Things are still growing here in South Carolina, even with some sub-30 degree temps the last week! That means they still need some water. I just leave my automatic irrigation on and inspect for freezing these days. A quick shower with the hose would do as well, preferably in the afternoon when the sun is out.

This year is turning out a bit different so far. Typically, I don’t really harvest anything in December but since I got my broccoli planted really early, its looking like I may have some heads to harvest before the end of the month, but we’ll see how they develop. Typically, my broccoli and carrots go through kindof a dormant period in December/January and then continue growing in the late winter/spring for a February-ish harvest.

Maintenance is pretty easy in December, I was about to have to go out and do some weeding, but this good freeze we had early, seemed to knock out most of the weeds I had. Now is also a good time to cut back my asparagus, and do some trimming on the fig tree. Keeping mulch around the irrigation pipes is also a good practice to keep them from freezing if the temps get cold enough.

Insect pests are pretty much non-existent in December, you mostly have to worry about squirrels and birds getting ready for winter. Neither cause much trouble but I do try to keep the squirrel population low with the pellet gun. I’ve not tried a hawk/owl decoy yet, but seems like it would be a good solution. 

Winter is a good time to do some mulching with wood chips and any other “landscaping” when vegetation is low and out of the way. Also, here in SC, believe it or not, you better be thinking about what you will plant next spring (some things can be started in January)!