As we count down the days until Christmas, many gardeners are counting down the things that they can still do in their family gardens during the festive season. But worry not—if December gardening jobs are on your Christmas list this year, then December gardening jobs you will have!
Here at Fothergill’s, we’ve got plenty of ways to keep you entertained in the garden throughout the month of December. From festive family activities to growing and caring for your garden, take a look at our tips on what to do in the garden in December!
Festive Garden Tips for December
If you’re considering buying a Christmas tree this season, why not think about a pine tree that can be planted after the festive period? The potted Christmas tree has been steadily increasing in demand as consumers have become more environmentally conscious. By planting your young tree out in your garden, it could grow to become an established tree for years to come. Not only does it make your Christmas all the more special, it’s a great addition for garden wildlife, too.
However, if you do opt for a pre-cut tree, don’t be too quick to throw it away in the New Year. Its needles can be chopped up and used as mulch for acidic plants, such as blueberry plants. The branches can also be used as support canes for growing pea plants.
If you have growing ivy or holly, consider creating your very own Christmas wreath. By using cuttings of evergreen, branches of crab apples and pyracantha berries, you could create a unique masterpiece. These cuttings will also make excellent mantle and table displays. And with mistletoe hanging from a doorway, it’s a great way to make friends and share the spirit of the season.
What to Do in the Flower Garden in December
Although winter has arrived, it doesn’t mean you have to starve your cut flower garden of colour during these cold months!
Garden nurseries will now be stocked with flower plants like winter pansies, polyanthus, and primroses, so why not add these to your grey garden space? Consider planting outside your windows, beside pathways, or just outside your door so you can easily appreciate the floral displays throughout the season. Hanging baskets, window boxes, patio pots, and containers are ideal for showcasing these winter blooms. As flowers fade, deadhead to prolong their flowering season.
Root cuttings can also be taken from herbaceous perennials. This will increase your flower border supplies and save you the expense of having to buy new plants next season!
When it comes to new flowers, you can finally begin sowing begonia seeds, geranium seeds, and snapdragon seeds in your greenhouse.
Pruning
As December rumbles on, consider pruning deciduous trees. With leaves now fallen, the tree’s structure is clearly visible. Think about the three ‘Ds’: dead, damaged and diseased. Prune any branches that fall under these categories, but remember the overall structure and try not to prune too hard. As winter is a time of dormancy, many ‘sap’ based shrubs and trees, such as vines and acers, can also be pruned. If you have wisteria, give it a winter prune by cutting summer side shoots back to no more than three buds.
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Make Use of Leaf Mould
One of our best garden tips for December is to make use of leaf mould. If you have the space, why not create a large bin for leaves to breakdown naturally, thus creating your own supply of leaf mould? Four posts, forming a square, pegged into the ground and surrounded with chicken wire is an easy and cheap solution. Otherwise, leaves can be gathered in large black bags or unused containers and dustbins. Insert several holes for drainage and store out of sight.
Prepare for the Frost
An important December gardening job is to keep an eye on weather reports and overnight temperatures! If you have plants in the greenhouse, then a heater might make all the difference on a cold night.
Fallen snow can weigh down and possibly damage plants and structures, so use a soft broom to gently brush away heavy deposits on greenhouses and polytunnels. Shake snow from plants and avoid walking on lawns, as you risk damaging them.
Outside taps and pipes should be insulated and protected to prevent them from bursting. If possible, gather up garden hoses and bring them into the shed for protection.
If you haven’t done so already, move outdoor pots and containers into a shed or greenhouse where they’ll be protected from the harshest of weather. If you don’t have an outbuilding, try grouping them together in a protected area of the garden. Keep them raised and off the frozen ground, as the cold ground can damage pots. If your containers are too heavy, think about wrapping horticultural garden fleece around potted plants. Bubble plastic is another option. A wrapped potted plant won’t only benefit from the added warmth, but it could prevent the cold from cracking the pot as well.
Take Care of Local Wildlife
Ensure all bird feeding stations in your wildlife garden are clean and replenished regularly. Hanging fat balls are great for feathered wildlife. A fresh water supply will also help birds this time of year. Prevent water features and ponds from freezing over, as it can damage structures and harm fish and garden wildlife.
What to Do in the Garden in December
Now that you’ve got a better idea of how to keep yourself busy in the garden during the month of December, take a look at Fothergill’s selection of products to help your outside space thrive in the winter. We stock plenty of high-quality seeds, bulbs, plants and a market-leading range of garden equipment to help keep your garden in shape.
If you have any further questions or queries about what to do in the garden in December, don’t hesitate to contact us or check out our gardening blog to find out even more.
