Winter Care for Your Garden: Alex’s December Guide
29.11.2024
Gardening Tips for December
As December arrives, it’s time to prepare your garden for winter’s chill. Keep plants protected and add some seasonal charm with these simple tasks to see your garden through to spring.
- Feed the birds – Hang up a bird feeder or some fat balls to give our feathered friends a helping hand through the colder months. They’ll thank you for the extra nutrition this winter.
- Aerate your lawn – Give your lawn some breathing space by aerating with a fork. This helps improve drainage and reduces the risk of waterlogging over the wet winter months.
- Keep patios safe – Give your patios and paving a good wash to clear away any slippery algae or slime. A simple clean makes all the difference when you’re walking outside.
- Winter wash for trees – A good winter wash on your trees helps protect them against pests and diseases, ensuring they stay healthy through the colder season.
- Shelter your plants – Consider investing in a grow house to keep those more vulnerable plants safe from the chill. It’s the perfect way to give them a warm winter hideaway.
- Care for your Christmas tree – Keep your Christmas tree well-watered and away from direct heat sources. This simple step will help preserve it throughout the festive period.
- Scent in the winter garden – Add a touch of fragrance to your garden this winter with shrubs like sarcococca or viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn.’ A winter garden doesn’t have to be without scent.
- Protect pots and plants – Keep your pots and plants safe from frost by wrapping them in fleece or bubble wrap. It’s a simple way to protect them from the harshest winter weather.
- Colour in the winter garden – Inject some seasonal colour with Cornus for its stunning red and yellow stems. A bright splash in the winter landscape can lift the spirits.
- Fresh gravel for alpine plants – Top up your alpine plants with fresh gravel to help prevent rotting. It’s a small task that can make a big difference for your plants’ health.
Happy gardening this December – and remember, even in winter, there’s always something to tend to!
December Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
Hellebore
Known as “Christmas roses” or “Lenten roses,” hellebores are hardy perennials that bring a touch of magic to the garden in late winter or early spring. At a time when most plants are still hibernating, their delicate blooms take centre stage, offering a welcome splash of colour.
How to Grow Hellebores
These resilient beauties thrive in partially shaded spots with well-drained, humus-rich soil. While hellebores are low-maintenance once established, they flourish in cool, moist conditions and are well-suited to the UK’s often chilly winters.
Top tips for growing hellebores:
- Choose a sheltered location to protect them from harsh winds.
- Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
- Add a layer of mulch in winter to safeguard the roots.
Hellebores are not only cold-tolerant but also deer and rabbit-resistant, making them a wonderful choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these elegant flowers will brighten your outdoor space with ease.
Bring a touch of winter charm to your garden with hellebores — the perfect blend of beauty and resilience.
Houseplant of the month
Poinsettia
Jenny’s Pick
Nothing says Christmas quite like the vibrant poinsettia, also known as the “Christmas Star.” Its bold, colourful bracts (often mistaken for flowers) are a festive favourite, adding a cheerful touch to any home during the holiday season.
How to Care for Your Poinsettia
Light:
Poinsettias thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in shady spots, as this will affect their vibrancy and growth.
Temperature:
Native to Mexico, poinsettias love warmth and humidity. Keep them in a draught-free location, ideally between 13–22°C, and protect them from chilly temperatures during transport. Sudden cold can cause stress, leading to leaf drop.
Watering:
Use filtered or rainwater at room temperature for best results. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Yellowing leaves are often a sign of incorrect watering.
Humidity:
To keep your poinsettia looking its best, mist it regularly. This replicates its natural humid environment and helps the plant maintain its health.
Important Information
- Not pet-friendly: Keep poinsettias out of reach of curious pets.
- Handle with care: The sap may irritate skin and eyes.
With a little TLC, your poinsettia will flourish throughout the festive season, bringing a touch of Christmas magic to your home.
looking after houseplants
