December

The Edible Garden

Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Prune currants and gooseberries. Divide and plant rhubarb.
Apply winter washes to dormant fruit trees to control overwintering pests such as aphids and scale. Plant garlic and shallots in mild areas where soil is free draining.
In areas where soil is not too wet and is workable, dig over vacant patches of the vege garden and add in soil improvers such as compost, peat, well rotted farmyard manure, mushroom compost.
 

The Flower Garden

Cover crowns of tender perennials (and herbs ) with bark mulch or pea straw to protect from frost until spring.
Deciduous trees and shrubs can now be relocated to other parts of the garden or new ones planted. If soil is too wet to plant, heel bare root plants into damp sand or peat to prevent them drying out.
Bush roses can be pruned by about half to prevent them blowing around in the wind. Complete final pruning in March.
Trim back Autumn flowering heathers to remove dead flowers and keep in shape. Mulch around plants with compost or peat.
 

General

Prune Acers, birches, and vines now to prevent bleeding from the cut wounds.
Potted Cyclamen and Azaleas given or received as Christmas presents should be kept in a cool room indoors, away from central heating units and radiators. Water by standing in a saucer of water until compost is wet, and then dispose of surplus water in the saucer.
Poinsettias like warmer conditions and do not tolerate cold. Keep their compost slightly damp, but not wet as this will cause the plant to collapse.
Keep frost tender plants covered with fleece, frost cloth, or straw. Keep frost tender pot plants away from greenhouse and home windows, especially single glazed, as frost can still attack them here.
 

What to look for in store this Month

Christmas trees - a range of sizes to suit all situations.
Pre-planted containers - the perfect Christmas gift.
Potted orchids - bring a touch of the exotic indoors.
Cyclamen, primroses, poinsettias, for indoor colour over the Christmas period - The perfect living gift.
Christmas decorations and lights.
Huge selection of giftware and Christmas gift ideas.
Gift Vouchers