Gardening tips for December

Gardening tips for December
With the approach of winter the garden takes on an air of quietness. There is an absence of urgency and a more leisurely pace can be taken. Leading up to a well deserved Christmas break.
Flowers

• If not frosty plant new Rose bushes
• Cut back the herbaceous border and mulch thickly with composted bark
• Put slug pellets around treasured plants, especially Alpines and Bulbs in mild weather
• Protect delicate evergreens from cold winds by using Horticultural Fleece

Fruit

• Still time to plant new fruit bushes if the soil is not frozen
• Make sure Apples and Pears are pruned by the end of the month

Vegetables

• Buy seeds now to ensure full availability
• Net winter vegetables to keep pigeons away

Lawns

• Avoid walking on lawns in frosty weather
• If puddles stay on the lawn spike with a garden fork or an aerator to aid drainage and prevent disease
• Consider having lawn mowers and strimmers serviced

Greenhouse

• Clear greenhouse gutters of autumn leaves
• Wash greenhouse glass inside and outside to allow as much light in as possible
• Line the inside of the greenhouse with bubblewrap to keep plants warmer
• Do not water plants too much, water when compost is dry
• Check plants regularly for pests and disease i.e., moulds and fungus
• Ventilate on warm days

General Tasks

• Sweep up leaves to make compost
• Take pumps out of ponds and fountains (drain fountains to prevent splitting)
• Move patio pots to house wall to give support and protection
• Cut some stems of viburnum x bodnantense to brighten and perfume the house
• Ensure outside taps are insulated or drained