Jobs for December
Gardening Jobs for December: Winter Care and Planning Ahead
December is the quietest month in the gardening calendar. Growth has largely stopped, the days are short, and much of the work now is about protection rather than progress. That said, what you do in December has an important role in keeping the garden healthy through winter and setting it up for the year ahead. With fewer urgent outdoor tasks, it’s also a good month for maintenance and forward planning.
Protect Plants from Frost and Cold Weather
December frosts can be severe and prolonged, so protecting vulnerable plants is a priority. Tender perennials and shrubs left outside should have a generous mulch around their base to insulate roots from the cold. Containers are particularly at risk, as their roots are exposed on all sides, so move pots to sheltered positions, raise them on feet for drainage, and wrap them with fleece or bubble wrap if needed.
Terracotta pots are prone to cracking in freezing weather and are best moved indoors or wrapped securely. Regularly check stored bulbs, tubers and corms for signs of rot or drying out and remove any affected ones promptly.
Winter Pruning of Trees and Shrubs
With plants fully dormant, December is an ideal time for certain pruning jobs. Apple and pear trees can be winter‑pruned to shape them and encourage good fruiting next year. Wisteria can also be pruned this month to help control its growth and promote flowering.
Pruning now allows you to see the structure of trees and shrubs clearly, but always avoid working during very cold or icy conditions, when cuts may not heal well.
Jobs in the Vegetable Garden
Although the vegetable garden is mostly resting, there are still a few tasks worth tackling. Continue harvesting hardy crops such as leeks, kale, parsnips and Brussels sprouts as needed. In very cold weather, placing straw around root crops can prevent the soil from freezing solid and make harvesting easier.
If conditions allow, December is still part of the bare‑root planting season, so fruit trees, bushes and hedging plants can be planted while they are dormant. Garlic can also be planted early in the month if the ground isn’t frozen.
Clear Leaves and General Tidying
Fallen leaves continue to collect in December and should be cleared from lawns, paths and paved areas to prevent slipping and damage to grass. Leaves gathered from hard surfaces and lawns can be composted or stored to make leaf mould, which will provide an excellent soil conditioner in the future.
Borders can be tidied where needed, removing any remaining diseased plant material, but it’s fine to leave seed heads and undisturbed areas that provide shelter and food for wildlife over winter.
Look After Wildlife
Winter is a challenging time for birds and other wildlife. Regular feeding with high‑energy foods will help birds through cold spells, and fresh water should be provided whenever possible, checking frequently to ensure it hasn’t frozen. Position feeders thoughtfully and keep them clean to avoid spreading disease.
Leaving some areas of the garden a little untidy, with log piles or leaf litter, can also provide important shelter for insects and small animals.
Tool Maintenance and Planning for Next Year
With fewer daylight hours for gardening, December is a good month to focus on indoor jobs. Clean, sharpen and oil tools before storing them for winter, and check sheds, fences and garden structures for any repairs that can be carried out in dry weather.
Finally, December is an excellent time to plan ahead. Review what worked well in the garden this year, decide what you’d like to grow next season, and start browsing seed catalogues or making planting plans so you’re ready to get started when spring arrives.