Timely Tips

What to Do in December 2025
Weekly Gardening Timely Tips from
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County

Dec. 28 to Jan. 3

Perennials: If a cut evergreen tree or pin boughs were used for holiday decorations, the branches can be laid over perennials planted this season after the holidays. This helps protect them from damaging freeze and thaw cycles. Garden catalogs can be reviewed for ideas on new varieties to plant in spring, and ordering ahead ensures the best selection.

Flowers: Creativity can be expressed through floral arrangements by using vessels to hold interesting branches, dried grasses, and herbs alone or mixed with flowers.

Fruits and Vegetables:Usable produce can continue to be harvested. Blueberries provide healthy, delicious fruit in season and ornamental interest throughout the year. For those considering growing this native crop, planning should begin now. Site conditions should be assessed to select the best location for the shrubs, a protected, sunny spot throughout the growing season with well-drained soil and plenty of organic matter (or compost added if needed). Unless the soil is already strongly acidic, adjusting the pH may take a season or more and could be an ongoing task. Raised beds offer an alternative, allowing the addition of a suitable soil mix and providing a frame that can support a temporary netted enclosure to protect ripe fruit from birds. For more information, see the Cornell Guide to Growing Fruit at Home at https://ecommons.cornell.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/60165302-b299-433a-952d-9ac82cc63849/content
or contact your local Cooperative Extension for advice.

Trees and Shrubs: Leaves, grass, and weeds should be kept clear around shrubs, fruit trees, and young trees to discourage mice, voles, and other pests. After the soil has frozen, mulch can be replenished if needed, up to a depth of 2 inches, while keeping it away from tree trunks and shrub bases. This helps protect newly planted and shallow-rooted shrubs from winter damage. Shredded oak leaves, pine needles, or bark nuggets are effective mulch options.

Lawns: Continue to pick up loose twigs and branches.

Houseplants: Move plants away from chilly windows on frosty nights. Keep houseplants away from cold drafts and the hot dry air given off by heaters.

General: Is there a new plant or gardening technique you’d like to try next year? This is a good time to research plant requirements and best management practices from your local Cooperative Extension, Cornell and other local and regional evidence based university sources. See http://gardening.cals.cornell.edu/

Here’s a post-holiday gift to give yourself: a subscription to the Home Garden Lecture Series through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester. There is one webinar lecture per month from January through May, and a tour in May while space lasts. Advance registration is required. The whole webinar series is $45; individual webinars are $5 each. Check out the brochure at https://www.canva.com/design/DAG37gykNic/RGq-kIdH95APY6-bKoGQYw/view?utm_content=DAG37gykNic&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hcc45ab7c29For more information, please call CCE at 914-285-4640, 914-285-4620 or email westchester@cornell.edu

Last updated December 27, 2025