December may seem like a quiet month in the gardening calendar, but there’s more happening beneath the frosty surface than you might think. While growth slows and daylight dwindles, this is a perfect time to prepare, protect and plan. Whether you’re tending a small backyard plot or a sprawling landscape, there are still plenty of meaningful tasks to keep your garden healthy through winter.
One of the most important December jobs is protecting plants from harsh weather. Cold snaps, frost and drying winds can be tough on vulnerable species, so mulching around perennials, shrubs and young trees helps insulate the roots from sudden temperature swings. Tender evergreens or borderline-hardy shrubs benefit from being wrapped in burlap, and it’s also worth checking that stakes, ties and supports are secure before winter storms arrive.
Your lawn may not be growing much now, but it still needs some care. Clearing away fallen leaves prevents smothering and mold, helping the grass breathe through winter. It’s also wise to avoid walking on frozen turf, as the blades can become brittle and suffer damage that only becomes visible in spring.
If you grow winter vegetables, December often marks the last opportunity to harvest them. Leeks, kale, Brussels sprouts and winter radishes tend to hold up well in the cold, but they won’t last forever. It’s also a good moment to check stored produce such as potatoes, onions and squash—removing anything soft or moldy keeps the rest of your harvest in good condition.
Pruning is another key task this month. Many fruit trees, particularly apples and pears, benefit from pruning once they’re fully dormant. This is also the time to remove any dead or diseased wood from shrubs and ornamentals. Just be careful not to prune spring-flowering shrubs now, as doing so will cut off the buds that would bloom next year.
December is also an important month for supporting local wildlife. Birds, in particular, rely on gardens for food and shelter when natural resources are scarce. Keeping feeders clean and filled with high-energy seed helps them through the coldest days, while providing fresh water is often even more valuable. Leaving seed heads and hollow stems in place also offers shelter and nourishment for a variety of creatures.
For many gardeners, December is the perfect month to dream and plan. Browsing seed catalogs, exploring new plant varieties, and sketching out next year’s garden layouts can be both productive and inspiring. It’s also useful to reflect on what worked well this year and what you’d like to adjust or improve.
Winter is an ideal time to give your gardening tools some attention, too. Cleaning, sharpening and oiling pruners, shears and blades will make them last longer and perform better come spring. Organising pots, labels, twine and other supplies brings order to your workspace, and it’s worth checking whether your shed, greenhouse or storage area needs any repairs.
If you’re craving hands-on gardening despite the weather, indoor projects can fill the gap. Forcing bulbs like paperwhites or amaryllis brings colour into the home, while starting herbs on a sunny windowsill offers fresh flavour through winter. It’s also a good time to check houseplants for pests and to adjust watering routines to suit the darker, cooler days.
Though December may feel like the garden is sleeping, the work you do now creates the foundation for a vibrant spring. By protecting your plants, maintaining tools and spaces, and planning ahead, you keep your garden thriving year-round. So bundle up, grab a warm drink and enjoy this reflective and rewarding season in the garden.
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