Helen's monthly choice - December
Written by: Helen Derrin
Last updated: December 2023
December is often packed with Christmas parties and preparations, but if possible, do try to spend a little time out in the garden as well. All but the last few, resolute leaves will have fallen by now, so try to clear them off lawns and pathways before they turn mushy underfoot. Gather them up and add them to the compost heap, or dampen them down and pop them into aerated bags to make leaf mould. In a year or two's time, you'll have lots of free, nutritious mulch to add to your borders. December's also a great month to plant roses, bare root hedging and fruit trees, giving them a chance to settle in through the winter and potentially put on new root growth before the worst of the weather hits. Not only will this get them off to a flying start next spring, but it also gives you the pick of the best varieties, which often sell out quickly. Finally, before you take your wellies off to head back inside, check that there aren't any loose bulbs hanging around in the shed. If there are, get them in the ground asap as it will soon be too late.
