Our guide to what to do in the garden in December, including festive foraging and decorating, Christmas vegetables, winter maintenance and seed sowing. For many of us, December is a time to reflect on the year’s gardening, as well as thinking about what we’ll do differently next season, but there are also a few jobs you can be getting on with.
- Christmas Tree:
- Consider a potted pine tree for a sustainable and eco-friendly option.
- If you choose a pre-cut tree, repurpose it by shredding for chippings, using branches for plant supports, or for garden paths.
- Christmas Decorations:
- Create a festive wreath using garden-grown holly, ivy, crab apples, and pyracantha berries.
- Use cuttings for mantle and table displays, and add a sprig of mistletoe for a traditional touch.
- Christmas Colour:
- Bring festive colour indoors with amaryllis and hyacinths.
- Plant these bulbs in your garden after the holidays for long-term seasonal colour.
- Christmas Vegetables:
- Keep the growing area weed-free for Christmas Day veg harvesting.
- Check for pests and diseases, and use horticultural fleece to protect crops from cold temperatures.
- Pruning:
- Prune dead, damaged, and diseased branches on deciduous trees.
- Maintain overall shape and avoid heavy pruning.
- Prune vines, acers, and wisteria (cutting summer side shoots back to three buds).
- Mulch:
- Clear weeds and mulch all growing beds for protection from harsh weather.
- Use bark chippings, leaf mould, or garden compost for a neat appearance.
- Walkways:
- Sweep away leaves and debris on paths and patios for safety.
- Pressure wash to prevent slippery lichen build-up.
- Snowfall:
- Carefully remove snow from greenhouses, structures, and sheds with a soft broom.
- Shake snow gently from plants to prevent damage.
- Avoid walking on frozen lawns to protect the grass.
- Flowers:
- Sow geraniums, begonias, and snapdragons in a heated greenhouse for an early start.
- Use peat-free compost and water from below to prevent seed disturbance.
- Herbs:
- Sow indoor herbs like mint, chives, and dill in containers on a sunny windowsill for easy access.
If it’s too cold outside, enjoy a cosy moment indoors with seed catalogues, a festive drink, and a mince pie. Create your gardening wish list for the upcoming year.
By following these tips, you can not only enjoy a festive garden but also set the stage for a successful gardening for 2024.
Sourced from Country Living