will stimulate robust growth in the Spring. REMEMBER: DO NOT PRUNE PALMS FROM DECEMBER THROUGH MARCH!
Follow The Winter Watering Schedule and irrigate only during daylight hours to prevent residual water droplets from freezing. Succulent plants such as cactus, yucca, and agave should receive no water during the colder months (Late Fall-early February) since their roots close down and moist soil can encourage root rot.
Delicate plants can be wrapped in burlap and young plants can be protected by placing Styrofoam cups over their tops. During “freeze warning alerts”, cover vulnerable plants with an old blanket to prevent frost damage.
Potted plants should be hand watered only during daylight hours to prevent soil from freezing. If possible, move the pots close together and place them in the warmest and sunniest part of your garden or close to outside walls in order to take advantage of the sun’s reflected heat.
If you are bringing potted plants indoors, treat the soil with an effective insecticide to kill any eggs or larvae of gnats, fungus flies or other pests that entered the soil while outside. In addition, spray the leaves of these plants with a solution of liquid dishwasher mixed with water.
Have any Questions? Contact me at: Theplantwhisperer28@gmail.com
Howard Galin is a University of Nevada certified Master Gardener and the Chair of the SCA Garden Club House Call Program.