December in San Diego is a gardener’s dream.

Garden Tips

winter vegetables: potatoes, carrots, beets.

The holidays are here, but just because you’re decking the halls doesn’t mean you should forget your garden. December in San Diego is a gardener’s dream—cool enough to enjoy the outdoors without breaking a sweat and warm enough to keep the good stuff growing. So, slap on those festive gloves, grab a cup of cocoa (or wine—we don’t judge), and let’s dive into your December garden to-do list!
In the Garden

The Mediterranean climate makes November ideal for cool-season crops and prepping perennial fruit trees. Here’s your guide for success:

  1. Cool-Season Crops: The Overachievers of Winter
    Move over, summer divas—winter veggies are here to steal the spotlight! Plant these now for a spring harvest you can brag about:
    • Veggies: Broccoli, kale, spinach, carrots, beets. (Who needs a gym membership when you’re pulling up root veggies?)
    • Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, and chives—basically everything to make your winter soups taste fancy.
  2. Flowers That Say, “Look at Me!”
    Pansies, snapdragons, and calendulas are the Kardashian-level attention-seekers of the winter garden. Plant a few for instant cheer.
  3. Mulch Like a Pro:
    Mulch is your garden’s favorite blanket. Pile it on to keep roots cozy and weeds too lazy to sprout.
  4. Prune Like a Hairdresser:
    Get rid of the dead stuff (looking at you, scraggly branches), but don’t go crazy. Prune with purpose. Your fruit trees and roses will thank you later.

Winter Tree Care Tips (Because Trees Deserve Love Too!)

Trees are the wise old sages of the garden, but even they need some TLC:

  1. Inspection Time:
    Look for sick branches, pests, or anything else that screams, “Help, I’m in trouble!” Channel your inner tree detective.
  2. Prune, But Be Cool About It:
    Dormant deciduous trees? Go to town. Evergreens? Step away with those shears unless absolutely necessary.
  3. Baby Tree Snuggles:
    Young trees need protection from the cold. Wrap their trunks in tree “scarves” (aka burlap) to keep them warm and pest-free.
  4. Water Like It’s Still Summer:
    Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your trees don’t get thirsty. Give them a nice long drink, especially citrus and avocado.
  5. Mulch It Up:
    Mulch around the base of the tree (but not against the trunk unless you’re trying to invite termites over for dinner).
  6. Fertilize With Love:
    Your citrus and avocado trees are hungry. Feed them now so they reward you with fruit that makes your neighbors jealous.