As cold weather sets in and Fort Bend County homeowners prepare for winter, local gardeners are turning to trusted guidance from the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Whether you're nurturing a backyard garden, sprucing up your landscape, or just getting started with composting, December is a critical month to prepare for the months ahead—and to protect your plants from winter’s chill.

This year, the Farmers’ Almanac predicts a colder-than-average winter for Southeast Texas, with increased chances of frost and the potential for sharp cold snaps across Fort Bend County. That means now is the time for residents to take protective steps in the garden while also planning for a vibrant spring. Here's what local gardening experts recommend for this season:

1. Start Planning for Spring

While your garden might look quiet now, December is ideal for reflecting on what worked well this year—and what you'd like to improve next season. Explore tools like the Earth-Kind® Landscape Planner to shape your goals and budget for new garden features, pollinator-friendly plants, or water-saving upgrades.

2. Order Seeds and Trees Early

Secure your favorite varieties by ordering now. Local nurseries and seed catalogs offer an abundance of options, and early ordering ensures availability come spring planting season.

3. Support Local Wildlife

Food sources for birds and squirrels become limited in colder months. Add feeders and water sources to your yard to support local wildlife and keep your outdoor space lively.

4. Maintain Your Tools

Take time this month to clean, sharpen, and oil gardening tools. Winter is also a great opportunity for lawn mower maintenance—before spring catches you off guard.

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5. Rake Leaves and Compost

Fallen leaves can be mulched or composted, helping enrich your soil naturally. This keeps waste out of landfills while improving your garden's ecosystem.

6. Put a Composter on Your Holiday Wish List

Composting at home is one of the most impactful ways to reduce yard waste and improve soil health. A composter makes a thoughtful, eco-friendly gift.

7. Plant Hardy Trees and Shrubs (But Check the Forecast!)

Early December is still a suitable time for planting hardy trees and shrubs—as long as you're mindful of freeze warnings. Use the Earth-Kind® Plant Selector to find options that thrive in Fort Bend's unique conditions.

8. Don’t Forget to Water

Even in cooler temperatures, plants need water—especially after dry spells. Just avoid overwatering, which can harm roots during cold months.

9. Clean Up Frost-Damaged Annuals

Tidy up your garden by removing cold-damaged plants. This not only improves curb appeal but also helps prevent disease and pest issues.

10. Try Sheet Mulching

Want to turn a patch of grass into a garden bed? Sheet mulching is a simple, effective method that enriches the soil and saves time in spring.

11. Care for Live Christmas Trees

If you’re bringing home a live Christmas tree, choose one that’s fresh, trim the trunk properly, and keep it well-watered. After the holidays, contribute your tree to a local tree recycling program. Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more details on tree recycling programs near you!

12. Spray Dormant Fruit Trees

December is the ideal time to spray dormant fruit trees—like peaches, plums, and pecans—to prevent spring pests. Just be sure to follow local extension guidelines for timing and safety.

13. Remove Mummified Fruit

Get rid of any old or shriveled fruit hanging on trees or littering the ground. This simple step helps prevent pest infestations and fungal issues next season.

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14. Protect Plants from the Freeze

Given the Farmers’ Almanac forecast for a colder winter in Fort Bend County, now’s the time to stock up on plant covers, frost blankets, burlap, or even old sheets. Cover tender plants when temperatures dip below freezing.

15. Prune with Care

Certain plants benefit from pruning in winter, but others—like crape myrtles—can be damaged by overly aggressive trimming. To avoid “crape murder,” follow recommended crape myrtle pruning practices.

16. Keep Pets Safe Outdoors

Holiday lights, tinsel, and icy nights can all pose risks to pets. Review seasonal pet safety tips to keep your furry companions safe and comfortable.

Seasonal Color for December in Fort Bend County

Winter doesn’t have to mean a dull garden. The thornless Natchez Blackberry is a Texas Superstar plant that adds structure and promise of sweet fruit come summer. Pansies, Amaryllis, Poinsettias, and Christmas Cactus also bring cheer and color to outdoor beds and indoor spaces alike.

For more gardening tips tailored to the Fort Bend County climate, visit the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners website at fbmg.org. Stay informed, stay inspired—and most importantly, stay warm this winter. Happy gardening!

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.