Welcome to Lawnmowing99! December is upon us, and here in Australia, that means warmer days, holiday cheer, and of course, a lively garden to tend to. Over the years, I’ve gathered plenty of knowledge and insights on how to keep a garden thriving through the highs and lows of the Australian summer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced green thumb, my expert gardening advice for December should help you make the most out of this beautiful, bustling time in the garden.
Grab a cool drink, find a shady spot, and let’s dive into some expert gardening advice for December that will keep your plants, flowers, and veggies flourishing throughout the season.
Keeping Plants Hydrated and Healthy
Summer heat can be a bit brutal in some regions of Australia, and keeping my plants hydrated has been an essential part of my gardening routine. Over the years, I’ve tried every method out there – from early morning watering to experimenting with drip irrigation and mulching. What I’ve found works best is a mix of consistent early-morning watering and using mulch to retain moisture. For anyone who’s dealt with dry spells or unexpected heat waves, you know just how essential these practices are.
If you’re finding your garden dries out quickly, try adding a thick layer of mulch around your plants. It not only locks in moisture but also keeps the roots cooler. I used to skip this step when I first started out, but after seeing how much happier my plants looked with it, I never skip it now.
December is Prime Harvest Time for Many Veggies
For veggie gardeners, December is a rewarding month. I remember the first time I grew tomatoes, zucchinis, and cucumbers during this season; seeing them ripen under the summer sun was a real thrill. December is an excellent time for harvesting summer vegetables like tomatoes, capsicums, cucumbers, zucchinis, and beans. Keeping a close eye on your plants during this time ensures you pick them at the peak of ripeness.
My advice? Don’t wait too long! Tomatoes, for example, can become overripe quickly in the heat. Harvest them as soon as they show deep color, and you’ll enjoy a fresher, juicier yield. If you’re a fan of herbs, December is also a good time to harvest basil, parsley, and coriander. Fresh herbs have a flavor that dried ones simply can’t match – once I got used to the taste, I made sure to grow them every year.
Managing Pests and Diseases During Summer
Hot, humid conditions can bring pests and diseases, which are a common challenge in Australian gardens at this time of year. I’ve faced everything from aphids to powdery mildew, and it’s taught me a lot about prevention and management. A bit of regular monitoring goes a long way. Whenever I’m in the garden, I take a moment to check leaves for spots, discoloration, or pests.
If you see signs of pests like aphids, I recommend using a simple homemade spray with water and a bit of dish soap. A friend taught me this trick years ago, and it’s been surprisingly effective. If you’re dealing with fungal issues like powdery mildew, an organic fungicide can help keep it in check. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – a bit of vigilance and early action can save you a lot of hassle later.
December Flowers for a Vibrant Summer Garden
Nothing says “summer garden” like vibrant, colorful blooms. I’ve always been a fan of planting native Australian flowers, as they tend to thrive beautifully in our climate. December is the time for heat-loving flowers like marigolds, petunias, and zinnias. These annuals can take the summer heat and will bring beautiful bursts of color to your garden beds.
For those of you who love Australian natives, December is perfect for kangaroo paw, grevilleas, and bottlebrush. These plants not only add gorgeous textures and colors but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. I’ve found that adding native flowers to my garden has not only made it more resilient but has also brought a lot of life to the space.
Feeding Your Plants: Fertilizing for Summer Growth
During the active growing season, plants can use a little boost to stay healthy and productive. In December, I like to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to my garden beds. It gives them the nutrients they need without risking burn in the heat. When I first started gardening, I was a bit overzealous with fertilizer, only to learn the hard way that too much can harm rather than help.
For veggies and flowering plants, a balanced liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks can make a noticeable difference. Since I began using a regular fertilizing schedule, I’ve seen my plants grow stronger, and the blooms and harvests have been much more abundant.
December Gardening Chores to Keep Your Garden Thriving
December is also a great month to tick off a few essential gardening chores. Here are a few tasks I recommend:
- Weeding – With all the watering, weeds seem to pop up overnight! Regular weeding keeps them from competing with your plants for nutrients.
- Deadheading – Removing spent blooms encourages more flowering and keeps the garden looking neat. For many flowers, like petunias and marigolds, deadheading can even extend the blooming season.
- Pruning – December is a good time to lightly prune herbs and flowering plants. It encourages healthy growth and keeps the garden tidy. Just be cautious with pruning in the heat – focus on shaping rather than hard cuts.
- Composting – I always top up my compost bin with kitchen scraps and garden clippings. By next season, it’ll break down into rich compost that my garden will love.
- Mulching – A fresh layer of mulch helps with water retention and keeps weeds at bay. I can’t emphasize enough how much difference this makes, especially during the hottest months.
What December Teaches Us About Gardening
Gardening in December has taught me so much about the rhythms of nature. Every season comes with its own rewards and challenges, but there’s something special about summer gardening. The heat can be intense, but it’s also the time when everything seems to burst with life. I’ve come to appreciate the resilience of plants and how a little planning and care can lead to a beautiful, productive garden.
Thank you for joining me at Lawnmowing99 for this expert gardening advice for December. I hope this information inspires you to get out in the garden and enjoy everything this season has to offer. If you found this helpful, please like, share, and subscribe for more tips on keeping your garden thriving year-round. Here’s to a beautiful, bountiful December in the garden!