Plant the seeds for a beautiful garden next spring.

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When December rolls around, the garden takes a beat and so do we.

The trees stop shedding their leaves and fall into a slumber.

Winter pruning is a December garden task

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Most of the weeds have been pulled and the lawnmower is back in the shed.

These are the gardening tasks you should do in December in any Southern garden.

The harsh freezes of January and February are ahead.

Dig up the last of yourroot vegetableslike parsnips, beets, and carrots.

Stay awayfrom late winter or early spring bloomers.

Pruning dogwood, forsythia, azaleas, and rhododendrons now will mean fewer flowers in the spring.

Order Bare-Root Trees And Roses

Winter is when you really see the bones of your garden.

Take a look around and notice any bare spots you’d like to fill.

Bare-root trees and roses can be ordered between late November and March, depending on yourlocal climate.

Get them in the ground quickly to settle in before spring.

Have your soil tested with your local extension office if you haven’t already.

They’ll determine how acidic your soil is and make recommendations for applying lime.

Accomplishing this task in December gives the lime time to take effect before spring.