As winds begin to chill, and the days are shorter, the weather can be bitter with a risk of some snow. You won’t want to be working outside at this time of year, but luckily there’s not a lot to do.
Just keep an eye on winter protection, and if you have a greenhouse, make sure the heater works. Also it’s time to think about pruning apples and pears too.
December Jobs to Do
- Check that greenhouse heaters are working
- Insulate outdoor taps and prevent ponds from freezing
- Check your winter protection structures are still securely in place
- Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage, sprouts and remaining root crops
- Deciduous trees and shrubs can still be planted and transplanted
- Take hardwood cuttings
- Keep mice away from stored produce
- Reduce watering of houseplants
- Prune open-grown apples and pears (but not those trained against walls)
- Prune acers, birches and vines before Christmas to avoid bleeding
