Gardening in December: Tasks and Tips for Wildlife and the Festive Period

December marks a unique time in the garden. The cold weather slows growth, but there are still important tasks to keep your garden healthy and prepare it for the coming year. Alongside practical gardening jobs, this month offers a chance to slow down and reconnect with nature. This post covers key gardening jobs, simple mindfulness practices, ways to help garden wildlife, and a delicious festive recipe to warm your heart.

checking tree straps

December Gardening Tasks

Even though growth slows in winter, December is a critical month for garden maintenance. Here are some essential jobs to focus on:

• Check and Adjust Tree Straps

Young trees often need support to withstand winter winds. Check tree straps for tightness and wear. Straps that are too tight can damage bark, while loose ones won’t provide enough support. Replace any worn or broken ties and adjust straps to allow slight movement but prevent swaying.

• Prune Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

December is a good time to prune many deciduous trees and shrubs while they are dormant. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve structure and airflow. Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs now, as you risk cutting off flower buds.

• Clear the last Leaves and Debris

Rake fallen leaves and clear garden debris to prevent fungal diseases and pests. Use leaves in compost or as mulch around plants that tolerate it. Avoid piling leaves against tree trunks or plant stems.

• Protect Tender Plants

Cover tender perennials and newly planted shrubs with fleece or horticultural fabric to shield them from frost. Mulch around the base of plants to insulate roots from freezing temperatures.

• Plan for Spring

Use this quieter time to plan your spring garden. Order seeds, prepare garden beds, and design new planting schemes. This preparation will make spring gardening smoother and more productive.

Ways to Connect

Gardening in winter offers a chance to slow down and practice mindfulness. These simple techniques help you enjoy the present moment and reduce stress.

• Observe Nature’s Details

Spend a few minutes observing the textures, colours, and shapes in your garden. Notice the patterns of frost on leaves or the way bare branches reach skyward. This focused attention grounds you in the present.

• Practice Slow, Deep Breathing

While working outdoors, pause to take slow, deep breaths. Inhale the crisp winter air, hold for a moment, then exhale fully. This calms the nervous system and enhances your awareness.

• Engage Your Senses

Touch the rough bark of trees, listen to the quiet sounds of winter birds, or smell the earthy scent of damp soil. Engaging multiple senses deepens your connection to the garden.

• Mindful Pruning

Turn pruning into a meditative activity. Focus on each cut, the feel of the tools, and the rhythm of your movements. This can transform routine tasks into moments of calm.

Helping Wildlife Thrive

Winter is a challenging time for garden wildlife. You can make a big difference by providing food, shelter, and water.

Provide Food Sources

• Hang fat balls, suet cakes, or seed feeders to support birds.

• Leave seed heads on plants like echinacea or teasel for birds to eat.

• Scatter nuts and dried fruit in safe spots.

  
  

Create Shelter

• Leave piles of leaves or brush in quiet corners for insects and small mammals.

• Install bird boxes designed for winter roosting.

• Keep hedges and dense shrubs intact for cover.

  
  

Supply Fresh Water

Water sources can freeze in winter. Use shallow dishes and check regularly to keep water available for birds and small animals.

Avoid Chemicals

Refrain from using pesticides or herbicides in winter. These can harm overwintering insects and disrupt the food chain.

Festive Recipe to Enjoy

Winter calls for warming, comforting food made with seasonal ingredients. This recipe will bring the garden and festive spirit to your table.

Spiced Apple and Cinnamon Crumble

Ingredients:

• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss apples with cinnamon and lemon juice.

2. Place in a baking dish.

3. Mix oats, flour, and brown sugar.

4. Rub in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over apples.

6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbling.

7. Serve warm with cream or custard.