What to Do in the Garden in December | UK Gardening Jobs
Discover what to do in your garden in December, including bare-root planting, winter pruning, frost protection, lawns, fruit and vegetables and plants to enjoy.
What to do in my garden in December
December is one of the quietest months in the UK gardening calendar, but that does not mean there is nothing to do. With most deciduous plants dormant and herbaceous borders largely resting, attention turns towards winter maintenance, planting, protection and planning.
Bare-root and root-balled trees and hedging can be planted throughout December when the ground is neither frozen nor waterlogged. Certain deciduous trees, shrubs and fruit trees can be pruned during dormancy, while vulnerable plants may need protection from frost, cold winds and excessive winter wet.
December is also an excellent month to look critically at the structure of the garden. Once summer foliage has disappeared, paths, boundaries, screening, evergreen planting, specimen trees and hard landscaping become much more prominent.
Rather than clearing everything away, retain attractive seed heads, ornamental grasses, berries and stems wherever practical. These provide valuable winter interest and can also support wildlife.
The priorities this month are to keep the garden safe and protected, take advantage of the dormant planting season and prepare for the gardening year ahead.
Top 10 tips
1. Plant bare-root trees and hedging
December is an excellent month for planting bare-root trees, fruit trees and hedging.
Do not plant when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.
2. Check trees after winter storms
Inspect trees following strong winds.
Pay particular attention to newly planted specimens, stakes, ties and rootball movement.
3. Protect vulnerable plants from frost
Move tender container plants into protected positions and use appropriate winter protection where necessary.
4. Clear leaves from paths and lawns
Wet leaves can make paths and steps slippery and can damage grass if allowed to remain in thick layers.
5. Keep drainage systems clear
Regularly check gutters, gullies, drainage channels and outlets.
Good drainage becomes particularly important during prolonged winter rainfall.
6. Prune suitable deciduous trees and shrubs
Dormancy provides an opportunity to prune certain plants.
Always check the correct pruning requirements for the individual species first.
7. Avoid walking on frozen lawns
Walking across frozen grass can damage the blades and leave visible footprints once the frost thaws.
8. Check stored fruit and vegetables
Inspect stored produce regularly and remove anything showing signs of decay.
9. Look after garden wildlife
Provide clean water and appropriate food for birds and retain useful seed heads, berries and sheltered areas.
10. Plan next year's garden
Use the quieter winter garden to identify areas that need better planting, screening, structure, access or landscaping.
Herbaceous Perennials
Most herbaceous perennials are dormant by December.
There is no need to cut every plant down simply because its flowering season has finished.
Many plants retain attractive seed heads and skeletal forms that can make an important contribution to the winter garden.
Plants worth leaving where appropriate include:
Echinacea
Rudbeckia
Phlomis
Hylotelephium
Eryngium
Verbena bonariensis
Achillea
Ornamental grasses
Frost can transform these plants, highlighting seed heads and stems and creating some of the most attractive winter scenes in the garden.
Leaving selected growth can also provide shelter for overwintering insects and seeds for birds.
Remove material that has become diseased, collapsed across paths or is rotting badly.
Avoid excessive work on waterlogged borders.
Walking repeatedly across saturated soil can cause compaction and damage its structure.
Check recently planted perennials during periods of frost. Frost heave can occasionally lift smaller plants from the soil, particularly where planting has been recent.
Mulch suitable borders where necessary, keeping excessive mulch away from vulnerable crowns.
December is an important month for dormant-season tree and shrub planting.
Bare-root and root-balled plants can be planted whenever ground conditions are suitable.
This can include:
Specimen trees
Ornamental trees
Fruit trees
Native hedging
Deciduous hedging
Roses
Certain shrubs
Correct planting is particularly important.
Pay attention to:
Planting depth
Root flare position
Soil drainage
Rootball stability
Staking
Tree ties
Mulching
Watering
Do not assume that winter rainfall removes the need to water newly planted trees. The rootball should be thoroughly watered after planting unless ground conditions are already excessively wet.
Check established trees after storms.
Look for broken branches, movement around the root plate and damaged supports.
Check stakes and ties on younger trees.
Winter is also suitable for pruning certain deciduous trees and shrubs, but pruning should always be species-specific.
Do not automatically prune every deciduous tree simply because it is dormant.
Lawns need relatively little intervention during December.
Grass growth may continue during exceptionally mild weather, but mowing should be occasional rather than routine.
Only mow when:
The grass is actively growing
The surface is reasonably dry
The ground is not waterlogged
There is no frost
Keep the mower setting relatively high.
Avoid walking across frozen lawns.
Frozen grass blades become brittle and can be damaged by foot traffic.
Also avoid unnecessary traffic across saturated lawns, as this can compact the soil and create muddy areas.
Continue removing fallen leaves.
A thick layer of leaves can block light and create damp conditions beneath it.
December is a useful month for identifying drainage problems.
Areas that remain persistently wet may require investigation and improvement before the following winter.
Leave major scarification, feeding and renovation until more appropriate growing conditions return.
December is an important month for dormant fruit-tree maintenance.
