December in the desert is one of the best times to tend to your garden! With cooler temperatures and manageable sunlight, this is the perfect season to create a thriving outdoor space. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a beginner, these tips will help you make the most of your desert garden this month.

1. If you are a farmer at heart, like me, and love to grow veggies, this is the perfect time.

I planted a little cherry tomato plant I special ordered at Mollers (a black cherry) (https://www.mollersgardencenter.com/) and here it is- just three weeks later!

2. This is also the time to take advantage of the profusion of flowers and colors that don't do well in the heat of the summer. Pansies, petunias, snapdragons - they all go wild during our winter months.

3. For the roll up-your-sleeves gardener, now is a good time to get rid of any dead or diseased branches. And if you haven't pruned your citrus, do it quick, before they start to blossom.

4. In December, be sure your citrus trees get a good nutrient boost with a slow-release fertilizer. They will thank you later.

5. Weeds love the winter too, so keep on top of pulling them or they'll take over.

6. If you have automatic watering set up, be sure to change the schedule from summer to winter.

7. Prepare for Frost. We usually have mild winters, but occasional frosts can happen. Protect sensitive plants with frost cloths or blankets on especially cold nights. Move potted plants closer to the house for additional warmth.

8. Regularly check for pests. Have your herbicide of choice handy and apply regularly to keep them away. Once they take hold, it's hard to get rid of them.

If gardening is not your thing, use native plants - they require much less care. But if you want a profusion of color, go with the annuals. And don't forget the veggies.🥕🍅🍓🥬