Open today 9:00 - 17:00
Open today 9:00 - 17:00
December brings short days, low temperatures and the likelihood of frost, heavy rain and waterlogged ground. Many deciduous plants are now dormant, making this a useful month for bare-root planting and winter pruning, while containers, tender plants and overwintering crops need protection from the worst of the weather.
Continue planting bare-root deciduous trees, shrubs and hedging while they are dormant. Plant promptly after purchase, but wait if the ground is frozen, waterlogged or too wet to work without damaging the soil structure.
Bare-root roses can be planted throughout the dormant season, provided soil conditions are suitable. Avoid frozen or waterlogged ground and take extra care when planting where roses have previously grown because of the risk of rose replant disease.
December is suitable for planting many dormant fruit trees and bushes. Delay planting during periods of frost or when the soil is saturated.
Plant any remaining spring-flowering bulbs if the ground is workable and the bulbs are still firm and healthy. Late planting is generally preferable to storing sound bulbs until spring.
Apply a layer of well-rotted organic matter to established beds and borders where conditions allow. Winter mulching can improve soil, help protect roots from temperature fluctuations and reduce moisture loss later in the year.
Established grapevines can be pruned while fully dormant. Aim to complete major pruning before sap begins to rise, as vines can bleed heavily if cut later.
Japanese maples and other acers generally need little pruning, but December is a suitable time to remove unwanted or damaged branches if necessary. Pruning while fully dormant reduces the risk of excessive sap bleeding.
Prune established, open-grown apple and pear trees during dormancy to maintain a healthy framework and remove congested growth. Do not apply the same winter treatment to stone fruits such as cherries and plums, which are normally pruned at other times to reduce the risk of silver leaf disease.
Established climbing roses can be pruned during winter, generally from December to February. Remove dead or damaged growth, tie in suitable new shoots and shorten side shoots that have flowered, while distinguishing climbers from rambling and other types of rose that have different pruning requirements.
Take hardwood cuttings from suitable deciduous shrubs, climbers and soft fruit while they are dormant, avoiding periods of severe frost. Dogwoods, willows, forsythia, currants and gooseberries are among the plants that can be propagated this way.
Continue harvesting leeks, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, winter cabbages and other hardy winter crops as required. Remove yellowing or damaged leaves from brassicas to help keep plants healthy.
Check netting over winter brassicas and secure it if pigeons or other birds are feeding on the plants. Keep netting taut and properly supported so birds cannot become trapped.
Large, congested rhubarb crowns can be lifted and divided during the dormant season. Replant healthy sections promptly when the soil is workable, avoiding frozen or waterlogged conditions.
Inspect stored apples, potatoes and other produce regularly and remove anything showing signs of rot before it affects neighbouring produce. Check storage areas for evidence of mice and other pests.
Move vulnerable containers into sheltered positions and protect pots where frost could damage roots or crack the container. Raise pots where necessary to improve drainage, and remove saucers that could leave plants sitting in water.
Make sure fleece, insulation and other winter protection remain secure after strong winds or heavy rain. Tender plants being overwintered under cover may need additional protection during particularly cold spells.
In colder or wetter gardens, lift dahlia tubers after frost has blackened the foliage and store them somewhere cool and frost-free. In mild, sheltered gardens with well-drained soil, dahlias may be left in the ground beneath a protective mulch.
Check that greenhouse heaters, insulation and frost protection are working effectively during cold weather. Ventilate during suitable mild weather, as stagnant, damp conditions encourage moulds and rots around overwintering plants.
Remove algae, fallen leaves and other debris from greenhouse glazing and gutters so overwintering plants receive as much of the limited winter light as possible. An empty greenhouse can also be thoroughly cleaned during winter.
Most houseplants grow more slowly during the darker winter months and need less frequent watering. Check individual plants rather than watering to a fixed schedule, and remember that central heating can create dry air even when the compost remains moist.
Remove accumulations of fallen leaves from lawns so the grass beneath is not left shaded and damp. Healthy deciduous leaves can be collected separately to make leaf mould.
Keep off lawns when the ground is frosted, frozen, snow-covered or very wet. Foot traffic in these conditions can damage grass and compact saturated soil.
Inspect stakes and ties on young trees and check supports for climbers and wall shrubs before winter storms. Adjust anything that is loose, damaged or beginning to constrict stems.
Use quieter winter periods to clean soil and debris from tools and sharpen secateurs, loppers and shears where necessary. Check other garden equipment so it is ready for use when growth begins again.
Clear fallen leaves, algae and other slippery debris from frequently used paths, steps and patios. Take particular care with shaded areas that remain damp through winter.
Keep bird feeders clean and offer small amounts of fresh food regularly rather than allowing old food to accumulate. Provide clean water for drinking and bathing, removing ice during freezing weather and cleaning bird baths regularly to reduce the spread of disease.
Avoid making every border completely tidy for winter. Leaf litter in suitable areas, hollow stems and undisturbed piles of logs or woody material can provide valuable shelter for insects and other garden wildlife.
Visit us in Kington for plants, gardening tools, winter plant protection and seasonal garden care products, as well as practical advice for looking after your garden through the colder months.