Established apple and pear trees can be winter pruned where appropriate.
Pruning may involve removing:
Dead wood
Damaged branches
Crossing branches
Congested growth
Poorly positioned shoots
The aim is generally to maintain a healthy, productive and balanced framework rather than simply reducing the size of the tree.
Avoid excessive pruning in a single year.
Stone fruits such as:
Cherries
Plums
Damsons
Gages
should not normally be winter pruned because pruning during active growth helps reduce the risk of diseases such as silver leaf.
December is also an excellent month for planting bare-root fruit trees and bushes.
Stored apples and pears should be inspected regularly.
Remove damaged or rotting fruit promptly.
Check guards around young fruit trees for damage and make sure stakes and ties remain secure.
The vegetable garden may be quieter, but hardy winter crops can continue producing throughout December.
Depending upon what has been planted, harvests may include:
Leeks
Parsnips
Brussels sprouts
Kale
Winter cabbage
Carrots
Chard
Turnips
Parsnips often become sweeter following frost.
Protect brassicas from pigeons where necessary.
Continue inspecting stored crops such as:
Potatoes
Onions
Garlic
Pumpkins
Squashes
Remove any produce showing signs of rot.
Keep storage areas cool, dry, ventilated and frost-free.
Garlic can still be planted where soil conditions allow.
Some hardy broad bean varieties may also be suitable for winter sowing depending upon local conditions.
Avoid working vegetable beds when the soil is saturated.
Heavy clay soil in particular can be damaged by unnecessary cultivation when wet.
Hardy herbs can continue providing useful winter harvests.
These may include:
Rosemary
Thyme
Sage
Bay
Parsley
Harvest lightly because growth is considerably slower.
Tender herbs should be kept under suitable protection.
Mediterranean herbs often cope relatively well with cold temperatures provided their roots are not sitting in persistently wet soil.
Drainage is therefore particularly important.
Check container-grown herbs and make sure drainage holes remain open.
Raising pots onto suitable feet can help excess water escape.
Protect vulnerable containers during severe frost.
Avoid hard pruning woody herbs during December.
Remove only damaged, diseased or obviously dead growth where necessary.
Water features require relatively little routine intervention during December, but freezing temperatures can create problems.
Check:
Pumps
Filters
Pipework
Reservoirs
Rills
Fountains
Grilles
Electrical connections
Some systems are designed to operate throughout winter.
Others need to be drained, isolated or protected against frost.
Follow the requirements of the particular installation.
Do not allow pumps to run if freezing conditions prevent water from circulating correctly.
Continue removing excessive leaves and debris from ponds.
Avoid disturbing wildlife unnecessarily.
If a wildlife pond freezes, do not smash the ice.
If maintaining an opening is necessary, use an appropriate method that does not create shock waves through the water.
Keep an eye on exposed pipes and shallow reservoirs during prolonged freezing conditions.
Winter is when good hard landscaping and drainage really prove their value.
Wet leaves, frost, algae and standing water can make surfaces hazardous.
Regularly inspect:
Porcelain paving
Natural stone
Paths
Steps
Decking
Driveways
Paving joints
Garden walls
Retaining walls
Drainage channels
Manhole covers
Keep walking surfaces clear of leaves.
Check drainage channels and outlets after storms.
Standing water should be investigated, particularly where it repeatedly freezes.
Water entering cracks or defective joints can expand when frozen and potentially worsen existing damage.
Take care when using salt or chemical de-icers.
Some products can damage paving, planting and surrounding materials.
Use products and methods appropriate for the particular surface.
December is also an excellent time to assess external lighting.
Short days reveal exactly where additional lighting could improve steps, entrances, pathways and entertaining areas.
Winter storms can expose weaknesses that were barely noticeable during summer.
Inspect:
Fences
Gates
Pergolas
Trellis
Privacy screens
Gazebos
Arches
Garden buildings
Raised beds
Check fence posts for movement.
Repair loose panels and fixings promptly.
Make sure gates close and latch correctly.
Inspect garden buildings for:
Roof damage
Leaks
Blocked gutters
Damaged doors
Loose trim
Failed seals
Remove excessive leaves from gutters and downpipes.
Check climbers attached to walls, fences and pergolas.
Dead or detached growth can become vulnerable during strong winds.
Secure or store lightweight garden furniture and accessories.
If snow falls heavily, monitor lightweight structures that may not be designed for significant snow loading.
House plants generally grow much more slowly during December because natural light levels are low.
Reduce watering accordingly.
Overwatering is one of the most common winter house-plant problems.
Check the compost rather than watering according to a fixed weekly routine.
Most house plants require little or no fertiliser during periods of slow growth.
Move plants closer to available daylight where appropriate.
Avoid placing them:
Directly above radiators
Against very cold windows
In persistent draughts
In excessively dark positions
Central heating can create dry indoor conditions.
Humidity-loving plants may require additional attention.
Check regularly for pests such as:
Spider mites
Mealybugs
Scale insects
Fungus gnats
Remove dead foliage and wipe dust from large leaves so plants can make better use of limited winter light.
