{"id":26759,"date":"2023-12-13T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-13T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/?p=26759"},"modified":"2025-01-06T14:28:58","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T14:28:58","slug":"december-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/december-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"Gardening in December"},"content":{"rendered":"

There’s not a massive amount to do in the garden in December, but a few winter garden jobs will make spring more productive. <\/p>

Indeed, gardening in December is all about ensuring your outdoor space remains clear of pests and diseases while protecting your plants from the harsh British winter. <\/p>

So, if you\u2019re still itching to get out into the garden, check out our checklist of tasks for gardening in December. <\/p>

Ready? Let\u2019s go! <\/p>

Tasks to prepare your December garden<\/h2>
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Your December garden checklist – Photo by\u00a0Glenn Carstens-Peters<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Strictly speaking, winter doesn\u2019t begin until December 21st! But for meteorologists and climatologists, winter starts on December 1st. <\/p>

So, if you haven’t protected your delicate plants already, it’s time to air the horticultural fleece and spread the mulch. Don’t wait until the frost hits! <\/p>

Plants to protect in your December garden<\/h3>

Mediterranean plants like palm trees don’t handle the cold well. So, cover them with a horticultural fleece or bubble wrap \u2014 the bubbles in the plastic have an excellent insulating effect. <\/p>

Place vulnerable potted perennials inside or in the greenhouse if you can. Or wrap them in fleece or bubble wrap if you can\u2019t. <\/p>

Drain your hose! <\/h3>

In the UK, December is typically cold and wet, so there’s generally minimal call for your garden hose. <\/p>

However: <\/p>

Did you know that the water that sits in the pipe could:<\/p>

  1. Burst the skin of the pipe when it freezes, and <\/li>\n\n
  2. Present a Legionnaires hazard when you first use your hose in spring. <\/li><\/ol>

    Yes, water sitting in your hosepipe over winter is a bad idea – partly because the freezing water can damage the body of the pipe. <\/p>

    However:<\/p>

    The stagnant water inside the pipe can develop bacteria that get released when you first spray in the spring. <\/p>

    And, if that water contains Legionella, you could inhale the bacteria when you water your garden. <\/p>

    Winter lawn care<\/h3>

    Walking on a frosty lawn is one of the worst things you can do! This is because the blades become brittle and easily snap, thus cutting off your lawn’s over-wintering food supply. <\/p>

    So, as soon as Jack Frost has done his rounds, stay off your lawn as much as possible! <\/p>

    Planting trees and shrubs in your December garden<\/h2>
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    Don’t forget to clean your garden tools before storing them for winter!<\/figcaption><\/figure>

    You might prefer to put your feet up before a roaring fire at this time of year, but it’s a perfect window for planting new trees. <\/p>

    Because:<\/p>

    It\u2019s better to plant new trees during their dormancy, which protects them from damage. Indeed, the tree-planting season is from November to March. <\/p>

    So, if you\u2019re considering planting fruit trees or new bushes<\/a> for next year, it\u2019s time to get into the garden and prepare the soil.<\/p>

    Veg to plant in December<\/h3>

    You might be surprised to discover that you can plant veg in December. Indeed, this chilly month is perfect for sowing winter greens and salad leaves, such as:<\/p>