December Gardening Tasks: A UK Gardener's Guide to Winter Care
December is a quieter month in the garden, but there's still plenty to do to prepare for the colder weather and ensure your garden is ready to thrive when spring arrives. From protecting plants to planning for the future, here's a comprehensive guide on what to do in your UK garden this December.
1. Protecting Plants from Frost and Cold
Winter weather can be harsh on your plants, so it's essential to take steps to protect them from frost and cold temperatures.
Protection Tips:
Tender Plants: Move tender plants like potted geraniums and fuchsias into a greenhouse, conservatory, or indoors. If moving them isn’t an option, wrap them in horticultural fleece.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of perennials, shrubs, and other plants to insulate roots and retain moisture. Use materials such as straw, bark chips, or well-rotted compost.
Cloche and Cold Frames: Use cloches, cold frames, or row covers to protect winter vegetables and newly planted crops from frost.
2. Tidying the Garden
A tidy garden not only looks better but also helps prevent pests and diseases.
Tidying Tips:
Clear Leaves and Debris: Rake up fallen leaves and other debris from lawns, borders, and pathways. Add leaves to the compost heap or use them to create leaf mold, which is an excellent soil conditioner.
Clean Pots and Tools: Clean and disinfect pots, trays, and gardening tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Store tools in a dry place to avoid rusting.
Weeding: Remove any weeds from beds and borders to prevent them from taking hold over winter. Weeds can harbor pests and diseases, so it’s best to get rid of them now.
3. Caring for the Lawn
Your lawn needs attention even during the winter months to keep it healthy and ready for spring.
Lawn Care Tips:
Aeration: If the soil isn’t too wet or frozen, aerate the lawn by spiking it with a garden fork. This improves drainage and helps prevent waterlogging.
Remove Leaves: Regularly clear leaves from the lawn to prevent them from blocking light and air, which can lead to diseases.
Mowing: Avoid mowing the lawn if it’s frosty or waterlogged. If the weather is mild and the grass is still growing, give it a light trim.
4. Planting and Sowing
While December isn't a busy planting month, there are still a few things you can plant to get a head start on spring.
Planting Tips:
Bare-Root Plants: December is an excellent time to plant bare-root roses, shrubs, and trees. These plants are dormant now, making it easier for them to establish roots before spring.
Bulbs: If you haven’t finished planting spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils, get them in the ground as soon as possible. They need a period of cold to bloom well in spring.
Garlic and Onions: Continue planting garlic and overwintering onions. These crops benefit from the cold weather to develop properly.
5. Pruning and Cutting Back
Winter pruning helps to maintain plant health and encourages strong growth in the spring.
Pruning Tips:
Deciduous Trees and Shrubs: Prune deciduous trees and shrubs now that they have lost their leaves. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve air circulation and shape the plants.
Roses: Prune climbing roses and ramblers, cutting back side shoots to encourage healthy growth. Avoid heavy pruning of bush roses until February.
Fruit Trees: Prune apple and pear trees to remove any crossing branches and improve their shape. Avoid pruning stone fruit trees like cherries and plums until summer to prevent silver leaf disease.
6. Feeding and Mulching
Although growth has slowed, feeding and mulching can protect plants and improve soil health over the winter.
Feeding and Mulching Tips:
Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Mulching helps to insulate the roots, retain moisture, and suppress weeds.
Compost: Spread a layer of well-rotted compost or manure over vegetable beds and borders to improve soil structure and fertility for next year’s planting.
7. Supporting Wildlife
Winter can be tough for garden wildlife, so taking steps to support them can make a big difference.
Wildlife Tips:
Bird Feeders: Keep bird feeders stocked with high-energy foods like suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Clean feeders regularly to prevent the spread of diseases.
Bird Baths: Ensure bird baths are kept clean and filled with fresh water. Use a floating ball or a small heater to prevent the water from freezing.
Hedgehogs and Frogs: Provide shelter for hedgehogs by creating log piles or dedicated hibernation shelters. Avoid disturbing these areas during the winter months.
8. Greenhouse and Polytunnel Tasks
For those with a greenhouse or polytunnel, December is a key month for maintenance and preparation.
Greenhouse Tips:
Clean and Insulate: Clean the glass to maximize light and check for any damage that needs repairing. Insulate with bubble wrap to retain heat and protect tender plants.
Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation on sunny days to prevent humidity buildup and reduce the risk of disease.
Sowing: Sow winter crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes in the greenhouse for a fresh supply of greens.
9. Planning for Spring
December is a great time to reflect on the past growing season and start planning for the next. This includes reviewing successes and failures, and preparing for the upcoming year.
Planning Tips:
Garden Diary: Keep a garden diary to note what worked well and what didn’t. Record planting dates, weather conditions, and any pest or disease issues.
Seed Orders: Start ordering seeds for the next growing season. This ensures you have your favorite varieties ready for spring sowing.
Tool Maintenance: Clean and sharpen garden tools. Well-maintained tools make gardening tasks easier and more efficient. Oil wooden handles and store tools in a dry place to prevent rust.
10. Indoor Gardening
As outdoor gardening activities slow down, you can turn your attention to indoor gardening. Houseplants can bring a touch of green to your home during the winter months.
Indoor Gardening Tips:
Houseplant Care: Move houseplants to a bright location, away from drafts and direct heat sources like radiators. Reduce watering and feeding as growth slows.
Christmas Plants: Start caring for festive plants like poinsettias and Christmas cacti. Ensure they get enough light and water them sparingly to avoid root rot.
Indoor Sowing: Consider sowing herbs and salad greens indoors for a fresh supply during the winter months. Use a windowsill or a grow light to provide adequate light.
11. Pest and Disease Management
Even in winter, pests and diseases can still pose a threat to your garden.
Pest and Disease Tips:
Inspect Plants: Regularly check plants for signs of pests like aphids and whitefly. Remove any affected foliage and use organic treatments if necessary.
Clean Greenhouses: Thoroughly clean greenhouses and cold frames to remove any pests or fungal spores that could overwinter and cause problems next year.
Compost Diseased Material: Dispose of diseased plant material carefully, ideally by burning or taking it to a municipal composting facility, to prevent spreading diseases.
Conclusion
December is a month of preparation, protection, and planning in the garden. By focusing on these essential tasks, you can ensure your garden stays healthy through the winter and is ready to burst into life come spring. From clearing leaves and planting bulbs to feeding the soil and caring for wildlife, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Embrace the colder days and enjoy the opportunity to reflect on the past growing season while laying the groundwork for a successful year ahead. Happy gardening!