December brings the coldest part of the year, and the garden is largely dormant, but there are still important tasks to complete to prepare for the year ahead. It’s a time for tidying, protecting, and planning.
General maintenance includes continuing to clear fallen leaves from paths, lawns, and beds to prevent them from causing damage or becoming slippery. Keep an eye on plants that may need protection from frost, such as wrapping tender shrubs or covering plants with fleece or straw. Check that outdoor taps are properly insulated, and ensure compost bins are covered to keep moisture in and help decompose organic matter through the winter.
In ornamental gardening, focus on planting bare-root trees, shrubs, and roses as long as the soil is workable. Now is also the time to finish planting spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Continue to prune any dead or damaged growth on trees and shrubs to prevent disease or wind damage, but avoid heavy pruning of dormant plants. Leave any seed heads that provide food for birds or shelter for insects.
For fruit and vegetable gardening, harvest any remaining hardy crops like parsnips or leeks that can withstand cold weather. Clear out the last of the spent crops, adding them to the compost heap, and clean vegetable beds. Protect vegetable patches by mulching or covering with fleece to help retain warmth and prevent frost damage. Check fruit trees for any damage from wind or frost, and take action to protect them if necessary.
Lawn care in December involves reducing mowing to a minimum, as grass growth slows down in the cold weather. If the weather allows, continue to clear leaves from the lawn and treat any areas affected by moss or compaction. Avoid walking on lawns when they are frosty or waterlogged to prevent damaging the grass.
Wildlife and sustainability tasks include ensuring food and water are available for birds and small mammals. Refill bird feeders regularly with high-energy foods like peanuts, suet, and seeds. Leave some areas of your garden undisturbed to provide shelter for wildlife over the winter months. Consider adding a wildlife-friendly habitat such as a log pile, hedgehog box, or birdhouse to support animals through the cold.
December is a quieter month in the garden, but it’s a critical time for preparation and care. By protecting plants, providing food for wildlife, and keeping the garden tidy, you’ll set your garden up for a successful and healthy year ahead.
