Holiday Gardening Tips for a Flourishing Aussie December!

December 05, 2024

G'day Aussie gardeners!

Welcome to the December edition of the Aussie Green Thumb Newsletter!

Summer is in full swing, and December brings the festive season but also an abundance of opportunities for Australian gardeners. Whether you’re preparing for a backyard barbecue, growing holiday-inspired edibles, or keeping your garden thriving through the heat, there’s plenty to do this month.

Let’s dive into the best plants to grow, essential tasks to tackle, and some native Christmas cheer to celebrate this vibrant season!

Monthly Wrap-Up:

  • The featured edible this month are sweet potatoes

  • Our featured bush tucker plant is the quandong tree

  • Our latest YouTube videos to get you inspired

  • Latest blog posts from our website

  • The plant spotlight this month is the Christmas bush

  • Garden tasks for a productive December

  • Our summer garden tool guides 

Let us know what gardening projects you’ll be busy with in December and what you’re going to be planting, we’d love to find out! If you want any information covered by our team, let us know. We love helping and hearing from our AGT community!

  1. We have just launched our new and exciting AGT forum! Come and sign up, say hello, and share your gardening experiences and questions with the community. Join the Aussie Green Thumb Community Forum

  2. We have just added two hats that are available in our shop - a wide-brim gardening hat for those extra sunny days, and a stylish outdoor gardening sun cap. Show your support and get your hands on them while stocks last!

How to Grow Sweet Potatoes in Australia

Sweet potatoes thrive in warm weather, making December the perfect time to plant them. They’re versatile, nutritious, and a fun addition to any summer menu.

Their sprawling vines can even act as a natural ground cover, keeping soil cool and reducing water loss.

Quandong Tree – Australian Native Growing Guide

Known as the native peach, quandongs are drought-tolerant and well-suited to Australia’s summer conditions. The tart red fruits are a unique addition to holiday dishes like chutneys, jams, or desserts.

Planting them now allows you to enjoy their ornamental beauty while supporting local biodiversity.

This Month on YouTube 📺

Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Latest Blog Posts 🌱

Here’s the latest from Aussie Green Thumb this month.

Cabbage Moth: How to Identify, Control, and Prevent

Cabbage moth, scientifically known as Mamestra brassicae, is a significant pest for Australian gardeners, particularly those growing brassicas.

If left unchecked, these insects can wreak havoc on veggie patches, damaging crops like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and more.

In December, as we reach hot sunny days with afternoon showers in many parts of Australia, it's an excellent time to plant a variety of vegetables that will thrive in the summer months to come. Here are some popular options:

Snake Beans: Also called yard-long beans, snake beans are fast-growing and heat-tolerant, making them perfect for summer planting. They produce long, tender pods that are excellent in stir-fries and salads. Provide a sturdy trellis or climbing support to help them grow.

Pumpkins: Pumpkins are perfect for planting in December as they love warm soil and sunny conditions. They’ll grow vigorously and provide a harvest in autumn. Allow plenty of space for their vines and plant in nutrient-rich soil. Pumpkins: How to Grow, Harvest and Care Guide

Okra: Okra is a heat-tolerant vegetable that thrives in summer. Its tender pods are a staple in many cuisines and are perfect for stir-fries or soups. Harvest pods when they are young and tender for the best flavour.

December is a busy month in the garden as summer takes hold. With the heat intensifying and the holiday season approaching, it’s the perfect time to keep your garden thriving and prepare it for festive celebrations. From protecting plants to encouraging new growth, here’s what you can do in your garden this month to make the most of summer:

  1. Protect Your Plants: Use shade cloths, mulch, or plant natural ground covers to shield sensitive plants from intense heat. 42 Best Ground Cover Plants in Australia

  2. Keep Watering Efficient: Water deeply early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation. Install drip irrigation systems for optimal water use. Watering your garden; Tap, rain, bore or grey?

  3. Prune and Deadhead: Trim back flowering plants like roses to encourage more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to maintain a tidy garden and support continuous flowering. Deadheading Flowers: Why, When, and How to Do It?

  4. Support Pollinators: Plant nectar-rich flowers to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects during this busy season. Australian Native Bees | How to Build a Bee Hive

  5. Prepare for Storms: December can bring sudden summer storms. Secure garden structures, stake vulnerable plants and check for good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

  6. Seed Saving: Collect seeds from your spring crops or flowers to use for future plantings. This is a cost-effective way to maintain your garden and promote biodiversity.

Best Garden Tool Belts of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

I’m a big fan of anything that makes gardening more enjoyable and my OCD tendencies love any tool that simplifies and makes organisation a reality. The obverse is tearing my hair out when clutter and disarray rear their ugly heads. So, it’s no surprise that a tool belt would suit my lifestyle completely.

11 Best Tiki Torches Worth Considering in Australia for 2024

From traditional bamboo torches to modern stainless steel designs, we will guide you in making an informed decision for transforming and enhancing the ambience of your outdoor area with stylish and functional tiki torches.

Best Solar Generators of 2024, Practical Reviews

Struggling to find the perfect solar generator for your energy needs? In this guide, we dive into key considerations when choosing a solar generator, exploring everything from compact portable models to home power stations.

We also introduce alternative options like foldable solar panels, providing insights based on our real-world testing experiences.

The vibrant red bracts of the New South Wales Christmas Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum) are a festive favourite in December. It thrives in well-drained soils and sunny positions, making it a stunning addition to holiday-inspired gardens.

This bush is native to the coastal regions of New South Wales, where it can be seen flowering in December. Its vibrant red bracts are particularly prominent in Sydney, the Illawarra region, and along the NSW South Coast.

There you have it, Green Thumbs! Your December Gardening Update!

Don't forget to check out our detailed guides and tutorials on our website for more in-depth information. If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest gardening videos, tips, and DIY projects.

Again, be sure to let us know what gardening projects you’ll be busy with in December and what you’re going to be planting, we’d love to find out! If you want any information covered by our team, let us know!

Happy gardening 🌱 We wish you a wonderful festive season, a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! ✨

Cheers,

Nathan Schwartz 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our friendly team today!

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