December Planting Guide for Mediterranean (Temperate) Climate
December Delights: A Guide to Your Garden this Month
Happy December, green thumbs! It's the season of festivities and sunshine, and your garden should be buzzing with life. As the holidays draw near and everyone's schedule fills up, this quick guide will help you know what to get on with to cultivate a flourishing December garden without breaking a sweat.
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/659ff6b5bb2345083f836033/1711254832292-7L9XZ6LBK2CCMMA657TB/image-asset.jpeg?format=original" alt>
Planting
December's warm days make it the perfect time to plant summer favourites like sweet corn, beetroot, carrots, eggplants, and cucumbers. For those with a sweet tooth, strawberries and melons are ideal additions. Got a shady spot? Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach will flourish. Prefer blooms? Try petunias, marigolds, geranium, zinnia, vincas, snapdragon, cosmos, gerbera, and daisies are a great choice for sunny spots.
Feeding
Just like us, plants need a boost of energy during the festive season. A gentle dose of seaweed tea or low-impact liquid fertiliser is perfect for those seedlings you planted in November. They'll be craving some nourishment by now. Apply the fertiliser early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in.
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/659ff6b5bb2345083f836033/1711254931861-K3GTLY62NSGEW11C9O7P/image-asset.jpeg?format=original" alt>
Finishing Touches
Time for some final harvests! Scoop those delicious late-season veggies like lettuce, beans, peas, leeks and early tomato before they succumb to the heat. And don't forget, those fallen leaves make wonderful compost for a healthy garden bed.
Preparing for January
It's one of the hottest months of the year, so get ahead of the game! Set up a smart watering system, especially for thirsty newborns. Ask neighbours to water if you are going away. Mulch those beds to keep roots chilled and weeds at bay. This is also your final chance to prepare for bushfire season. Ensure your gutters are clear, debris from winter is cleared away, and your fire breaks are in top shape and create and discuss an escape plan with your household.
Want to learn more about growing your own food and building a sustainable lifestyle? Check out these featured articles and events!
Intro to Permaculture Gardening
Subscribe to our email newsletter for regular info on sustainable living, wherever you are. You can also follow us on Instagram & Facebook (@eightacrespermaculture) and Pinterest (Eight Acres Permaculture) for updates. Happy growing!
