December might not seem like an ideal month to plant a garden. While this assumption is mostly accurate because the first frost has likely already occurred in November, planting is not impossible. In fact, getting plants into the ground rather than leaving them in containers until spring can be surprisingly beneficial. Although many people associate December with winter, the season does not officially begin until December 21. Late autumn offers a perfect chance to tuck plants into the soil so they can settle in before spring arrives. This timing supports strong root development, reduces stress compared to spring planting, and limits weed competition as the plants become established. It also lowers pest and disease pressure during the vulnerable early stages of growth. While planting before the first frost is ideal, early December still provides a workable and often overlooked opportunity.
This past week, Jersey-Friendly Yards, the Barnegat Bay Partnership, and Ocean County College received a very generous donation of more than 400 young native plants from the Master Gardeners of Ocean County. The donation supports Jersey-Friendly Yards outreach, education, and the school certification program. Eighty plants were installed at Toms River High School South on November 18, bringing the school much closer to completing its certification.
The remaining plants were added to the gardens around Bartlett Hall at Ocean County College. College staff, students, and volunteers came together on December 4 and bundled up to get over 300 plants in the ground. Autumn rains had softened the soil, and that made digging much easier on planting day. In less than two hours, every plant was settled into place. The species donated were a diverse mix of native plants that will grow into a resilient, dynamic garden supporting wildlife from early spring through late fall.
Early bloomers such as Foxglove Beardtongue, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Butterfly Weed, and Shrubby St. John’s Wort will provide much-needed nectar for emerging bees and offer habitat and larval resources for a variety of insects. Butterfly Weed is an essential host plant for butterfly and moth larvae, especially the iconic Monarch Butterfly. Ninebark contributes additional early-season support through its nectar-rich flower clusters and offers important structure and shelter throughout the year. As the season progresses, midsummer plants like Rattlesnake Master, Spotted Beebalm, Greyhead Coneflower, Purple Giant Hyssop, and Joe-Pye Weed will attract a wide variety of native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Later in the season, Ironweed, Upland White Goldenrod, Stiff Goldenrod, Blue Mistflower, Great Blue Lobelia, and Obedient Plant will deliver essential nectar for migrating monarchs and overwintering bumblebee queens at a time when food sources become scarce.
Finally, Big Blue Stem and Purple Love Grass will add structure, nesting habitat, and natural weed suppression, helping to anchor the planting and support wildlife throughout the year. Collectively, these species create continuous bloom, strong habitat structure, and multi-season ecological value that will foster a vibrant and self-sustaining environment for pollinators and other wildlife.
Together, this project supports the Barnegat Bay Partnership’s long-term stewardship goals and strengthens the Jersey-Friendly Yards vision of teaching communities how small actions can create big, lasting change. With every plant in the ground, we are building a healthier landscape for the entire Barnegat Bay watershed. Jersey-Friendly Yards is grateful to work alongside the Master Gardeners of Ocean County and truly appreciates their support. The Master Gardeners will be selling native plants again in the spring, and in the meantime, be sure to keep an eye out for workshops and seasonal events. If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County, you can learn more on their website.
