Regional To-Do List: Upper Midwest Gardening In December

Garden Plants And Trees Covered In Snow
midwest dec
(Image credit: Lana2011)

December gardening tasks for the upper Midwest states of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are limited. The garden may be largely dormant now but that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do. Focus on maintenance, preparation and planning, and houseplants.

What to Do in the Upper Midwest in December – Maintenance

It’s cold outside and winter has begun, but you can still get in some garden maintenance work. Take advantage of days that are unseasonably warm to do tasks like fence repair or work on your shed and tools.

Take care of perennial beds by adding mulch if you haven’t yet. This will help protect against frost heaving. Keep evergreens healthy and whole by knocking down heavy snow that threatens to break branches.

Upper Midwest Gardening Tasks – Preparation and Planning

Once you run out of things to do outside, spend some time prepping for spring. Go over the past season to analyze what worked and what didn’t. Plan any changes you want to make for next year. Some other prep work you can do now includes:

Regional To-Do List – Houseplants

Where you can still get your hands dirty and actively grow plants in December in the upper Midwest is inside. Houseplants can get more of your attention now than most of the year, so spend some time caring for them:

  • Water plants regularly
  • Keep them warm enough by moving away from cold drafts and windows
  • Wipe down plants with large leaves to remove dust
  • Check houseplants for disease or pests
  • Give them a regular misting to make up for the dry winter air
  • Force bulbs

There is plenty you can do in December for your garden and houseplants, but this is also a good time to rest. Read gardening books, plan for next year, and dream of spring. 

Mary Ellen Ellis
Writer

Mary Ellen Ellis has been gardening for over 20 years. With degrees in Chemistry and Biology, Mary Ellen's specialties are flowers, native plants, and herbs.