December weather in the UK can vary enormously from relatively mild and wet conditions to prolonged frost, snow and severe storms.
Frost
Frost can remain for long periods in shaded parts of the garden.
Protect vulnerable plants and avoid walking on frozen lawns.
Snow
Light snow can provide some insulation around low-growing plants.
Heavy snow, however, can bend or break branches.
Gently remove excessive accumulations from vulnerable evergreen trees and shrubs where necessary.
Heavy Rain
Persistent rain can saturate soil and expose drainage problems.
Keep channels, gullies and outlets clear.
Avoid unnecessary work on waterlogged soil.
Strong Winds
Winter storms can damage trees, fences and structures.
Inspect the garden after severe weather, paying particular attention to newly planted trees.
Mild Weather
UK December weather can sometimes be surprisingly mild.
Certain plants may continue growing and early bulbs may begin appearing.
Monitor the actual conditions rather than assuming the garden is completely dormant.
Plants to enjoy in December
Border and rock garden
Helleborus
Hellebores are among the most valuable plants for the winter garden, with some varieties beginning to flower during December.
Cyclamen coum
Early flowers may begin appearing during the winter months.
Bergenia
Large evergreen leaves can develop attractive red and bronze tones during cold weather.
Heuchera
Purple, bronze, amber and lime-green foliage provides valuable winter colour.
Carex
Evergreen sedges add texture and movement at ground level.
Hylotelephium
Dry flower heads provide excellent architectural winter interest.
Phlomis
The distinctive tiered seed heads remain highly effective through winter.
Ornamental Grasses
Miscanthus, Calamagrostis and other grasses can look particularly beautiful when highlighted by frost.
Trees and shrubs with foliage of interest
Evergreen foliage becomes particularly important during December.
Fatsia japonica
Large glossy leaves provide strong architectural structure.
Aucuba japonica
Glossy foliage, particularly on variegated cultivars, can brighten shaded areas.
Ilex aquifolium
Holly provides dependable evergreen foliage and colourful winter berries.
Mahonia
Bold evergreen foliage combines with sprays of winter flowers on many varieties.
Skimmia japonica
Evergreen foliage combines with berries or prominent flower buds depending upon cultivar and plant sex.
Euonymus fortunei
Variegated forms provide reliable winter foliage colour.
Sarcococca
Compact evergreen foliage is accompanied by remarkably fragrant winter flowers.
Viburnum tinus
Evergreen foliage and winter flowers make Viburnum tinus a particularly useful structural shrub.
Trees with colourful fruit
December is an excellent month for ornamental fruit and berries.
Ilex aquifolium – Holly
Bright red berries are one of the defining features of the winter garden.
Malus – Crab Apples
Certain varieties retain colourful fruit well into winter.
Pyracantha
Dense clusters of red, orange or yellow berries provide strong winter colour.
Cotoneaster
Many Cotoneasters retain abundant red or orange fruits.
Sorbus – Rowan
Depending upon species, weather and bird activity, some berries may remain into winter.
Crataegus – Hawthorn
Haws can persist into winter and provide valuable food for birds.
Greenhouse plants in flower
A greenhouse or conservatory can provide welcome colour during December.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen are excellent plants for cool, protected winter conditions.
Camellias
Early-flowering varieties may begin opening during the winter months.
Orchids
Numerous orchids naturally flower during winter.
Clivia
Depending upon its growing cycle, Clivia may begin developing flower stems.
Primulas
Protected Primulas provide bright winter colour.
Pelargoniums
Plants maintained in sufficiently warm and bright conditions may continue producing occasional flowers.
Winter-flowering Begonias
Certain Begonias can provide useful colour under protected conditions.
Planning the Garden in December
December is one of the best months to evaluate the overall design of the garden.
With summer planting stripped back, the permanent framework becomes much easier to see.
Look at the garden from inside the house as well as outside.
Ask:
Is there enough evergreen structure?
Does the garden still have focal points?
Are important views screened?
Are paths logical and easy to use?
Does water drain correctly?
Are there enough specimen trees?
Is there winter colour?
Are seating areas positioned effectively?
Are boundaries attractive?
Could garden lighting improve the winter view?
Are there areas that feel particularly empty?
The answers can help shape planting and landscaping improvements for the following year.
December is also a useful time to begin researching new trees, shrubs and perennials while there is less pressure from routine garden maintenance.
Enjoying the Garden in December
December demonstrates why a garden should never be designed solely for summer.
As flowers disappear and deciduous trees lose their leaves, other elements become more important.
Evergreens provide mass and structure.
Berries introduce colour.
Ornamental grasses create movement.
Coloured stems and attractive bark become visible.
Seed heads catch frost.
Water, sculpture, walls, paving and other architectural elements become more prominent.
Even views from inside the house become part of the winter garden experience.
Complete the essential maintenance, protect vulnerable plants and make use of the dormant planting season whenever conditions allow.
But do not over-tidy.
A successful December garden should still feel alive, structured and intentional.
The quieter winter months reveal the underlying design of a garden more clearly than almost any other time of year.