Gardening in December
December is a time when many gardeners in the UK are preparing for the winter months. Many gardening in December jobs must be done to ensure your garden is ready for the colder weather.
One of the essential tasks in December is clearing away any dead or dying plants. This will help prevent the spread of disease and pests and make it easier to maintain your garden throughout the winter. It would be best if you also took the time to tidy up any overgrown areas, such as hedges or bushes, which may have become unruly over the year.
Another essential task is to protect any tender plants from frost damage. This can be done by covering them with frost-protection fleece or horticultural fleece. It is also a good idea to add a layer of mulch around the base of plants to help to insulate the soil and retain moisture.
If you have any trees or shrubs in your garden, it is vital to check them for signs of damage or disease. If you notice any issues, addressing them as soon as possible is best to prevent them from worsening over the winter.
In addition, you should also make sure that your garden tools are clean and in good condition. This will make it easier to use them when the weather improves and will also help to prolong their lifespan.
Finally, giving your lawn a final cut before the winter sets in is a good idea. This will help to keep it looking neat and tidy and will also help to prevent the buildup of moss and other unwanted growth.
By completing these tasks in December, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful garden throughout the winter and be ready for the next growing season.
We can take care of all these jobs in your garden so contact us to arrange a visit.
List of Gardening in December jobs to also consider...
- Protect terracotta plant pots from frost damage by lifting them off the ground or moving them inside.
- Climbing roses can be pruned between December and February – See our Pruning Roses post.
- Plant new fruit trees when the ground is mild enough to work.
- Prune grapevines, the side branches need to be put back to one or two buds. See the RHS article for more details on this.
- Greenhouses can be cleared out and cleaned, ready for the next season.
- Prune blackcurrants once they are dormant.
- When gardening in December, remember to leave water and food out for the birds in your garden.
