Don’t be put off gardening just because it’s December; there are plenty of opportunities in the winter months for you to spruce up your garden, and preparing now will ensure that come spring, your garden will be bursting with fresh foliage for you to get stuck into. That’s why we have put together some ideas of what you can do in your garden this December to ensure a flourishing lawn in the upcoming year.
Order Your Seeds
Now is a great time to review what crops worked well and what didn’t in the last year, and decide what crops you want to try next year. Whether you’re sticking to your firm favourites that have a proven track record or are trying something completely different, now is the best time to order your seeds to ensure you have everything you need to start planting in the new year just make sure whatever you choose make sure they are flowers that bloom in spring.
Compost
Check on your compost pile and turn it over to ensure it’s decomposing well. You should make sure your compost bins are covered properly to prevent rain getting in, and to prevent the heat from the compost escaping.
Throughout winter you should also be collecting all of your fallen leaves and adding them to your leafmould, or beginning a leafmould if you haven’t already got one.
If you’re not sure how to make your own compost, worry not – we’ve any article for it.
Harvest Your Crops
Some of your crops might be ready to harvest now, or maybe it’s the final call for you to harvest your remaining crops before the ground hardens, either way, check on your vegetable patch this winter. Vegetables such as leeks, kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts and califlowers will be ready to harvest now.
Prune
Fruit trees, grape plants and wisterias can be pruned now whilst there isn’t much to do, and doing so will ensure that come spring, when more pressing tasks come about, you can check it off your to-do list.
Greenhouse Maintenance
Most of your seedlings will be safely in your greenhouse now, ensuring they are kept warm and protected, so make sure you check your greenhouse is well maintained. Clear the top of any snow to prevent the glass from being damaged, insulate any outside taps and turn them off at the mains to prevent them from freezing. Finally, give your greenhouse a thorough cleaning with disinfectant to prevent pests and diseases.
Spike Lawns
Use a garden fork to spike the lawn. This will improve drainage and provide aeration to help maintain healthy grass.
General Maintenance
Take a look at the quality of your wooden structures and your fence; they may need to be applied with a preservative to prevent them rotting. Inspect the structures for signs of damage, and remember that any weaknesses you spot now will worsen over the winter months. It may be time to replace your old structures or fences to ensure they withstand the weather damage.
