Gardening in December

Frosty nights are frequent this month. Although frosts can be seen as a problem they also help break down lumpy soil and kill many plant pests and diseases. They also improve the flavour of vegetables such as parsnips. If the ground is very frosty or wet then it is best to avoid walking on it as this can spoil the soil structure. Cold winds, rain and even snow can also be a feature. If possible remove snow from bushes, especially those in leaf, to avoid damage. It is also possible that some early snow could fall.

 Planting and sowing:

• Sow short rooted carrots in tubs in greenhouse

• You can sow broad beans now if you live in a mild area and have light soil or in tubs.
• If necessary and soil and weather conditions allow fruit bushes can be moved 
• Plant shallots up to the middle of the month if sol is well drained

Harvesting:

Jobs:

• If you have debris from the garden which is unsuitable for composting this can be the ideal time to have a garden bonfire if you have the room and bonfires are not restricted in your area. Take all sensible precautions and do not leave any children unattended whilst the bonfire is lit. Also check for sleepy hedgehogs hiding in any piles of debris. Do not just burn the debris in situ move it to make sure. You may wish to use a burner.
• Containers can become waterlogged so if possible raise them up onto 'feet' to improve drainage.
• Clean pots and trays etc.
• Clean the greenhouse.
• You may wish to use something like bubblefilm to insulate your greenhouse from frost.
• Cover any cauliflower curds by bending over the leaves.
• Weed where necessary if the soil is not too wet or hard.
• Check any stored food and throw away any that are damaged
• Clear away any fallen leaves
• Remove any dead plants
• Remove dead leaves from growing plants such as sprouts
• Empty used grow-bags onto vegetable beds.
• Dig beds if they are neither too dry nor too wet and prepare them for next season’s planting
• Plan what you will grow next year
• Build a compost bin
• If you are starting a new plot click here
• Order seed by post or from seed company sites on the Internet.
• Protect any tender plants by packing them with fleece or straw
• It may be worth covering beds with polythene sheeting to try to prevent waterlogging - this may help you make a quicker start in spring.
• If it has been very windy check tree ties and stakes. Check tree ties are firm but not too tight and digging into the tree trunks.
• Keep the plot tidy.
• If you need to walk over the soil place boards on top on it on which to walk.
• Move any terracotta or pottery pots out of the rain if possible - if the soil becomes very wet and freezes pots may crack.
• Take cuttings of blackcurrants etc.
• Remove any early snow from bushes or polytunnels and cloches. The weight of snow can damage polythene.
• Prune apple and pear trees if necessary.
• Spray fruit trees and bushes with a winter wash

 
Wildlife:

• Make a bird nesting box.
• Feed the birds. You may want to make some bird cake
• Keep bird baths and feeders topped up.
• Keep bird baths clean and free from ice.
• Take care when moving piles of leaves or weeds - hedgehogs may be hibernating
• Make Christmas decoration from natural object, twigs, gourds, holly, ivy, seed heads etc.

 

Click here for advice on choosing children's gardening tools and make sure you have all the equipment that you need for this months work.

 

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