What to do in the Garden in December

December is a quiet but important month in the garden, focusing on

protection, maintenance, and planning for the year ahead.


Frost Protection

With frost and potentially snow setting in, tender plants should be wrapped in

fleece or moved to sheltered areas, while mulching around plant bases helps

insulate roots from the cold.


Cleaning

Keep clearing fallen leaves from paths and lawns to prevent slipping hazards

and rot.

Check stored tubers like dahlias for signs of rot and ensure they remain dry.


Pruning

KEvergreen shrubs and winter-flowering plants, such as hellebores, can have

their untidy leaves removed so you can see all their beautiful flowers.

It's also a great time to prune dormant trees and shrubs, except for those that

flower in spring.


Birds

Keep bird feeders topped up with food and water to support wildlife during

the colder months.


Tips

Indoors, you can start forcing bulbs like hyacinths and amaryllis for festive

blooms.




With shorter days and less to do outside, December is the perfect time to plan

next year's garden, browse seed catalogues and reflect on the successes of the

past growing season.