Jobs for the Month - December

It might not be a great thought, having to venture out into the cold outdoors this month - but rest assured there are only a few jobs to get on with whilst you enjoy the Christmas period.

 

What to Plant: 

  • Tulip bulbs
  • Rhubarb
  • Prepared indoor bulbs
  • Winter bedding plants
  • Rhubarb
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberry plants
  • Currant plants

What to order: 

  • Spring-flowering bulbs (last chance to order)
  • Pre-order summer-flowering bulbs

 

Frost Protection 
Keep on top of sweeping your paths and reducing slippery surfaces to prevent any accidents. You may also want to cover surfaces with mats or grit and improve drainage to prevent surfaces from becoming wet before they freeze. Heavy snow can also be a problem for the garden. Shake or knock branches with a broom to prevent damage from the weight of built-up snow during particularly bad bursts of winter weather. 

Pruning 
You can now begin to prune trees and shrubs, except for prunus species, evergreen varieties and tender plants. Doing this now while the branches are still bare will make it a lot easier to see what you're doing. 
 

Wildlife 
Keep leaving food out for the birds with fresh water. Make sure you don't neglect these as they can quickly become frozen or full of debris in harsh weather. Keep them clean and free of ice. Little piles of wood can also help our wildlife friends as they become crucial shelter or nutrition for all kinds of creatures in bad weather. 
 
Harvest 
Now is the time to harvest your veg. As you lift it, check for any signs of rot, and remove afflicted produce before it spreads to the rest of your crop. Harvest just in time for Christmas and enjoy truly fresh veg such as cabbage, sprouts and root crops planted earlier that year, as part of your festive meal. 

Tips: 

  • Check heaters in your greenhouse and insulate the inside to protect plants from the cold.
  • If you have any water features, it might be a good idea to insulate pipes in case a particularly cold winter comes.  
  • Throw a few tennis balls onto the surface of your pond, as they can prevent the surface from completely freezing over from frost and make air holes for fish.  
  • Rake out any fallen leaves in ponds to prevent algae growth.