Don't Let December Freeze Your Gardening Plans!

December might seem like a time to hibernate and wait for the spring thaw, but even in the depths of winter, there are plenty of jobs to keep you busy in the garden. Wrap up warm, grab your tools, and let's get gardening!

1. Pruning and tidying

* Deciduous shrubs: Many deciduous shrubs can be pruned now, while they're dormant. This encourages healthy growth and helps maintain their shape.

* Roses: December is a good time to prune climbing roses, removing any dead or diseased wood.

* Wisteria: Cut back the whippy green growth of wisteria to 2 or 3 buds from the main framework.

* Clear fallen leaves: Keep paths and lawns clear of fallen leaves to prevent them from becoming slippery and to discourage pests and diseases.

2. Planting

* Bare-root plants: December is the perfect time to plant bare-root trees and shrubs, as they're dormant and easier to handle.

* Bulbs: Plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips for a burst of colour next year.

3. Protecting your plants

* Frost protection: Protect vulnerable plants from frost with fleece, hessian, or cloches.

* Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around plants to insulate the soil and protect roots from freezing temperatures.

4. Winter digging

* Prepare your soil: If the ground isn't frozen, take the opportunity to dig over empty beds, adding organic matter like compost or manure. This will improve drainage and soil structure for next year's planting.

5. Cleaning and maintenance

* Clean and sharpen tools: Take the time to clean and sharpen your gardening tools, ready for next year.

* Repair fences and trellises: Winter is a good time to carry out any repairs to fences, trellises, and other garden structures.

6. Wildlife gardening

* Provide food and water for birds: Keep bird feeders topped up with high-energy foods like sunflower seeds and suet. Make sure birds have access to fresh water, especially during freezing weather.

* Create habitats for wildlife: Leave piles of leaves and logs in a corner of your garden to provide shelter for insects and small mammals.

7. Planning for next year

* Order seeds and plants: Browse seed catalogues and plan your garden for next year.

* Start seeds indoors: Sow seeds of hardy annuals and vegetables under cover for an early start next spring.

Even though December is a quieter month in the garden, there's still plenty to do. By tackling these tasks now, you'll be well-prepared for the growing season ahead and ensure your garden thrives next year.