December Permaculture Guides: Global Gardening Calendars

Deep Green Permaculture has released its December gardening calendars, offering guidance tailored to both Northern and Southern Hemisphere climates. These resources are designed to assist gardeners in planning and executing tasks relevant to their specific seasonal conditions during the final month of the year.

For gardeners in the Northern Hemisphere, December marks the heart of winter. The calendar emphasizes tasks focused on protection, planning, and preparation for the upcoming growing season. Key recommendations include safeguarding tender plants from frost and cold temperatures, which might involve using row covers, cloches, or bringing potted plants indoors. Mulching is highlighted as a crucial activity to insulate soil, retain moisture, and suppress winter weeds. This period is also ideal for pruning dormant deciduous trees and shrubs, a practice that promotes healthy growth and fruit production in the spring. Gardeners are encouraged to conduct soil tests to understand nutrient levels and pH, allowing for informed amendments before spring planting. Indoor gardening activities, such as starting seeds for early spring crops or maintaining houseplants, are also suggested. The calendar also advises on tool maintenance, cleaning and sharpening equipment to ensure readiness for the busier spring months. Planning for the next year's garden layout, crop rotation, and seed ordering are significant components, ensuring a well-organized and productive growing season ahead.

Conversely, the Southern Hemisphere calendar addresses the peak of summer. This period is characterized by intense heat and active growth, requiring different gardening strategies. Watering is a primary focus, with advice on efficient irrigation techniques to conserve water and ensure plants receive adequate moisture during dry spells. Deep watering early in the morning or late in the evening is recommended to minimize evaporation. The calendar also emphasizes continuous harvesting of summer crops to encourage further production and prevent plants from going to seed prematurely. Pest and disease management become more critical in warmer weather, with suggestions for organic control methods and regular plant inspections. Shading delicate plants from the harshest midday sun is advised to prevent scorching and stress. Succession planting is a key strategy for extending harvests, with recommendations for planting heat-tolerant varieties of vegetables. Mulching remains important in summer to retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Gardeners are also encouraged to collect seeds from open-pollinated varieties for future planting.

Across both hemispheres, the calendars implicitly promote permaculture principles by encouraging observation, thoughtful design, and working with natural systems. The guidance on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity reflects a holistic approach to gardening. The availability of these distinct calendars underscores the importance of adapting gardening practices to local climate and seasonal variations, a fundamental aspect of sustainable food production. These resources serve as practical tools for gardeners to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities presented by December, whether it's the dormant period of winter or the vibrant growth of summer.