December Garden Checklist: Plant, Protect, and Prepare

As winter takes hold, December is a time to embrace the quieter moments in the garden. Though growth may have slowed, there’s still plenty to do to set your garden up for success. Here’s your guide to making the most of your December gardening tasks.

Close-up of dark green pine tree branches with needles, overlaid with the text 'December Growing Guide' in elegant typography, featuring a small plant graphic with green leaves.

What to Plant

While December is largely dormant, a few hardy crops and preparations can keep you engaged:

Garlic and Shallots: Perfect for planting in December, these thrive in well-drained soil and can tolerate frosty conditions. Plant in pots or directly into the ground.
Bare-Root Trees and Shrubs: This is an ideal time to plant bare-root varieties, allowing roots to establish before spring.
Winter Salad Leaves: If you have a greenhouse or cloches, you can sow seeds for winter salads like mizuna, lamb’s lettuce, and mustard greens.
Kale: A hardy, nutrient-packed crop that thrives in cold weather. Plant in a sheltered spot or use a cloche for added protection.

What to Protect

December’s frosty mornings call for extra care:

Tender Plants: Wrap plants like young fig trees or outdoor potted plants in horticultural fleece or straw to shield them from frost damage.
Garden Beds: Use mulch or a Hortiwool Garden Pad to insulate beds, maintaining soil warmth and protecting delicate roots.
Greenhouse Crops: Ensure your greenhouse is clean, insulated, and ventilated to prevent dampness while keeping temperatures stable.

What to Prep for Winter

Preparation this month is key to a thriving garden come spring:

Soil Health: Spread well-rotted manure or compost over empty beds to enrich soil for spring planting.
Tool Maintenance: Clean, sharpen, and oil garden tools to prevent rust and ensure they're ready for action.
Wildlife Support: Install bird feeders, top up water sources, and create sheltered spaces for garden wildlife. Birds, in particular, will repay you by eating pests in spring.

Extra December Tips

Prune Dormant Trees: Winter pruning keeps fruit trees healthy and encourages better harvests next year.
Check Supports and Structures: Inspect trellises, stakes, and fences for damage, repairing as necessary to withstand winter weather.
Start Planning for Spring: Use these quieter weeks to map out your garden design, research seeds, and stock up on essential supplies.

How Hortiwool Helps in December

Our Hortiwool Garden Pads are a must-have during December. Made from 100% British wool, they’re perfect for mulching beds, insulating roots, and protecting plants from harsh weather. Their natural insulating properties and sustainable design make them a versatile addition to any eco-conscious garden.

Give the Gift of Gardening

Looking for the perfect gift for the garden lover in your life? Our new Hortiwool eGift Card is here to make gifting easy. Available in a range of values, it’s the ideal present for anyone passionate about sustainable gardening. Whether they’re seasoned gardeners or just starting out, they can use it to purchase our eco-friendly products, like the Hortiwool Garden Pads, to support their gardening journey.

Explore our eGift Card options here and give the gift of greener gardens this holiday season!

Enjoy the peacefulness December brings to your garden. By focusing on planting, protecting, and preparing, you’ll ensure a flourishing start to the next growing season. Stay cozy, and happy gardening!