Want to keep your Central Texas garden thriving through December? In this episode, Colleen shares exactly what to do in the second half of the month—from identifying winter weeds to choosing the right fruit tree varieties and protecting tender plants from freezes. You’ll also learn why December is the perfect time for pruning certain trees, starting cool-season perennials, and planning your spring vegetable garden. Whether you're a beginner or a longtime Austin gardener, this episode gives you practical, region-specific tips to stay one step ahead of the season. Tune in and garden smarter this winter!

**Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast

Wondering what to do in your Austin or Central Texas garden in early December? In this episode, landscape consultant and certified arborist Colleen Dieter shares your essential mid-winter gardening checklist—from winter weed control and fruit tree prep to when (and when not) to prune. You'll also hear a real client story about transforming a suburban lawn into a thriving pollinator garden using sheet mulching. Plus, Colleen breaks down what to plant now, how to protect sensitive plants from freezes, and why December is ideal for planning next year’s garden projects. A must-listen for Central Texas gardeners who want timely, region-specific advice.

**Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast

Welcome back to The ATXGardens Podcast! In this episode, landscape consultant and certified arborist Colleen Dieter walks you through what to do in your Central Texas garden during the second half of November—from composting basics to cold protection for fruit trees and citrus.

This week, Colleen shares why composting is easiest right now, which trees and shrubs to plant before winter, how to prep citrus for freezes, and the must-know watering advice for recently transplanted native perennials. She also explains what gardeners can still plant safely in late November across veggies, herbs, bulbs, and cool-season annuals.

Whether you’re navigating early freezes, planning winter soil care, or deciding what to plant before it gets too cold, this episode is packed with practical, local guidance.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why late November is ideal for starting compost—and how to keep it simple
• The best woody plants to add now (trees, shrubs, roses, vines)
• How to protect fruit trees and citrus before the first freeze
• Listener Mail: how often to water newly transplanted native perennials
• Cool-season perennials and bulbs still safe to plant now
• Last call for cool-season vegetables, onions, garlic, and strawberries
• Freeze prep: why watering before cold fronts matters more than covering
• Herbs and annuals to plant before December
• Alternatives to fall wildflower seeding—and where to buy starts
• Upcoming garden events and classes across Central Texas

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Consultations & Shop: ATXGardens.com
• Instagram: @‌ATXGardens_
• Compost Tea Recipe – Episode 4: Deer Damage, Leaf Drop, and Fall Planting — Here’s What to Know — ATXGardens.com
• Liquid Humate – ATXGardens.com/planthealthandfertilizers
• Deer Trunk Protectors https://amzn.to/4pbwHK2
• Copper Soap Spray – https://amzn.to/3JyGryN
• Moisture Meter – https://amzn.to/3JYKxQL
• Paint Pens for Labels – https://amzn.to/4oCsgaY
• HastaGro Fertilizer – ATXGardens.com/planthealthandfertilizers
• Native American Seed – seedsource.com
• Central Texas Seed Savers: centexseedsavers.org

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow Central Texas gardeners!