December Jobs in the Garden

December may be chilly, but there’s still plenty of work to keep your garden thriving through winter and prepared for the spring awakening. Whether you’re tending vegetables, fruit trees, or flowers, these jobs will help keep your organic garden in great shape. 

In the Vegetable Garden

1. Check Winter Crops

Inspect overwintering vegetables like kale, garlic, onions, and broad beans for pests and frost damage. Remove any yellow

leaves to maintain plant health

2. Harvest Winter Veggies

Pick Brussels sprouts, leeks, parsnips, and cabbages as needed. Frost sweetens many of these, making them even tastier!

3. Mulch Raised Beds

Add a layer of organic mulch such as straw, compost, or leaf mould to protect the soil and keep it cosy for your crops.

4. Prepare New Beds

Got a new project in mind? Use December to lay cardboard over weedy areas and cover with compost or manure to start new

beds for spring planting.

Fruit Tree Care

1.Winter Pruning

Prune apple and pear trees (but leave stone fruit trees like plums for summer). Removing weak or crossing branches will

promote strong growth next year.

2. Protect Tree Bases

Apply grease bands to trunks to prevent winter moths from laying eggs.

Greenhouse and Cold frame Preparation

1. Check Insulation

Add bubble wrap insulation to the greenhouse if you haven’t already.Seal gaps to keep heat in.

2. Ventilate Regularly

After watering, open vents briefly to prevent humidity buildup.

Flower Garden Prep

1. Prune Roses

Cut hybrid tea roses and floribundas back by a third to prevent wind damage, but leave climbing roses until late winter.

2. Plant Spring Bulbs

If the ground isn’t frozen, you can still pot up tulips for a burst of spring colour.

Wildlife-Friendly Gardening

1.Feed the Birds

Keep bird feeders stocked with high-energy seeds, and ensure bird baths remain ice-free.

2.Create Habitats

Pile up logs and leave some leaves for overwintering insects and small mammals

Mindful Rest

Finally, take time to enjoy your garden's quiet beauty. Reflect on the year and dream about next season’s possibilities.

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