Must-Have Holiday Plants

December Gardening Tips

Annuals and Perennials: In mild winter climates, plant pansies, English daisies, and primroses. In the intermediate and low deserts of the Southwest, plant seedlings of calendula, candytuft, cyclamen, dianthus, Iceland poppy, larkspur, pansy, petunia, primrose, snapdragon, stock, sweet alyssum, and viola for winter to spring bloom.

Watering: When the temperature is above freezing in cold winter climates, water dry spots in the garden -- especially plants in containers and under house eaves. When sustained subfreezing temperatures arrive, well-watered plants stand a better chance of surviving than dry ones.