However, avid gardeners know that December can be a surprisingly busy month for tending to your green space. While the cold weather may limit some activities, there are still plenty of tasks that can be undertaken to ensure your garden stays healthy and vibrant.
December is an ideal time to prune and trim deciduous trees and shrubs while they are dormant. Remove any dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth come spring. Be mindful not to prune early-flowering shrubs, as you may cut off next year's blooms.
Shield vulnerable plants from harsh winter weather by covering them with horticultural fleece or straw. This is particularly important for potted plants, which are more susceptible to freezing temperatures.
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to protect roots from frost and help retain moisture. Coarse compost or bark chips are excellent choices. Mulching also suppresses weeds that may otherwise compete for nutrients. Read our handy guide for preparing your garden for mulch here.
Take advantage of the quieter winter months to clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools. This ensures they are in top condition for the coming spring and helps prevent the spread of diseases between plants.
While it may seem counterintuitive, December is an excellent time to sow hardy vegetables like winter lettuces, spinach, and broad beans. These crops can endure the cold and provide fresh produce during milder spells.
Inspect your garden for signs of pests and diseases. Addressing these issues early prevents them from becoming more significant problems later on. Remove any dead plant material that may harbour pests or diseases.
Winter might not seem like the ideal time to start a garden, but it’s actually a perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for a thriving spring and summer.
Winter might not seem like the ideal time to start a garden, but it’s actually a perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for a thriving spring and summer.
Gardening isn’t just about plants—it’s also an opportunity to get creative and enhance your outdoor space with fun DIY projects.
Gardening isn’t just about plants—it’s also an opportunity to get creative and enhance your outdoor space with fun DIY projects.
Starting a garden is an exciting journey that brings joy, beauty, and biodiversity to your space.
Starting a garden is an exciting journey that brings joy, beauty, and biodiversity to your space.
As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, it's essential to take steps to protect your container plants from the harsh conditions.
As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, it's essential to take steps to protect your container plants from the harsh conditions.
