Gardening Jobs for December

The year’s almost done, but the garden isn’t ready for a rest just yet. December brings plenty of jobs to keep plants healthy now and prepare for a bright spring.

Let’s take a closer look at the key jobs for flowers, trees, shrubs and general maintenance, plus tips to support wildlife through the colder months.

Your December garden to-do list

• Manage leaf fall around the garden
• Refresh beds with winter colour
• Make use of protected spaces for any late sowing
• Put in key planting while the ground allows
• Carry out essential winter pruning
• Add protective mulches where needed
• Prepare structures and growing spaces for colder weather
• Provide support for birds and wildlife

Gardening jobs for flowers

Tidy and clear heavy leaf fall

Remove damp leaves from paths, lawns and beds to prevent slips and reduce fungal problems.

Tip: Store clean, dry leaves in bags or a wire cage to create nutrient-rich leaf mould for next year.

Introduce winter colour

Brighten shady corners with Hellebore, Cyclamen or hardy winter bedding for colour and interest during the quiet season.

Sow hardy greens or herbs under cover

Start winter lettuce, parsley or hardy herbs in frost-free spaces, such as a greenhouse, cold frame or sheltered porch.

Mulch borders

Apply a generous layer of mulch around perennials and young plants to buffer soil temperatures and protect roots from persistent winter rain.

Tip: Be sure to keep mulch a few centimetres from stems to avoid rot.

Gardening jobs for trees and shrubs

Plant bare-root trees, shrubs and hedging

Set in fruit trees, native hedging or ornamental shrubs while the soil is firm but not waterlogged. They establish well over winter in cool Irish soils.

Prune dormant trees and shrubs

Remove weak or crossing branches, and shape apples, pears and mature shrubs while they are fully dormant. Avoid pruning in frozen or waterlogged soil.

Tip: You can encourage healthy growth by making clean cuts just above buds or branch collars.

Cut back birch, maple and vines early

Prune these species before January to avoid sap bleed and reduce plant stress.

Establish winter-flowering shrubs

Add Mahonia, Sarcococca or Viburnum for winter fragrance and evergreen structure.

Take hardwood cuttings

Dogwood, willow and currants root well from hardwood cuttings now. Insert stems into gritty compost outdoors or in a cold frame and label for spring planting.

Tip: You could label cuttings to ensure correct placement in spring.

General maintenance and wildlife

Protect container plants

Raise pots off the ground for drainage, wrap with fleece or bubble insulation, and make sure saucers aren’t holding standing water. Move the most vulnerable against a sheltered wall to benefit from stored heat.

Refresh greenhouse or polytunnel spaces

Clean staging, sweep out old leaves, wash panes and assess ventilation. Insulate with bubble wrap to hold warmth, especially during wet, windy spells.

Tip: Use a min-max thermometer to track temperature swings.

Inspect supports and structures

Check posts, ties and trellises for leaning or damage. Replace tight ties with adjustable, soft alternatives to protect bark.

Maintain tools and equipment

Clean, sharpen and oil secateurs, shears and trowels. Lightly sand and oil wooden handles to protect against damp winter air.

Support wildlife

Top up feeders, provide fresh water, and leave some leaf litter undisturbed for beneficial insects and small creatures.

Tip: Offer high-energy foods like fat balls or sunflower hearts.

Keep ponds breathable

Prevent complete freezing by maintaining a small open area for gas exchange.

Tip: Use a floating ball to break surface ice gently if needed.

Tackle these tasks this December to protect your garden and get ready for spring.

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