Winter garden survival guide – December tasks
Even with winter here there is still a lot to get done in the garden to help your garden survive winter. We’ve put together this handy winter garden survival guide to help you make sure that your plants and outbuildings make it through the colder months along with tips and tricks to get the most out of your outdoor space during December.
Check out our winter garden survival guide below, or download, print it out and pin it to your fridge so you don’t forget to keep your garden going over the colder months.
Download the printable December edition
December Winter Garden Survival Guide.pdf
Week 1
Reduce watering of your houseplants and move them to windowsills where they can get more light.
Check your trees are tied in place to avoid damage if it gets windy.
Inspect your fences and trellises for rot at the base and replace any loose posts.
Check your cold frame is frost free and insulate the frame with newspapers or old carpet if thetemperature falls.
Week 2
Make sure your logs are kept away from moisture. Use a tarp to cover temporarily on rainy days..
Make an insect hideaway by creating piles of twigs and stones in corners of the garden.
Check the lawn after any heavy rain for pools of water, and spike the lawn once it’s dry.
Raise any outdoor pots onto ‘feet’ or bricks so they don’t sit in water during the winter.
Week 3
Check ponds and birdbaths haven’t frozen over before you head away for Christmas.
Make sure your trellis is secure and won’t be damaged by any high winds.
If snow has fallen, brush it off the branches of conifers, climbers, light-limbed trees and shrubs. Heavy snowfall can break branches.
Week 4
Clean out or put away in tins any old seeds or bulbs and don’t leave old rags or hessian sacks around for the mice to nest in.
Makes sure there is plenty of water available for birds.
Check the weather stripping around your shed’s doors and windows to ensure no moisture has gotten in after heavy rain.
Remove any items that may freeze or get damaged in the shed, like jars of liquid orlawnmower batteries.
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