December

• Water houseplants with tepid water.
• Give overwintering geraniums bright light and cool temperatures.
• Move houseplants back from any icy windows on cold nights.
• Use hairspray to keep seeds and dried flowers intact on wreaths and arrangements.
• Mulch the root zones of azaleas and rhododendrons thoroughly. Mulches made from oak leaves, shredded oak bark, or pine needles are preferred.
• Trim hollies the first few weeks of the month. Use the prunings in holiday decor.
• Apply mulches to bulbs, perennials and other small plants once the ground freezes.
• Clean and oil all garden hand tools before storying for the winter.

Adapted from the Missouri Botanical Garden calendar at www.mobot.org.