Southern Gardening Potpourri for December

It is just unbelievable how quickly 2025 has flown by- like a rocket ship. But here we are at my favorite time of the year which is busy with family, friends and community. Although the stores in our area have had their Christmas decorations, trees, and Christmas baskets on the shelves since October, I am now in the mood to take all of this in. December is not only the busiest time of the year, but mainly the holiest one for Christians. So let's not get so busy that we forget what Christmas is all about. Some good garden gift ideas for friends and family would be: amaryllis bulbs, narcissus bulbs, tulip bulbs, and daffodil bulbs. If your land consists of gumbo soil, then there are 3 daffodils you must plant to reliably return the next year. These are Mount Hood, Carlton, and Ice Follies. All others may come back the next year, but then slowly disappear. Out of this group of bulbs, only tulips would need refrigeration for 4-6 weeks prior to planting. Amaryllis and paper white narcissus are perfect for forcing into bloom early. Start now, and you will have blooms by Christmas day.

GARDEN TASKS

Since we have had a hard freeze in our area, it is time to spray our entire yards, flower beds, grass,shrubs, trees, walls, fences with a dormant winter oil such as Volk Oil. It sounds tedious but well worth the time and effort. I mix in a soluble lime sulfur to kill 2 birds with one stone, so to speak. This application will eradicate white flies, mildew, fungus and other insects such as fleas, roaches, spiders, which hatch from eggs. A real game changer comes next spring and summer. You will suddenly realize no white flies and no fungus, fleas, etc.

PLANT oF THE MoNTH-- AMAryLLiS (Hippeastrum genus)

A popular holiday plant known for its large trumpet shaped flowers which are native to Central and South America. The large bulbs need to be planted with the neck and shoulders exposed above the soil line. They do well in pots or in the ground. Choose a bright sunny spot and water thoroughly. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Also it needs to be fertilized on a regular basis. I would use a liquid fertilizer at first. If you have planted the bulbs outside, mulch heavily during the winter months. Although the bulbs are expensive, they come back year after year and are really show stoppers in the garden or in pots.These bulbs make great Christmas gifts for family and friends.

Merry Christmas and Good Gardening