What to Do in the Garden in December

December is typically the quietest month in the garden, but it remains an important time for planning, maintenance and preparation. 

With most plants dormant, gardeners can focus on essential winter tasks that are difficult to tackle during the growing season, from planting bare-root stock to servicing tools and ordering seeds for the year ahead.

Key Garden Tasks for December

• Plant bare-root trees, shrubs and roses during mild, frost-free spells
• Plan borders, crop rotations and planting schemes for next year
• Order seeds, bulbs and seed potatoes early
• Protect vulnerable plants from frost and harsh weather
• Clean, service and store garden tools and machinery
• Support birds and wildlife with food and fresh water
• Appreciate winter structure, scent and evergreen foliage

Flowers

While growth has slowed, the winter garden still offers colour and interest through berries, bark and scented blooms. December is ideal for dormant planting and careful winter protection.

December Flower Gardening Tasks

• Plant bare-root roses, shrubs and hedging during mild weather
• Check fleece, mulch and wind protection remain secure
• Enjoy winter-flowering plants such as witch hazel (Hamamelis)
• Cut decorative stems with berries or coloured bark for indoor displays
• Gently brush heavy snow from evergreens to prevent damage
• Move tender container plants to sheltered, frost-free positions
• Take root cuttings from suitable perennials
• Inspect stored dahlia and begonia tubers for rot or drying out
• Order summer-flowering bulbs for spring planting
• Plan border redesigns and planting combinations for spring

Fruit and Vegetables

December is a productive month for harvesting winter crops and preparing fruit and vegetable gardens for the coming growing season.

December Fruit and Vegetable Tasks

• Harvest winter vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, leeks and parsnips
• Plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes during frost-free periods
• Prune apple and pear trees while they are dormant
• Check stored crops regularly and remove any showing signs of spoilage
• Order seeds and seed potatoes early for the best choice
• Plan crop rotation to reduce pests and improve soil health
• Dig over empty beds in mild weather to improve soil structure
• Protect crops with fleece during severe cold snaps
• Force rhubarb under pots or forcing jars for an early harvest
• Net brassicas securely to protect them from pigeons

Greenhouse

Greenhouse care in December focuses on hygiene, frost protection and minimal watering. Good airflow and cleanliness help prevent disease during damp winter conditions.

December Greenhouse Tasks

• Check heaters and thermostats during periods of hard frost
• Ventilate briefly on mild, dry days to reduce condensation
• Water sparingly, allowing compost to dry slightly between watering
• Remove dead leaves and plant debris promptly
• Force hyacinths and paperwhites for winter fragrance
• Start amaryllis bulbs in time for Christmas flowering
• Monitor overwintering plants for pests and disease
• Order seeds and create a sowing calendar for spring
• Clean and sterilise pots, trays and seed modules
• Review greenhouse performance and plan improvements

House Plants

Most houseplants enter a period of rest in winter. Reduced watering, good light and stable temperatures are key to keeping plants healthy through December.

December Houseplant Care Tasks

• Water sparingly and allow compost to dry between waterings
• Position plants in the brightest available locations
• Protect plants from cold draughts near windows and doors
• Keep plants away from radiators and direct heat sources
• Mist occasionally to offset dry central heating
• Enjoy seasonal plants such as Christmas cactus and poinsettia
• Care for festive plants correctly to encourage repeat flowering

Garden Maintenance and Wildlife Care

December is the ideal time to complete essential maintenance tasks and support garden wildlife through the coldest months.

December Garden Maintenance Tasks

• Clean, sharpen and oil tools before winter storage
• Service lawn mowers and powered garden equipment
• Feed birds regularly with high-energy winter food
• Keep bird baths topped up and free from ice
• Insulate outdoor taps and protect water features
• Review the past gardening year and note successes and challenges
• Order seed catalogues and plan next year’s garden projects
• Take time to enjoy the calm beauty of the winter garden