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December Gardening Tips of The Month
Turf
For
a green winter lawn overseed
established Bermuda grass lawns from mid October through mid November.After
the first mowing, fertilize winter lawns with a high phosphate fertilizer
like superphosphate, triple superphosphate, or a complete fertilizer that is
20% phosphorous or more by weight. Ammonium phosphate (16-20-0) is another
option. Follow the application rates and directions on the label.
VegetablesPlant
Seeds.
Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chard, Collard Greens, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf), Mustard, Onions (Bulb & Green), Peas, Radishes, Rutabagas, Spinach, Turnips.
Plant
Transplants.Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf).
Watch
for insect and pest problems, identify and manage early to prevent damage.RosesEnd
the years fertilization this month.
Plant
container roses from mail-order catalogs, old garden roses in
particular.Fruit
and Nut TreesBe
prepared to protect citrus from early winter frosts.Landscape
PlantsCut
off spent blooms to stimulate rebloom.Water
applications should be greatly reduced for the winter. Plant
winter hardy trees, shrubs and vines.Pre-emergent
herbicides can be applied from October through early December for
winter annual weed control. Follow the package directions carefully
for best results. DO NOT use pre-emergent herbicides where you will
be planting seeds this season.Be
prepared for early winter frost.Don't List . . .
Do
not increase opportunities for
fungal disease
on turf by over watering or watering at night.
DO
NOT OVER WATER which will result in root rots. Allow the soil to dry out
between watering.This information comes from Maricopa County Home Horticulture: Environmentally Responsible Gardening and Landscaping in the Low Desert (arizona.edu)