10 Gardening Activities for December in the Midwest

1. Pick & Preserve Your Christmas Tree

Christmas trees planted in pots and kept alive in a pot all year long are growing in popularity. You can bring these trees indoors each year at Christmastime and transplant them into your garden when they get too large to bring indoors. To select the best Christmas tree, look for needles that are green and full. If you see brown needles, select a different tree. To test tree health, lift up the lower branches gently and let the branch fall back into place. If the branch sheds lots of needles, choose another tree. Individual needles should also bend easily without breaking. For a classic Christmas tree, look for Norway spruce, Monterey pine, Aleppo pine, white spruce, or blue spruce. When selecting a tree at a nursery, choose one that fits in your space but that’s not too heavy to move around. Make sure to find out how large the tree will get at maturity to confirm that you’ll have a place to plant it in your garden when it’s too large to bring indoors. You can add to your Christmas décor by planting smaller varieties in pots around your home in entryways, on stairs, or in nooks. Select dwarf varieties that you can purchase at a local nursery. Be sure not to place trees near heat sources (vents, furnaces, fireplaces) and water trees daily.

2. Protect Tender Plants

If you’re expecting snow, ice, or strong winds, be sure to protect plants that might be damaged. A windbreak constructed from T-posts and burlap can protect plants from cold and wind. It’s also wise to check new trees and shrubs to make sure they have proper support. Tree stakes can be used for a few years to support plants while they develop a more extensive root system. Protect individual plants with frost blankets or garden fabric.

3. Prepare for Snow

Get ready for heavy snow this winter by inspecting your snow-moving equipment. Be sure that you have a snow shovel or electric snow thrower in working order. For small walkways, a shovel may work fine, but an electric snow thrower can save your back if you have a larger space such as a long walkway or driveway. There are even cordless snow throwers that reduce the hassle of moving a cord around in the snow.

4. Make a Winter Container

Start your winter container garden with a frost-resistant container made with materials that are less likely to crack in freezing weather. Place it in a sheltered location such as a porch or covered patio but where you can still see and appreciate them, such as a location visible from a window so you can enjoy them from inside or near a frequently used entryway to your home. When you’re ready to start planting, consider evergreen plants with strong architectural forms for the main focal point of the containers—dwarf conifers, yuccas, or boxwood globes. For accent plants, consider cyclamen, gaultheria, senecio, ivy, and wintergreen.

5. Move Houseplants Around

Winter is a good time to move your houseplants to a new location because winter light coming into your home is often different from the light in summer and fall. Evaluate the light conditions around your home and move your plants around to make sure they get proper lighting. Watch this video for more information on houseplant lighting needs. Learn more about some of our favorite houseplants.

6. Take Cuttings from Your Garden for Seasonal Displays

During winter, turn to your garden to find materials for seasonal floral displays, wreaths, garlands, and more. You can create your own simple arrangements using foraged cuttings. Watch this video for a quick tutorial on creating a winter arrangement. Or you can buy a pre-made wreath or arrangement.

7. Add Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting can enhance the look of your garden during the winter when you’re often viewing the garden from indoors. It can be a good time to install lighting (if your ground isn’t too frozen) because many plants are dormant, so trenches for wires won’t damage them. Additionally, lighting can highlight sculptural trees, shrubs, and garden ornaments such as bird baths or statues that stand out during winter. Consider installing a low-voltage LED landscape lighting system for paths, spotlights, step lighting, and deck lighting. This type of lighting will make your landscape safer and allow you to highlight its best elements. Get more outdoor lighting inspiration and ideas.

8. Read a Good Book on Garden Design

Winter is often the best time to cozy up next to the fireplace with a good gardening or design book. Use the winter months to reflect on the past season of gardening. Ask yourself questions that will guide your efforts next year: What went well? What areas need a redesign? Are there any landscape structures to add? What plants should I add more of? What new plants should I try? Are there any pest or deer issues to deal with? There are so many good books out there that can help—check out these gardening titles.

9. Garden Indoors

Gardening doesn’t have to completely stop during the winter, even if your garden is under heavy snow. You can garden indoors using artificial lights to grow salad greens and herbs. There are also bulbs such as amaryllis that can be grown throughout the winter months. View these products to jumpstart your indoor gardening efforts.

10. Visit Seasonal Exhibits at Botanic Gardens

Many botanic gardens have seasonal displays, even during winter months. Though many of the exhibits are not botanically focused, they are beautiful and provide a good reason to visit your local botanic garden. Exhibits often include lighting shows, glass sculpture displays, and classes. Be sure to view the calendar of your local garden: Missouri Botanical Garden (Missouri), Chicago Botanic Garden (Illinois), Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (Iowa), Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden (Ohio), Lauritzen Gardens (Nebraska), and others.