by Linda Heideman, Somervell County Master Gardener
Protect tender plants during freezes. Use sheets, blankets, or specially-designed row cover. Construct a cold frame or a “hoop house.” Mulch, mulch, mulch! Water well before a freeze (except for prickly pear cactus). Allow hardy perennials to freeze back, and do not prune them until late winter or early spring, if you can stand it. The dead structure of the plant helps to insulate and protect the living core of the plant, and is part of the winter landscape. In addition, any pruning can stimulate tender new growth, which would be susceptible to subsequent freezes.
Last chance to plant bulbs. It is best to plant them early this month. However, wait until early January to plant tulips and hyacinths.
Plant flower/ornamental seeds. Delphinium, Larkspur, Poppy
Plant vegetable plants. Arugula, cabbage, chard and other greens, lettuce, spinach
Plant strawberries. Spinach is a great companion plant for strawberries.
Plant herbs. All hardy perennial herbs such as lavender, oregano, rosemary, rue, sage, and thyme; other cold-hardy annual or biennial herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, and fennel (Dill and fennel may need some protection during freezes).
Plant annual flower/ornamental plants. Sweet alyssum, bluebonnet plants, ornamental cabbage and kale, Dianthus, Johnny jump-up, pansy, snapdragon, stock
Plant hardy perennial plants. Some examples are agapanthus, damianita, most ferns, Mexican bush sage, Russian sage, trees, and shrubs. It is especially important, if you haven’t done so already, to plant spring-blooming perennials such as columbine, coreopsis, ox-eye and shasta daisies, Salvia greggi, and wallflower.
Clean and oil gardening tools and equipment. Sharpen and repair, as necessary.