By Lucy Corkhill
04th December 2012
Things to do in the garden this December
1). Protect tender plants for winter using horticultural fleece
2). If you have any cabbages or other brassicas, make sure that they are netted to protect from hungry pigeons
3). Plan next year’s beds and order seeds remembering to rotate your crops using permaculture principles
4). Leave some seed heads and berries in the garden for birds to feast on
5). Move containers to a sheltered spot. Clustering them together helps protect the root systems from suffering frost damage or you can wrap them in bubble wrap or hessian sacking
6). Plant raspberry canes now whilst they are dormant for yummy raspberries next year
7). Clean out the greenhouse thoroughly. Wash all surfaces and all your pots with hot soapy water ready for next year’s seedlings
8). Collect fallen leaves for composting – they’ll make a nourishing leafmould for your beds
9). Give all your garden tools a good scrub with hot soapy water and wipe them over with an oily rag to ensure they’re in good shape for next year’s gardening – you’ll find they’ll last twice as long with this kind of care
10). Prune bush and standard apples and pears to encourage new fruiting wood and shape the tree
11). Pile up any prunings in a tucked away part of the garden to rot, providing a wonderful habitat for all kinds of insects and mammals
12). Plant onion sets and garlic if the weather is still mild enough
13). Place a bowl of water out every day for the birds and other wildlife. In freezing temperatures, make sure that ponds and birdbaths are not frozen over.
