As the year draws to a close, the garden enters a period of dormancy, offering gardeners a chance to relax after months of tending to their green spaces. Yet, even in the quiet of December, there are essential tasks to keep your garden thriving through winter and prepared for spring. Here are ten crucial gardening activities for December, complete with tips and tricks to ensure your garden remains a sanctuary even in the coldest months.
1. Shielding Sensitive Plants: December is the final call to safeguard tender and half-hardy plants from the winter chill. Ideally, move them indoors to a frost-free area with sufficient light, such as a greenhouse or conservatory. For those that must remain outside, apply a generous layer of mulch or use horticultural fleece for insulation. The Royal Horticultural Society provides detailed advice on winter plant protection.
2. Revitalize Your Garden's Framework: With plant care less demanding, now is an opportune moment to refurbish hard landscaping elements. Clean paths, especially in shaded areas prone to moss, and inspect sheds and fences for necessary repairs or a fresh coat of preservative to prevent rot in the damp climate. Woodland Trust offers guidance on selecting eco-friendly wood treatments.
3. Safeguard Outdoor Plumbing: Prevent freezing by isolating and draining outdoor taps and pipes. If that's not feasible, insulate them with old fabrics to fend off the frost.
4. Sustain the Birds: With natural food scarce and water sources freezing, birds rely on your help. Offer a variety of bird foods and ensure ground feeders are not forgotten. Keep water features from icing over, breaking any ice that forms. The RSPB has extensive resources on helping garden birds in winter.
5. Tend to Greenhouse Residents: Water plants under cover judiciously, as their dormant state means less water is needed and overwatering can cause rot.
6. Advance Winter Soil Preparation: Continue to dig and aerate soil in empty beds, incorporating organic matter. Refrain from working with overly wet or heavy clay soils to avoid compaction.
7. Prune Dormant Fruit Trees: Post-harvest is the time to prune fruit trees and woody ornamentals. This encourages healthy growth and fruit production for the coming year.
8. Sow Seeds for Early Vegetables: Some vegetables can be sown now for early harvests. Check seed packets for appropriate sowing times.
9. Purchase Seeds for the Upcoming Season: Seed suppliers release new stock around late November. Browse catalogs or online stores to select seeds for planting in the new year.
10. Embrace a Gardening Pause: After a year of gardening labor, relish a break. Sit back with a warm beverage and let the garden rest, too, as you anticipate the next season's joys.
By following these December gardening tips, you can ensure your garden remains a haven for wildlife and a place of beauty, ready to burst into life come spring.
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