DECEMBER

1. Check your winter protection structures are still securely in place
2. Check that greenhouse heaters are working OK
3. Prevent ponds and stand pipes from freezing
4. Prune open-grown apples and pears (but not those trained against walls)
5. Prune acers, birches and vines before Christmas to avoid bleeding
6. Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage, sprouts and remaining root crops
7. Deciduous trees and shrubs can still be planted and transplanted
8. Take hardwood cuttings
9. Keep mice away from stored produce
10. Reduce watering of houseplants

1. Check winter protection structures are still firmly in place

With winter protection, its always necessary to check it remains as intended throughout the harshest months of the year. The best types of protection will have around 50% permeability and will allow light, rain and air to reach the plants without the strong winds or frost. Pegging down any corner fixings of cloches or weighting the ends of teepee canes will help to keep structures in place.

2. Check greenhouse heaters are still working

Greenhouse heaters can really help plants throughout the winter months as they need suitable temperature levels, but the cost of maintaining installation and running the heaters must be considered. Electric, gas and paraffin heaters are available for use from garden centres and the most popular are electric as they are so adaptable. The thermostats allow easy control of the heat output and they are also very portable and so can be moved around depending on the plants.

3. Prevent ponds and stand pipes from freezing

The annual problem of pipes freezing in winter can be a problme for many gardeners, especially those which are exposed to severe cold such as outdoor pipes and water sprinkler lines, You can take several measures before the onset of harsh weather, draining pipes of water and running warm water through them, removing stored hoses into the garage and off the floor, draining down outside hose bibs and insulating pipes with foam and polythene will help to keep the temperature of the metal higher.

4. Harvest apples and pears

The harvesting of fruit once it has ripened is a gardeners art; it will vary each year depending on the stages of ripeness. Ideally apples are best picked when under-ripe so that they can reach this fully whilst in store, with a few exceptions such as the ‘James Grieve’ and ‘Winston’ varieties which fare better if left til later in September and October respectively. Pears are better picked in mid to late September as well, and the fruit when ready will twist away from their stems if you pull it gently away.

5. Prune acers, vines and birches before Christmas

Pruning needs to be done cautiously and it encompasses cutting, pinching, shearing, thinning, shaping and many more techniques. Each plant has different needs, Acers need to be pruned in winter as they will bleed in Spring and will maintain their shape until the spring. Vines will need pruning regularly to keep them under control, healthy, productive and attractive. Clean cuts will always produce healthier shoots so have sharp shears! Birches should not be pruned to more than 25% of the live canopy and again, sharper tools will be essential.

6. Harvest root crops such as leeks, parsnips, cabbages and sprouts

The way to harvest root crops is to push down gently on the plant and then to pull up the vegetable by the root. This method prevents weak tops from breaking off at all although you can also plunge a pitchfork on either side of the vegetable and wiggle it to loosen the soil around the vegetable.

7. Plant or move deciduous trees and shrubs

December is the best time to move or plant deciduous trees as they have been dormant and will soon be growing again. The best method once the trees have been uprooted is to wet the roots and set them back into soil no deeper than before and into the same soil type. The roots need to be in contact with the soil without any air pockets although it is important to avoid destroying the structure.

8. Take hardwood cuttings for next year

You can extend your garden very easily by taking cuttings from plants during December, and inserting them into soil with approximately 2/3s below ground level. Sections need to be cut 15-30cm in length with clean horizontal cuts on woody shoots that have already had a full growing season to develop and mature. Stems will be ideal if as thick as a pencil and make sure you avoid anything damaged. If you are planting a patch then space individual stems 4-6 inches apart.

9. Keep mice away from stores

Mice are fond of living anywhere sheltered, warm and close to food so it is important to eliminate these factors when storing food. Airtight containers made of plastic are useful but prevention is better than cure! Remove all possible clutter and dry leaves, use lower draught excluders on the bottom of doors, check seals on window and doors and the holes around plumbing pipes. Mice also have a natural aversion to mint so if you would prefer not to use traps, use mint liberally near to stores.

10. Reduce watering of houseplants

Plants during winter will often need little to no watering at all and reducing this allows them to rest properly. It will help to keep the temperature constant as heat during the day and cool air at night will dry out plants as central heating evaporates any humidity. Only plants which are actively growing will still need watering and feeding. Also ensure that plants are moved to rooms which receive more sunlight during the shorter days.