Gardening This Weekend: December 25, 2025

As promised, here are the things I’d rate as most critical to check off your list over this upcoming weekend.

PLANT
• Pansies, pinks, snaps, ornamental cabbage and kale, and other sources of color in the winter landscape. South Texas gardeners have an even broader list from which to choose.
• Living Christmas greenery out into the landscape soon after the 25th. Plants become acclimated to warm conditions if left indoors more than a few days. They can then become vulnerable to cold when planted outdoors.

PRUNE
• Any dead or damaged branches that pose imminent threat to property, pets, and people should they fall.
• Mistletoe from tree branches. It is parasitic and will weaken its host trees.

FERTILIZE
• No need to feed poinsettias or any other holiday flowers. The fertilizers growers used will sustain them through the next several weeks.
• Feed pansies and other winter annuals with high-nitrogen, water-soluble plant food every couple of weeks to keep them growing.

ON THE LOOKOUT
• Check automatic sprinkling system to be sure it is adjusted for winter conditions. It must have a freeze sensor to prohibit its running when ice could form on walks, drives, and streets.
• Cut and then fold and store frost cloth so it will be ready when extreme cold blows in. Tag the pieces so you’ll know where to place each section. They can be used repeatedly, and they can remain in place for weeks if necessary.
• Keep poinsettias and other seasonal color out of hot drafts and, of course, protect them from freezing temperatures and wind when moving them around. Keep them moist at all times, but avoid waterlogging their soils.