What to do in the garden in December
When December sets in, daylight hours decrease and the risk of frost, wind and rain increases. December can, however, be a very picturesque time in the garden and there are a few essential jobs that can be done to make sure your garden stays happy and healthy.
Winter garden vegetables
Now’s the time to harvest those delicious root vegetables that you sowed earlier in the year. Leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage and Brussels sprouts are all ready to dig up, and they’ll make the perfect companions to this year’s Christmas dinner.
Haven’t got anything in the ground and looking for something to plant now? Although there’s no doubt this is a harsh month for the garden, it’s not as impossible as you might think to add to your veg patch.
Raspberry canes and blackberries can be planted from now right up to spring, as well as gooseberries, currants and blueberry plants. It’s also a good time to find a spot for strawberry plants and rhubarb crowns outside in well-prepared soil.
If you’re not using your veg patch over winter, make sure it’s cleared with some good quality manure or compost.
Don’t fancy braving the cold but want to get some fresh produce on the go? How about growing herbs on your windowsill?
Winter garden protection
If you haven’t already, make sure all the necessary winter protection is in place in your garden. Put protection fleece on your vulnerable crops, keep outdoor taps and pipes covered, and put a tennis ball in the pond to help stop it from freezing over.
Watch over the wildlife
Whether it’s a white Christmas or not this year, make sure there’s plenty of food out for the birds who will desperately appreciate it in the winter. They’ll go wild for our fat balls, peanuts, suet pellets and sunflower hearts. Choosing different types of bird feed is one of the best ways to attract more varieties of bird to your garden - you'll find loads more advice on caring for the birds in our blog.
Other animals such as insects & hedgehogs would also appreciate the help over winter as they hunker down to sleep off the chill! You can learn more in our guide to how to help wildlife in winter.
Make it bright with outdoor lights
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s a great time to fill your outdoor space with light. Whether it’s with some festive outdoor Christmas lights or a novelty Christmas character, your outdoor space will soon be brimming with personality.
And don’t forget your outdoor security lighting – now is the perfect time to make sure it’s all in good working order with it being dark so early!
December checklist
Fruit and veg
- Garden December vegetables
- Clear beds and add compost/manure
- Prune grapevines and fruit trees
- Apply grease bands to fruit trees for next year
- Keep mice away from stored products by using storage boxes with lids
- Plant fruit bushes such as gooseberries, currants and blueberries
Lawn
- Aerate the lawn with a garden fork
- Avoid walking and playing on the lawn as much as possible
Ornamental
- It’s not too late to plant spring bulbs in pots
- Prune clematis
- Plant bare-rooted trees and shrubs
Hard Gardening
- Insulate pots and containers
- Apply fleece
- Check fences and wooden structures
- Keep pathways clear of algae
- Clear gutters
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