This month in your Garden - December

The thing to remember in December is that although snoozing in front of a log fire seems so appealing, wrapping up nice & warm and doing a few hours in the garden is a lot better for you!

I especially like to be out in the garden when the frost is still visible. Early morning gives us a chance to appreciate colourful stems silver frosted foliage in all their glory.

There are a few jobs to be done this month but there is nowhere near the same urgency as there is in spring and summer.

Here is what I think you could be doing this month…

Wildlife

– it is easy to forget about the wildlife in our gardens at this time of year but some animals need our help at this time more than any other. If for instance we have a long cold period and ponds become frozen then you should leave some bowls of shallow water out to prevent animals from dehydrating.

Another animal to watch out for is hedgehogs. If you’re attempting to move a pile of leaves then refrain from using a fork as often they are nesting underneath. Also, if you are about to light a bonfire then try to inspect the inside to check that any animals haven’t moved in!

Leaves

– Not all leaves have fallen yet so it is important to keep on top of the clearing up process. Leaves lying on top of a lawn can cause it to go brown and wet leaves on pathways are a safety hazard.

Plant protection

– if you have any plants within your garden which you know are susceptible to frost then now is your last chance to protect them. I personally like to completely cover the plant with straw and then place some horticultural fleece over the top weighed down with some bricks.

Pruning Deciduous Trees

– With the leaves fallen, it is far easier to see what you are cutting. Stand back regularly to ensure you are maintaining a nice shape. It is also important to remember that by really hard pruning a tree or a shrub you will encourage vigorous growth. A better approach to reducing the size would be to reduce slightly over the course of three years.

Outside taps

– these need insulating over the winter to fervent the water from freezing and splitting the pipes. If you can isolate them altogether then this is best (so long as you remember to empty the tap itself!). If you are unable to do this then you can now buy products especially for insulating the taps.

Digging

– Continue to dig over any soil you have that is exposed in your borders or in your vegetable garden. If the soil is wet enough to stick to your boots then refrain from digging until it has dried out a bit.

Whilst digging consider incorporating some organic matter. Compost or well rotted horse manure are both ideal.

Pathways

– Try to clean all moss and lichen from pathways as a wet and slippery path is a serious safety hazard. Hamfields sell a range of products for doing exactly this.

Vegetable Garden in December

Harvesting

- continue to harvest winter crops such as sprouts and parsnips. Celery can also be lifted - try to do this just before you intend using it.

Crop Care

– Pests and diseases aren’t such a problem at this time of year but the wind and harsh weather conditions are. Any tall brassicas should either be earthed up to support them or be tied in to a firm cane. (I personally do both but this is only really necessary if really strong winds are forecast).

Sowing

– If you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse or space on a warm windowsill then you can begin to sow some summer salad crops. Lettuce, radishes and salad onions are all perfect for this.