December might feel like a time to cozy up indoors, but it’s also a surprisingly active and rewarding month for gardeners here in Visalia. Our Central Valley winters are mild compared to much of the country, which means we’re lucky… we can still plant, prep, and enjoy our gardens while others are scraping frost off their windshields!
Here at Luis Nursery, we love this time of year. December gives us a chance to slow down a little, take stock of the garden, and set ourselves up for a fantastic spring. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just getting started, here are some helpful tips for making the most of your garden this month.
Winter Planting? Yes, Please!
STOP! Don’t put away the gloves and trowel just yet! December is actually a great time to plant cool-season vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, and carrots. If you didn’t get your garlic or onions in last month, there’s still a window to get them growing.
Do you want to add some color to liven up winter? Pansies, violas, cyclamen, and snapdragons love the cool weather and brighten up winter beds and pots beautifully.
Time to Mulch and Protect
Even though Visalia doesn’t often get a hard freeze, we still see chilly nights. Now’s the time to mulch around your tender perennials and root veggies. A good layer of organic mulch—like bark, straw, or leaves—will insulate the soil, keep moisture in, and help prevent weeds from popping up when things warm back up. If there’s a frost warning, yes it could happen, cover sensitive plants with frost cloth or even an old sheet overnight.
Pruning Season Begins
December is the beginning of pruning season for deciduous trees and shrubs. Once the leaves have fallen and the plant goes dormant, it’s easier to see its structure and shape. Start with your roses and fruit trees, but remember, don’t prune spring-blooming plants like lilac or forsythia now, or you might cut off their future flowers!
If you’re not sure how or when to prune, stop by the nursery—we’re happy to help you with tips or even recommend a local expert.
Clean, Sharpen, and Dream
With the garden growing a little slower this month, it’s a perfect time to clean and sharpen your tools. Trust us… your hands and plants will thank you for it later. While you’re at it, start dreaming! Take a walk around your yard and think about what worked well this year and what you’d like to change. December is great for planning next year’s projects. How about adding a raised bed, a butterfly garden, or a new shade tree?
Stop By and Say Hello!
At Luis Nursery, we’re here year-round with fresh plants, soil, tools, and friendly advice. Come in for some winter color, veggie starts, or just to chat about what’s next in your garden. We love seeing familiar faces—and new ones too.
