December is another great month for gardening here in Brevard County!
Vegetable + herb gardening is in full swing and we have a great selection of cool-weather annuals to add color to your garden, and the Gardens will be all aglow for this year’s Jingle Mingle at Rockledge Gardens
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, here’s what to do in your Florida garden this month.
Grow some food!
Many Floridians are enjoying fresh produce from their gardens, but if you haven’t started yet, it’s not too late! December is the ideal time to plant cool-weather crops that thrive in Florida’s winter climate.
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips thrive in the cooler weather. Sow seeds directly into well-prepared soil.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, mustard greens, and lettuce. Regular harvesting encourages continuous growth.
- Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, dill, and thyme.
For more planting ideas, check out our inventory. If we sell it, it’s time to plant it (in Brevard County).
Add a Pop of Color with Winter Flowers
Brighten your garden beds with these cold-loving flowers:
- Pansies and Violas: These flowers are both beautiful and edible, making them a versatile addition.
- Snapdragons and Alyssum: They provide vibrant colors and attract beneficial pollinators.
Tree and Shrub Care
December is a great time to plant trees and shrubs, allowing them to establish roots before the heat of summer. However, postpone major pruning until spring to avoid stimulating new growth that could be damaged by unexpected cold snaps.
Cold Protection Tips
While severe cold is uncommon, it’s wise to have a cold-protection plan:
- Watering: Water plants thoroughly before a cold snap; moist soil retains heat better than dry soil. Bring in orchids if temperatures drop below 40°F.
- Monitor Weather Reports: Be prepared to cover tender plants with sheets or blankets if frost is forecasted.
Regularly check for pests.
Even in cooler months, pests like spider mites and thrips can be problematic. Regularly inspect plants and apply horticultural oil or soap sprays as needed.
Apply horticultural oil or soap sprays as needed.
Fertilization
Citrus and vegetable plants love liquid seaweed and bat guano! Apply liquid seaweed or bat guano to vegetable plants weekly and to citrus trees monthly. These natural fertilizers provide essential nutrients and help prevent diseases. Follow the package instructions for added nutrients and disease prevention.
Bird Care
December brings migratory birds to the area. Keep birdbaths clean and feeders stocked to support our feathered friends during their stay.
Florida Flowers to plant in December:
- alyssum
- delphinium
- geraniums
- ornamental cabbage and kale
- petunias
- pansies
- snapdragons
- violas
Florida Vegetables + Herbs to plant in December:
- arugula
- beets
- brussels sprouts
- cabbage
- carrots
- cauliflower
- celery
- chives
- cilantro
- dill
- fennel
- lettuce
- mustards
- onions
- oregano
- parsley
- peas
- radishes
- Rosemary
- sage
- spinach
- thyme
- turnips
December Spotlight: Citrus!
Be sure to let your citrus ripen on the tree before picking; unlike some other fruits, citrus does not improve in flavor after being picked. If your citrus was planted less than two years ago, encourage the tree’s growth by removing and discarding most of the fruit as soon as it forms.
