November gardening guide: what to do in your garden this March
December is a quieter month in the garden, a time to slow down, reflect on the year, and enjoy the subtle beauty of winter.
While much of the garden rests under frost and shorter days, there are still tasks to keep plants healthy, prepare for spring, and support wildlife. Milder days offer a chance to tidy, prune, and check on overwintering plants, while the crisp air is perfect for a brisk walk among frost-kissed borders.
Even in December, there is colour to be found. Evergreen shrubs, holly and ivy, and winter-flowering plants such as hellebores, winter pansies, and cyclamen bring life to the garden. Berry-laden shrubs provide food for birds and create a festive feel that lasts through the holidays.
Planting
Plant spring bulbs under cover
While the main outdoor planting season has passed, winter can still be a good time to plant spring-flowering bulbs in containers or under cover. Crocuses, snowdrops, and early daffodils can be potted now, allowing roots to establish before spring. Ensure pots have good drainage and use a quality compost to support healthy growth.
Prepare for early spring planting
December is a good month to plan early spring sowing indoors. Start thinking about seedlings such as tomatoes, peppers, and hardy herbs that can be sown under glass or in a heated propagator. Preparing trays, modules, and labels now makes sowing straightforward when the light begins to increase after the winter solstice.
Care and maintenance
Protect tender plants from frost
Even with many plants dormant, frost can still damage tender species. Check pelargoniums, fuchsias, and other overwintering plants, ensuring they remain in a frost-free spot. Water sparingly and allow air to circulate in greenhouses or conservatories to prevent grey mould. Cold, dry air is preferable to damp conditions for most overwintering plants.
Winter pruning
Deciduous shrubs and trees can be pruned in December while dormant. Light pruning of roses, clematis, and fruit trees helps maintain shape, remove dead wood, and prevent disease. Avoid pruning early spring-flowering shrubs as this may remove buds due to bloom later in the season.
Mulch and soil protection
Winter mulch is essential for protecting vulnerable plants and retaining moisture in the soil. Apply well-rotted compost, bark, or leaf mould around the base of perennials, fruit trees, and vegetable beds to insulate roots against frost. This also helps suppress weeds that may attempt to germinate during milder spells.
Garden tidying
December is ideal for general tidy-up tasks that can make a real difference over winter. Clear fallen leaves from lawns and borders, especially under trees, to prevent fungal diseases and smothering. Rake leaves into piles for leaf mould, or add them to compost heaps with holes to allow airflow. Remove any diseased plant material and spent annuals to reduce the risk of pests or pathogens overwintering.
Check supports, stakes, and ties on shrubs and trees, and make sure greenhouse glazing and doors are secure against frost and wind. Water but do not overwater, as many plants are dormant and susceptible to root rot in cold, wet conditions.
Harvesting and storage
Many winter vegetables can still be harvested in December. Leeks, parsnips, sprouts, and kale often benefit from frost, which improves their flavour. Check stored root vegetables such as potatoes, onions, and garlic for signs of rot or sprouting, and remove any affected bulbs promptly to avoid spoiling the rest. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage can still be picked for cooking, although growth is slower during the coldest weeks.
Wildlife and winter care
Winter is a critical time for garden wildlife. Provide birds with a regular supply of high-energy food such as fat balls, peanuts, and seed mixes, and ensure fresh water is available even when frost covers puddles. Evergreen shrubs and berry-laden trees offer natural shelter and sustenance, and leaving areas of leaf litter or log piles provides hibernation sites for insects and small mammals.
If you plant winter-flowering shrubs such as mahonia, viburnum, or winter jasmine, you can help extend the season for pollinators. Even in December, the garden plays an important role in supporting wildlife through the harsh months.
Other garden tasks
With colder months approaching, now is the time to tidy and protect your garden: mulch borders where weeds have been cleared, check greenhouse and garden structures for stability, and continue to feed birds and provide water sources. Preparing early ensures your garden weathers the winter well and is ready for a strong start in spring.
Enjoying the winter garden
December is a time to enjoy the quieter, more subtle side of the garden. Evergreen foliage, frost patterns, and the shapes of bare branches take centre stage. Winter-flowering plants such as hellebores, winter pansies, and cyclamen add splashes of colour, and berries on shrubs provide visual interest as well as feeding garden birds. Taking time to appreciate your garden now makes spring all the more rewarding.
Quick reference – November gardening at a glance
- Check overwintering plants such as pelargoniums and fuchsias; water sparingly and provide airflow.
- Lightly prune deciduous shrubs, fruit trees, and roses while dormant.
- Apply mulch around perennials, fruit trees, and vegetable beds to protect roots.
- Clear fallen leaves from lawns and borders; save for leaf mould or compost.
- Check greenhouse glazing, doors, and supports for security.
- Feed birds regularly and provide fresh water.
- Harvest winter vegetables like leeks, parsnips, sprouts, and kale; monitor stored root vegetables.
- Enjoy winter colour from evergreens, berries, hellebores, and cyclamen.
- Plan early spring sowings indoors for tomatoes, peppers, and herbs.
The post December gardening guide: what to do in your garden this December appeared first on The Oxford Magazine.
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