Decmber in the garden
December brings the depth of winter to our gardens, with short days, cold temperatures, and the likelihood of frost, snow, and harsh weather. While this is the quietest month in the gardening calendar, there are still valuable tasks to complete when conditions allow. December offers opportunities for planning, maintenance, and preparation that will set your garden up for success in the year ahead. Here are the essential tasks for this month:
1. Plant Bare-Root Trees and Hedging During Mild Spells
December remains suitable for planting bare-root trees, shrubs, roses, and hedging during mild, dry periods when soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged. Dormant plants transplant well in winter, establishing root systems ready for spring growth. Visit our plant centre for remaining bare-root stock at excellent winter prices. Improve planting holes with our quality topsoil, stake trees securely, and avoid working frozen or saturated ground.
2. Protect Lawns from Winter Damage
Keep lawns clear of fallen leaves and debris to prevent disease and damage. Avoid walking on frosted grass which can cause lasting brown footprints. Repair any remaining worn edges with our quality topsoil before ground freezes hard. While turf laying isn’t recommended in December, you can plan lawn renovations and order turf for early spring installation when conditions improve.
3. Check and Adjust Plant Protection
Monitor winter protection on tender plants, checking ties, fleece, and mulches remain secure during winter storms. Ensure container insulation hasn’t become waterlogged, and move vulnerable pots to more sheltered positions if needed. Check stored dahlia tubers, begonias, and other tender bulbs for signs of rot or excessive drying, removing any showing deterioration.
4. Order Seeds and Plan Next Year's Garden
December is perfect for browsing seed catalogues and planning next year’s garden. Order seeds early for best selection, particularly popular or unusual varieties. Sketch vegetable garden layouts, plan crop rotations, and consider new planting schemes. Planning now ensures you’re ready to start sowing when spring arrives, with clear goals and ordered supplies.
5. Design and Plan Hardscape Improvements
Use winter’s bare garden bones to assess structure and plan improvements. Consider where pathways, patios, or gravel features might enhance your garden. Visit our centre to explore decorative aggregate options for spring installation. December’s quiet period allows thoughtful planning without the distraction of active growth, helping you visualize structural changes more clearly.
6. Prune Deciduous Trees and Shrubs
Continue winter pruning of dormant trees and shrubs during mild, dry weather. Prune apple and pear trees, removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Shape wisteria, grapevines, and ornamental trees. Avoid pruning during freezing conditions when branches are brittle. Clear all prunings and check for disease, burning or disposing of infected material rather than composting.
7. Maintain Garden Structures and Equipment
Use December’s quieter periods for maintenance tasks. Clean, oil, and sharpen tools, service lawn mowers and other equipment, and repair garden structures. Clear gutters, check greenhouse glazing, and repair any winter storm damage promptly. Wash pots and seed trays with hot, soapy water ready for spring sowing. Well-maintained equipment lasts longer and performs better.
8. Support Garden Wildlife Through Winter
December brings challenging conditions for garden wildlife. Keep bird feeders stocked with high-energy foods, provide fresh water by breaking ice on ponds and bird baths, and leave some areas of garden undisturbed for hibernating creatures. Consider leaving seed heads on perennials as natural food sources. Supporting wildlife now helps maintain balanced ecosystems benefiting your garden year-round.
9. Force Bulbs for Indoor Winter Colour
Bring pre-chilled bulbs including hyacinths, paperwhites, and amaryllis indoors for forcing. These provide welcome colour and fragrance during dark winter months. Plant in containers with good drainage, water moderately, and position in cool, bright locations. Forced bulbs make excellent gifts and brighten homes when outdoor gardens are dormant.
10. Harvest and Enjoy Winter Vegetables
Continue harvesting winter crops including Brussels sprouts, kale, leeks, and parsnips. Many taste sweeter after frost exposure. Protect remaining crops with fleece or cloches during severe weather. Plan spring vegetable sowings and prepare to improve soil with our quality topsoil when conditions allow in late winter.
December Weather: December typically brings the coldest conditions of winter with regular frosts, occasional snow, and harsh winds across the UK. Work outdoors only during mild, dry spells, and never work frozen or waterlogged soil. Be prepared for rapid weather changes and prioritise indoor gardening tasks during prolonged cold periods.
Visit our gardening centre throughout December for bare-root plants, quality topsoils for spring preparation, decorative gravels for planning purposes, and winter gardening supplies. Our knowledgeable team can help you plan next year’s garden, advise on winter protection, and ensure you’re fully prepared for the growing season ahead. We wish you a wonderful festive season and look forward to helping you create your best garden yet in the coming year!