December Gardening Tips

With Christmas around the corner and mid-winter well and truly on the horizon, the gardener may be lulled into a false sense of security, but like the rest of the year, there is still more than enough to be getting on with in the garden.

So its time to pop the mince pies down, pull those wellies on and head into the breach for one final push, come Spring those that do will thank themselves for it.

One of the upsides of living in the south-east of England is the mild weather. However, it’s still sensible to ensure your plants are adequately protected. Most gardeners will of started this process back in November it makes good sense to carry out a thorough inspection.

Prevention beats cure

Check any horticultural fleeces for signs of damage replacing or repairing as you go. Carry out one last sweep of the garden to ensure you have protected any plants that are susceptible to frost damage.

Should you have plants in the garden considered as tender its best practice to lift them for the winter months and move them to a protected area of the garden or better still the greenhouse.

The lifting process is vital in the case of tender perennials such as dahlias, cannas, and fuchsias the lifting process must be completed before the first frost hits.

You can prune freestanding apple and pear trees in December if you have not already done, so the pruning process serves to promote a new cycle of good quality fruiting wood.

Other activities include treating any wooden structures such as fences or pergolas along with pressure washing or cleaning driveways and patios.

Continue to feed the birds, varying the types of feed you place in the garden will have a direct effect on the species of bird visiting the garden.

Thank you for taking the time to read our December blog, all at GW Landscaping wish you a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.