Jobs for December

December is a transition month in gardening, particularly in colder climates where winter is setting in. Here are some gardening tasks you might consider for December.

Clean Up

Remove any dead plants or debris from the garden beds. This helps prevent diseases and pests from overwintering.

Protect Delicate Plants

If you have delicate plants that are susceptible to frost, consider covering them with burlap or other protective material on cold nights.

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Indoor Plants

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Take care of indoor plants. Make sure they are positioned where they receive adequate light, and adjust watering schedules as needed.

Mulching

Apply a layer of mulch to protect plant roots from freezing temperatures. This is especially important for perennial plants and newly planted ones.

Pruning

Prune deciduous trees and shrubs. This is best done when the plant is dormant. Remove any dead or damaged branches.

Lift and divide rhubarb crowns

Rhubarb canbe divided done all the way through Autumn and right through the Spring (Nov – Mar).

Plan for Spring

Use this time to plan for the upcoming spring. Order seeds, plan your garden layout, and think about any changes or additions you want to make.

Bird Feeders

Keep bird feeders stocked to attract birds to your garden. They can help control pests and add some life to your winter garden.

Check for Pests

Even in winter, some pests can be active. Inspect your plants for any signs of pest infestations and take appropriate action.six months to fully grow and mature.

Composting

Continue composting kitchen scraps and garden waste. A well-maintained compost pile can provide nutrient-rich compost for your garden in the spring.

Winter Pruning for Fruit Trees

If you have fruit trees, especially apple and pear trees, you can do some winter pruning to shape the trees and remove any diseased or dead wood. evaporates causing the level to drop.

Invest in a water butt

Using is rainwater is much better for your plants. Installing a water butt will also lower your water bills.

Check for Pests

Even in winter, some pests can be active. Inspect your plants for any signs of pest infestations and take appropriate action.

Check Stored Bulbs

If you stored tender bulbs like dahlias or gladioli, check them for rot or disease. Discard any that show signs of damage.

Winter Cover Crops

In some regions, you might be able to plant winter cover crops like clover or rye to protect and enrich the soil.