December in the garden
December isn’t exactly peak gardening season, particularly when it’s freezing outside and you’d rather be sitting somewhere warm.
But the garden hasn’t completely shut down.
Here are 10 useful jobs for December.
1. Protect Plants From Frost
Check vulnerable plants whenever freezing conditions are forecast.
Make sure fleece and other protection remains secure after windy weather.
2. Keep Bird Feeders Full
Winter can be difficult for garden birds.
Provide suitable food and regularly clean feeders and bird baths.
3. Keep Water Available
Birds and other wildlife still need access to water.
Check water sources during freezing weather and replace frozen water when necessary.
4. Prune Apple and Pear Trees
Once trees are dormant, winter pruning of established apples and pears can begin.
Remove dead, damaged and badly positioned growth while maintaining a healthy framework.
5. Check Trees After Storms
Winter winds can damage branches, stakes and ties.
Inspect young trees after severe weather and adjust ties that have become too tight or loose.
6. Clear Slippery Paths
Wet leaves and algae can make paths dangerous.
Regular sweeping also prevents piles of decomposing leaves building up around drains.
7. Check Stored Bulbs and Produce
Inspect stored crops and tender bulbs or tubers periodically and remove anything showing signs of serious rot.
8. Look After Your Tools
Clean and sharpen hand tools and arrange mower servicing while demand is low.
9. Order Seeds
Get ahead by choosing seeds for the coming growing season.
It’s also the perfect excuse to browse gardening catalogues somewhere warm.
10. Take a Break
Gardening doesn’t need to be a 12-month battle against your to-do list.
Enjoy Christmas, look through photographs of your garden from summer and start dreaming up next year’s projects.
Another Gardening Year Comes to an End
December is a month for protecting, maintaining and planning rather than major transformations.
Before long, the days will start getting longer—and the whole gardening cycle begins again.
Gardeners Guide — Grow Better. Garden Smarter.
