December in the Garden

Christmas is hear and there are not many jobs to do in the garden perhaps a bit of pruing and digging, but we can spend time looking at the garden catalogues and planning for 2020.

Check that winter protection structures are still securely in place and that your outside plants can survive the winter.

If you have a greenhouse check the heaters are working.

Make sure your outdoor taps are insultated and prevent ponds from freezing by putting a ball or equivalent in them.

Prune any open-grown apples and pears if not already done, but do not prune those against walls.

Also prune acers, birches and vines before Christmas to avoid them bleeding.

Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage, sprouts and remaining root crops, you can have them with your Christmas dinner.

You can still plant deciduous trees and shrubs and transplant them.

Take hardwood cuttings

Keep mice away from stored produce

Reduce watering of houseplants, enjoy them and have a very merry Christmas.