Protecting Roots—and the Paws That Roam Them
Soft sweaters, quiet mornings, and the first real bite of winter — December in Central Florida is less about planting and more about protecting the life already growing in your garden.
Plants slow their rhythm, roots settle deeper, and every bit of new growth becomes intentional. This is the month for shielding, tending, and reinforcing — your beds, your soil, your seedlings, and yes, even your furry garden companions.
Cold fronts, dry winds, winter pests, and chilly ground can stress both plants and paws. So this December, we’re focusing on simple acts of protection that help your garden (and your dog) stay resilient through the season’s coolest days.
Weather Watch: Fronts, Frosts & Wind
December brings a steady rhythm of cold fronts, with nighttime temperatures often dipping into the 40s and occasional frost settling into inland pockets and low-lying areas. Gusty winds can snap tall stems or dry out container gardens faster than you’d expect, so it’s wise to create a simple “Protection Plan” now rather than scrambling on a 38° night. Keep row cover cut, labeled, and rolled at the ready, wrap newly planted trees with breathable trunk guards, and shift tender containers to the south side of the house where they’ll stay warmer. A fresh 2–3 inches of mulch will insulate soil microbes and root zones, giving your garden a protective buffer before the cold ever arrives.
What to Plant This Month
December is slower, but still generous in Central Florida.
Transplant:
Lettuce, kale, collards, Swiss chard, celery, spinach, onions, parsley.
Direct-sow:
Carrots, radishes, turnips, beets, arugula, cilantro, dill.
Flower friends:
Pansies, violas, calendula, sweet peas — cheerful protectors that feed pollinators through winter.
Coach Tip:
December is ideal for herb protection: sow cilantro and dill now so the spring swallowtail caterpillars will have a welcoming home in February.
The December Protection Plan
This is the month to reinforce your garden’s defenses and help plants move smoothly through winter’s cooler spells. Start by adding a 2” layer of mulch to stabilize soil temperatures and protect beneficial microbes. Stake taller brassicas so a strong wind doesn’t bend or snap their stems, and wrap bananas, papayas, and other tender tropicals with breathable blankets or frost cloth (never plastic). Top-dress garden beds with compost to buffer roots from sudden cold snaps and support steady winter growth.
As temperatures fluctuate, keep an eye on soil moisture—gusty winter winds can dry things out quickly even when the air feels cool. Check plants for low-level winter aphids or scale, rotate lightweight row cover across beds when a cold front is coming, and harvest greens regularly to keep plants vigorous and prevent unwanted bolting during warm stretches.
December Spotlight Product: PAW GUARD — Winter Protection for Paws
Because your garden isn’t the only thing that needs protection this month.
Cold, dry air, rough ground, sharp shells, and chilly morning dew can be tough on Florida dogs — especially those who explore the garden with you.
PAW GUARD is my brand-new, small-batch winter balm formulated to:
Shield paws from cold, rough terrain, and dry grass
Soothe cracks with calendula and plantain
Protect pads from salt, sand, and coarse ground
Add a water-resistant layer for early-morning walks
Moisturize safely — even if your dog licks it
Perfect for winter adventures, holiday travel, and every gardener-dog duo who loves exploring outside together.
You and your dog walk your garden together — now you can protect those paws as well as you protect your plants.
Try it here: PAW GUARD
Herbal paw protection for Florida’s toughest terrain. Shields against hot pavement, salt, sand, and rough ground while soothing and restoring dry, cracked pads.
Handcrafted with calendula, comfrey, rosehip, and lanolin for year-round comfort.
1 oz $12 each 2 oz $18 each
December Task List: Protect, Preserve, Prepare
Frost readiness: Keep a dedicated tote with cloths, clips, stakes, and a headlamp.
Wind watch: Tighten trellises, support tall crops, and cluster pots.
Slug & snail protection: Cooler weather brings them back. Use beer traps or hand-pick at dusk.
Microbe care: Avoid disturbing soil; let winter’s quiet rebuild fungal networks.
Harvest lightly: Overharvest in winter stresses plants. Pick outer leaves, never the heart.
Plant nursery protection: Group seedlings in a snug microclimate near the house.
Tool care: Oil pruners, clean trowels, and protect wooden handles.
Garden journal: Note frost dates, nighttime lows, and what needed extra protection for next year.
Lawn & Landscape Notes
Reduce irrigation frequency — dormant roots require less water.
Add compost around shrubs before cold fronts for root protection.
Plant natives and woody perennials now so roots establish before spring.
Protect young citrus: use frost cloth AND wrap trunks on cold nights.
Coach’s Corner: Frost Protection, Simplified
A five-minute refresher for cold nights:
Cover early: Before sunset to trap daytime warmth.
No plastic: Unless it’s not touching foliage and has cloth beneath.
Remove at sunrise: Prevents sweating, mildew, and fungal spread.
Bucket method: For small plants — invert a bucket, then row cover over top.
Prioritize tender crops: Basil, beans, squash, tomatoes, papayas.
Remember: your goal isn’t to keep plants toasty — just to keep them above 32°F.
Ask the Garden Coach
Got a question about frost protection, winter pests, or how to keep your seedlings safe during the holidays?
Hit reply or message me — your question might be featured in January’s newsletter.
December Inspiration
The highest goodness is like water; it nourishes and protects all things without striving.
~ Lao Tzu
Here’s to cozy mornings, resilient gardens, and paws as protected as your plants.
~ Larissa
