The cold has definitely kicked in this month. Typically December is a dark damp month and most gardens and plots are looking very bare and dank. Harvests are still coming through. Now that we need to be finishing those little jobs we have been putting off.
It is a perfect time to get into your garden shed and give them a good old cleanout. Clean and sharpen all your tools, and wash all your trays and plant pots. Usually, most folks tend to forget their gardens and plots this month as Christmas takes over. Preparations for this holiday seem to last all month. If you have some time spare, there are still things you can be doing in the garden.
15 Jobs to do this month
- Tidy the Shed
- Clean, sharpen and oil your tools
- Check stored summer bulbs for signs of rot
- Harvest winter veg and parsnips
- Prevent your ponds from freezing
- Fix any structures that require it
- Clean tidy paths
- Mulch beds with compost or manures
- Plant bare-root trees
- Clear borders
- Prepare cold frames
- Plant amaryllis bulbs
- Order Seed Catalogs
- Move containers to a sheltered spot
- Remove any dead leaves resting on plants
Tidy Your Shed
It is amazing how messy sheds get in the garden. We seem to dump all sorts of rubbish into them throughout the growing season. Cleaning the shed now means not only can you have somewhere warm to rest when working in the garden over winter. But You will know where everything is and be able to put your hands on it when it is required.
Clean, sharpen and oil your tools
Tools are very expensive and it is important to look after them. Clean off any soil and rub them down or wash them. Ensure to oil them after so they do not rust. Sharpen any cutting edges and you will be ready for everything the garden throws at you next year.
Check stored summer bulbs for signs of rot
As you would during the winter bulbs, You should check stored summer bulbs for signs of rot. If you do not do this and there is rot, it can spread to every bulb in the container causing you to lose your stocks.
Harvest winter veg and parsnips
Now we have had a good frost, Winter veg will be much sweeter. You can start to harvest this now. I can tell you, there is nothing like visiting the garden on December 24th and harvesting your own Christmas dinner.
Fix any structures that require it
Over the summer and Autumn, winds and rain may have damaged structures in the garden. With everything dead back, it’s an opportunity to repair these pieces of furniture.
Clean tidy paths
Paths can become overgrown with weeds, algae, and moss at this time of year. Not only that, mud stuck to the sole of your boots can be left behind. Clean them off now by scraping the mud off and giving them a good brush. This will help with your footing over winter.
Mulch beds with compost or manures
We ask a lot of our gardens. They produce food and flowers for us most of the year. It’s now time to feed them and give some of the nutrition back to the soil. Mulch beds using compost or manures, will protect the soil from erosion and compacting.
Prepare cold frames
With all the sowing that is about to start next month, you should get to grips with sorting out your cold frames. These will be perfect for your brassicas and hardening off seedlings later
Move containers to a sheltered spot
If you haven’t done so already, Gather all your containers and move them into a sheltered spot. It will be a few degrees warmer than if left out in the open. It also helps with ensuring the pots do not freeze and thaw causing damage.
Remove any dead leaves resting on plants
Leaves for all their amazing uses can also be a hindrance in the garden, If they are left in the crowns of your plants they hold water which could rot the plant from the core. They also block out light from getting into the plant. Collect them and put them into your leafmould bins ready for spring.
More Jobs you can do now
- Feed Birds through winter
- Throw any seeds that are out of date and order more
- Continue making leaf mould
- Insulate outside taps
- Remove dead material from plants
- Take hardwood cuttings
- Wrap up patio pots
- Do the last mow of your lawn
- Assess how your compost is doing
- Preserve your supports
- Protect winter crops from pigeons
- Dig a Bean trench and fill it with all your waste
- Check stored fruit
Well, it is the end of this year. We still have things to do. Those who thought gardening was just a summer pastime will have realized there is always plenty of jobs to complete. It leaves me to wish you all a happy Christmas and a merry New Year. I hope next year is a productive year for you with lots of happiness.
If you have enjoyed this article, check out some of my other articles and come back each month for the jobs for that month. If you got value please consider subscribing to my blog to be notified each time I release new content like this. You can do that easily and free by completing the blog signup form in the right-hand sidebar
Tony