Tips for December
Trees and Shrubs
Planting out may still be carried out, but only when the weather conditions are correct. Don’t plant out on a frosty morning as the ground will be too hard and cold. Planting needs to be carried out when the ground is soft and damp. Some hardy shrubs can be tender in the early stages so it is wise to give them protection using ‘Frost Protection Fleece’
Mulching with decorative bark will protect young roots from severe frost. Plants need to be shaken in snow, as snow can weigh branches down and damage them.
Roses
Most of the leaves will have now fallen and, if un-diseased, you can gather them and place them on a compost heap. If any leaves do look diseased then they need to be disposed of. Planting can still be carried out when the ground is soft and damp.
If pruning hasn’t been carried out yet, then this needs to be done. You only need to cut back by half at this time of year. This prevents wind damage during the winter months. If the rose bed has become hard during the season, then it needs forking over and then organic matter needs to be put on the top. This will prevent it from being beaten down by the rain.
Beds and Borders
Now that most of the herbaceous plants have finished and died back for the winter, you can brighten them up using winter bedding, such as Pansies, Violas, Cyclamen, Bellis and Primroses.
Some of the biennials in the garden like Sweet William will need fallen leaves removing from them. If they get smothered in leaves too much in the cold damp air they are likely to rot.
Rock Gardens and Pools
It is advisable to try and keep one part of the pond unfrozen in order to allow noxious gases to escape. If not these can are harmful enough to kill fish and plant life. Protection, such as fleece or weed control fabric can be draped over the pond to try and prevent it from becoming frozen. If the pond does become frozen, you can put boiling water in a pan and stand the pan on the surface, as this will melt a hole in the surface.
Lawns
If the ground isn’t too wet spiking can still be carried out to improve aeration and drainage.
Fruit
In favourable weather hardy fruit trees and bushes may still be planted out. Apple and Pear trees may still be pruned For ‘stoned’ fruit trees, leave the pruning until spring.
Vegetables
Vegetables in open ground will benefit from being protection so that they aren’t spoilt by the frosts. Late cauliflowers may be saved by breaking a larger outer leaf over the head to protect it as it develops.
If you have any vegetables in store then it is wise to check them regularly for disease. Remove any that are diseased as it can contaminate the others.
Greenhouse and Frame
If you haven’t yet cleaned the glass or frame it is a good time to it using Armillatox or Jeyes Fluid. It is a good time to insulate them as well with bubble wrap.
House Plants
Keep newly bought plants away from draughts, as these plants have been protected in plastic sleeves in transportation and will need time to get used to the air flow around them. Be careful not to over water. It is too easy to make the compost too soggy and if this happens the roots lack sufficient air.