Gardening jobs to do in December

Keep your garden in the best shape possible with our monthly gardening checklists.

1. Clean Up and Prepare the Garden

December marks the start of winter, and it's important to clean up your garden to prepare it for the colder months ahead. Some essential tasks include:

Clear fallen leaves and debris from the garden beds.
Cut back dead foliage on perennials.
Remove any weeds.
Clean and store garden tools.

2. Protect Your Plants

With cold weather approaching, it's crucial to shield your plants from frost, wind, and freezing temperatures. Here are some ways to protect your plants during December:

Cover vulnerable plants with frost blankets or burlap sacks.
Mulch garden beds to insulate the soil and protect roots from freezing.
Maintain a layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs to keep roots warm.

3. Prune and Shape Trees and Shrubs

December is an excellent time to prune trees and shrubs while they are dormant. Pruning helps improve their structure and ensures healthy growth in the spring. Focus on the following tasks:

Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
Trim overgrown branches to maintain the desired shape.
Thin out dense areas to allow more light and airflow.
Consult the specific pruning requirements for each plant to ensure proper technique.

4. Plan for Spring Planting

While your garden is taking a winter break, use this time to plan for your spring planting. Here's what you can do:

Create a garden layout and decide what plants you want to grow.
Research the best time to sow seeds indoors for early spring planting.
Order seeds and seedlings in advance.
Prepare your gardening tools and equipment for the upcoming season.

5. Feed the Birds

December is a great time to provide food and shelter for birds that may be struggling to find sustenance during the colder months. Consider the following:

Place bird feeders around your garden with various types of seeds and nuts.
Provide a shallow dish of clean water for drinking and bathing.
Hang suet or fat balls to offer additional nutrition.

By following these gardening tasks in December, you'll ensure that your garden remains healthy and well-prepared for the winter months, setting the stage for a successful spring season.

Explore all monthly gardening tasks

Explore all of our monthly gardening checklists: