Plant bulbs in December for spring blooms
Despite wintry weather, there are still garden jobs to do.

December is the time to plant tulips and hyacinth bulbs, preparing for winter and planning for next year's garden, said experts at Agromin, a Camarillo-based manufacturer of premium soil products.

•Plant bulbs and flowers. Plant bulbs in 5 to 6 inches of soil. Some hardy flowers and bedding plants can be planted now for late spring blooms. Wildflower seeds can also be sown now.

•Clean up debris. Collect fallen leaves and branches, and compost them for mulch. Cover the compost pile with plastic or tarp to hold in heat and keep rain from washing out nutrients. Use fallen leaves now as quick mulch in flowerbeds to keep mud from splashing on small plants during rain.

•Feed new plants. Newly planted vegetation may need a shot of quickacting nitrogen fertilizer to keep them growing as the weather cools. Roses are the one plant that does not need fertilizing this time of year.

•Move container plants. Place container plants next to south- or west-facing walls so they will absorb reflected daytime heat and stay shielded from wind. Move cacti, succulents and potted trees under cover for protection from cold and rain.

•Buy a living Christmas tree. Wait until Christmas week to bring the tree indoors where it can stay for one to two weeks. Any longer and it will begin to drop its needles. Decorate with berries, popcorn, seeds and cookies. After the holidays, take the stilldecorated tree outside and let birds eat the ornaments.

For more planting and gardening tips, visit www.agromin.com.