Jobs in the Garden: December 2024

Jobs to Do in a UK Garden During December

December may be the darkest and coldest month of the year, but there's still plenty to do in the garden. While much of nature is dormant, this is a time for protecting your garden, planning for the year ahead, and enjoying the festive season. Here are the key jobs to focus on in your UK garden during December.

1. Protect Plants from Frost

Frost is a major concern in December, so make sure tender plants are well-protected. Use fleece, cloches, or mulch to shield vulnerable plants. For potted plants, move them to a greenhouse, shed, or a sheltered spot close to the house.

2. Maintain Garden Wildlife

Support wildlife through the cold months by regularly filling bird feeders with seeds, nuts, and fat balls. Provide fresh water daily to prevent it from freezing, and consider leaving a small area of the garden undisturbed for hibernating insects and small mammals.

3. Harvest Winter Vegetables

If you’ve grown winter crops such as parsnips, leeks, or Brussels sprouts, December is the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. These vegetables often taste better after a frost, so don’t hesitate to start harvesting.

4. Prune Fruit Trees and Bushes

Winter is the ideal time to prune apple and pear trees as well as currant and gooseberry bushes. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood, and thin out overcrowded branches to encourage healthy growth in the spring.

5. Plan Your Garden for Next Year

With the gardening calendar winding down, December is a perfect time to plan for the year ahead. Research new plants, order seeds, and design layouts for your flower beds and vegetable plots. Use the downtime to get inspired for a productive new season.

6. Clean and Maintain Tools

Take advantage of the quieter gardening season to clean, sharpen, and oil your tools. Well-maintained tools make gardening easier and more effective. Check your lawn mower, spades, and shears, and store them in a dry place.

7. Decorate with Natural Materials

Use evergreen foliage, holly, ivy, and pine cones from your garden to create festive decorations like wreaths and garlands. These natural touches can bring the spirit of the season into your home while connecting you to your outdoor space.

8. Check Greenhouses and Sheds

Inspect your greenhouse for any broken glass or gaps where drafts could enter. Ensure your shed is secure and watertight to protect stored tools and plants. Organize your space now to make spring gardening more efficient.

9. Mulch Bare Soil

If you haven’t done so already, add a layer of mulch to bare soil in your flower beds and vegetable plots. This will help suppress weeds, retain moisture, and protect the soil from erosion over winter.

10. Enjoy Your Garden

December is a time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of your garden in its winter state. Take time to enjoy the frosty mornings, feed the birds, and reflect on the gardening year that’s passed.

Final Thoughts

Although December is a quieter month in the gardening calendar, the tasks you complete now will help your garden thrive in the coming year. From protecting plants to planning ahead, there’s plenty to keep you connected to your outdoor space even in the depths of winter. So bundle up, head outside, and embrace the season’s unique charm!