December brings the onset of winter, and with it, a time of rest for your herb garden. As temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, many of your herbs will go dormant, requiring less care. In this post, we’ll explore which herbs to manage in December, best practices for maintaining their health, and how to align your gardening activities with the moon phases for optimal planting and harvesting.

Front Yard (Shaded): Protecting Hardy Herbs

In your front yard, the cooler, shaded conditions are home to hardy herbs that can withstand the winter chill. December is the time to focus on protecting these herbs and preparing for the next growing season.

Herbs to Care for in Shaded Areas:

• Chives: Chives will be dormant or slow-growing during this month. If you’ve covered them with fleece or mulch, leave them in place to provide insulation against frost.
• Parsley: Parsley may survive light frosts, but growth will be minimal. If you have any remaining leaves, you can harvest them for fresh use or drying.
• Mint: Mint is likely to be dormant. If you haven’t already cut it back, now is a good time to do so, reducing the risk of rot and allowing for healthier growth come spring.

Shaded Herb Care Tips:

• Watering: Reduce watering significantly as herbs enter dormancy. Ensure pots have good drainage to prevent waterlogging during colder temperatures.
• Fleece and Mulch: Keep fleece or mulch in place around your pots to protect roots from frost and extreme cold.

Back Yard (Sunny): Caring for Mediterranean Herbs

In your back yard, your sunny conditions have supported a variety of Mediterranean herbs. December is crucial for ensuring these herbs are protected during the colder months.

Herbs to Tend to in Sunny Areas:

• Basil: If any basil is still surviving, it’s likely at risk of frost. Harvest any remaining leaves before the first hard frost, as basil cannot tolerate cold.
• Oregano: Oregano is hardy and can survive winter, but growth will slow significantly. Continue to harvest as needed, and dry any excess for winter cooking.
• Sage: Sage is robust and can withstand colder temperatures. Continue to snip fresh leaves as needed for your winter dishes.

Sunny Herb Care Tips:

• Watering: Reduce watering, but ensure that pots do not dry out completely. Monitor for frost damage and adjust care accordingly.
• Mulching: Keep mulch in place to help insulate roots and retain moisture as temperatures cool.

Harvesting and Using Your Herbs

December is a time for minimal harvesting, but there are still opportunities to gather flavours for your winter meals.

December Harvesting Tips:

• Chives: If there are any chives left, snip them for use in winter dishes. Their mild onion flavour can brighten up meals.
• Parsley: Harvest any remaining parsley leaves, and consider drying them for future use in cooking.
• Mint: Use any last mint leaves in teas, cocktails, or winter recipes. Dry the remainder for later enjoyment.

Moon Phase Tips: Aligning Gardening with Lunar Cycles

December’s moon phases can provide guidance for your gardening activities, even during this quieter time.

New Moon (mid-December): Time for Reflection

The New Moon is a perfect opportunity for reflection on your herb garden and planning for the upcoming growing season. Consider which herbs you’d like to start indoors in preparation for spring.

Full Moon (late December): Ideal for Harvesting and Planning

As the Full Moon approaches, it’s an excellent time to gather any remaining herbs and plan your herb garden for the new year. This is a good time to reflect on what worked well this past year and what changes you might want to make.

Conclusion: December is a Month of Rest and Reflection

December is an essential month in your herb garden, providing a time for rest and preparation for the colder months ahead. By focusing on the needs of your shaded and sunny herbs, you can ensure their health and resilience. Aligning your gardening activities with the moon phases can further enhance your success, allowing you to embrace the peace of winter. Enjoy the flavours from your herb garden this December and look forward to the new growth that spring will bring.

Blessed be!

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