As we near the end of the year and cooler air finally makes its way into the Greater Houston area, December is the perfect time to give your garden a little attention before winter settles in. Whether you're in Cypress, Katy, Tomball, Spring, or Houston, taking a few key steps now can help your landscape stay healthy through the season and bloom beautifully in the months to come.

This year, the Farmers’ Almanac is forecasting a “cold, stormy, and wet” winter for our region—with some roller-coaster temperature swings along the way. That means local homeowners should be ready to pivot between mild days and chilly surprises. And if you’ve lived in Harris County for a while, you know it’s not unheard of to wake up to frost even after a warm afternoon.

Thankfully, the Harris County Master Gardeners (through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension) have offered some timely guidance—perfect for gardeners of all experience levels.

General Garden Care: The December Basics

• Watering: Cooler weather usually means less watering, but don’t ignore your soil. Check for overly wet or dry patches, especially around newly planted beds.

• Mulch: A good 2–3 inch layer of mulch helps insulate roots, conserve moisture, and keep weeds at bay. Bonus: it protects plant roots during cold snaps.

• Leaves: Don’t bag all those fallen leaves just yet—chop them up with your mower and use them as free mulch or add them to your compost pile.

• Cleanup: Remove dead or dying plants, clean out beds, and prep now so you’re not scrambling come spring.

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Cold-Weather Prep: What You Can Do Before the Next Freeze

Here in USDA Zones 8b–9a, Harris County typically sees its first frost between late November and mid-December. With this winter expected to include “pockets of cold,” a little early preparation goes a long way.

• Cover Up Tender Plants: Keep frost cloths, old sheets, or burlap on hand to quickly cover sensitive plants and container gardens.

• Move Pots Inside (or Cluster Together): Place container plants in a protected spot or group them near walls for shared warmth.

• Wrap Young Trees: For citrus trees or newly planted saplings, a simple tree wrap or burlap barrier can help shield them from overnight chills.

• Label Bulbs: Mark where you’ve planted dormant or newly planted bulbs so you don’t accidentally disturb them during winter maintenance.

What to Plant or Maintain in December (Houston Area)

Perennials, Ornamentals & Natives

• Cut back finished blooms and ornamental grasses (or leave seed heads for texture).
• Finish dividing spring-blooming perennials if needed.
• Sow wildflower seeds directly—just rake them gently into the soil.

Annuals for Cool-Season Color

• Snapdragons, violas, pansies, and dusty miller thrive now.
• Only fertilize if showing signs of nutrient deficiency (yellow leaves, stunted growth).
• Mulch around annuals to lock in warmth and moisture.

Bulbs

• Plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and hyacinths before mid-December.
• Tulips need to be pre-chilled in the fridge for at least 3 weeks.
• Cut back spent bulb foliage from earlier seasons and mark their spots.

Trees, Shrubs & Roses

• December is an ideal time to plant or transplant woody ornamentals.
• Don’t prune spring bloomers just yet—it may ruin next season’s flowers.
• Keep azalea roots slightly moist to avoid winter damage.

Groundcovers & Vines

• Now’s a great time to divide, transplant, or establish hardy perennial vines and groundcovers.
• No fertilizing needed until spring.

Vegetables, Herbs & Edibles

• Clean out summer crops and prep for spring planting.
• Plant cool-season veggies like lettuce, radishes, beets, and carrots. Check out this Harris County Vegetable Planting Guide for suggestions.
• Use a cold frame or lightweight row cover to protect new growth from potential frost.
• Harvest citrus (like satsumas or oranges) before fruit is fully orange for best flavor.

Lawns: Don’t Ignore What’s Underfoot

• Rake or mulch fallen leaves to prevent smothering your grass.
• Avoid heavy traffic on dormant turf during wet or frosty days.
• No need to fertilize or mow much in December unless you've overseeded with ryegrass.

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Tools & Final Winter To-Do’s

• Clean, sharpen, and oil your garden tools before storing.
• Double-check stored bulbs for rot or mold.
• Stock up on frost protection supplies now—before a freeze is in the forecast.

Looking Ahead

The gardening you do this December—whether it’s planting, mulching, or just preparing for cold—sets the stage for a healthier, more vibrant spring. And with a forecast that could include temperature swings and chilly surprises, now is the time to winter-proof your landscape.

For more tips, planting calendars, and local gardening support, visit the Harris County Master Gardeners at txmg.org/hcmga.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.