Don't Hibernate Yet: December's Must-Do Garden Jobs

Dig over areas of the lawn that will need to be reseeded in the spring. 

December is a great time to dig over areas of your lawn that need reseeding in the spring. This will help ensure that your lawn has a consistent and healthy growth cycle. You can usually expect to see new growth starting to emerge in these areas as early as mid-February, providing you with a beautiful display of green in the spring!

If you do choose to reseed your lawn during the winter, make sure to follow a good lawn-reseeding plan. Consider using a combination of grass seeds and organic fertilizer to get the best results. In addition, be sure to water your new grass seedlings well in order to establish them properly. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your local garden centre for advice on choosing the right seed for your soil type and desired results. Your lawn will thank you for taking care of it during the winter months!

Clean and repair tools and wash pots and seed trays.

It is a good idea to give your garden tools and pots a thorough clean in the winter. This will help to keep them free from debris and bacteria, which can be harmful to plants.

You should also make sure that your seed trays are thoroughly disinfected in the winter, as they can become an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

It is also a good idea to regularly disinfect your hands, tools, and other surfaces that come into contact with plants, as this will help prevent the spread of disease.

Finally, it is a good idea to regularly clean and disinfect any surfaces you use to prepare food for your plants, as this will help ensure that your indoor garden is being properly maintained.

Lag outdoor water taps and pipes.

It's a good idea to cover outdoor water taps and pipes during the winter months to help prevent them from freezing and breaking. This will help ensure that your water supply is protected from the elements, making it safer to use.

You can choose from a variety of different options when it comes to covering outdoor water taps and pipes, including plastic covers, pipe insulation, and heat tape. It's important to select the right type of cover for your need and location, as not all covers are created equal.

Look for a cover that is durable, easy to install, and designed for outdoor use. By covering outdoor water taps and pipes, you'll be helping to protect them from damage and ensuring that they are ready for use in any weather.

Keep an area of the pond ice free if possible by covering it with boards, or float a large soft beach ball on it.

If you have an area of your pond that is difficult to keep completely ice-free, consider covering it with boards. This will help to keep the water temperature steady and prevent evaporation. Alternatively, you can try floating a large, soft beach ball on the ice-free section of the pond.

This will provide a smooth surface for the fish to swim on and reduce friction between the water and the board, which could lead to a reduced evaporation rate.

While it is helpful to cover an area of your pond or lake with boards or a beach ball, be sure to check on it periodically to make sure that it is still keeping the water temperature steady and that there are no signs of damage due to over-reliance on these methods.

Tidy herbaceous borders. 

The months of December and January are a wonderful time to take care of your herbaceous borders. These plants are typically characterized by their compact stature, which makes them ideal candidates for small spaces. However, they can also be grown in large gardens or as part of a mixed planting scheme, so long as they have room to grow.

Herbaceous borders are an excellent way to bring colour and variety to your landscape during the winter months. They can be planted with various types of flowers, including annuals, perennials, and shrubs. They can be planted singly or in groups, and some species are also suitable for growing in containers or as ornamental lawn and garden plants.

It is important to give herbaceous borders plenty of nutrients and water during the winter months so that they can continue to thrive and produce beautiful foliage throughout the season. It is also important to keep an eye out for pests and diseases that may affect your border plants. By taking these steps, you will ensure that your herbaceous borders are at their most beautiful and vibrant during the winter months!

Remove dead foliage from around roses to help control blackspot (and do not compost). 

By removing dead leaves and branches from the surrounding environment, you are helping to naturally control blackspot on your roses.

Blackspot is a common disease of roses that causes leaves to become discoloured, brown, and unevenly shaped. It is caused by a fungus known as Dothidella (Dothidellum) nymphaeae, which thrives in damp conditions and can be spread by insects or wind.

By removing dead leaves and branches, you are creating a less favourable environment for blackspot to thrive in, which will help prevent the disease from spreading. 

Check stakes and ties and replace where necessary.

December is a great time to check your garden stakes and ties to make sure they're holding up well. We recommend replacing any old or worn out stakes and ties with new ones. This will help protect your plants from damage and provide a stronger support system for the roots. December is also a good time to check any fences or walls in your garden to make sure they're in good shape and haven't been damaged by the elements. Consider repairing or replacing any damaged fencing if needed, as this will help ensure your garden remains safe and secure.

Winter prune freestanding apple, pear and quince trees.

Pruning freestanding apple, pear, and quince trees in the winter can help to promote good growth and fruit development. Freestanding trees can be pruned any time of year, but it is best to do it in the winter when the tree is dormant. This will allow you to safely remove any dead or damaged branches without affecting the overall health of the tree.

It is important to prune freestanding apple, pear, and quince trees in a way that promotes healthy growth and fruit production. Here are some tips for safe and effective winter pruning:

* Choose a time of year when the temperature is not too warm or too cold. Temperatures below freezing (about 0°F) can damage new growth; temperatures above 95°F may cause wilting and leaf drop.

* Prune branches that are touching each other or the trunk so they do not interfere with each other's movement. You may need to cut some branches shorter than others to avoid overcrowding the canopy.

* Remove dead or damaged limbs at the base of the tree where they are no longer needed. This will help maintain a balanced canopy structure and will also reduce potential damage from wind and snow load. 

* Do not prune your freestanding apple, pear, or quince tree excessively as this can weaken the structure of the tree and lead to poor fruit production or even branch breakage.

Conclusion

December may be a cold and dark month, but that doesn't mean you should neglect your garden. By staying proactive and tackling the necessary tasks, you can ensure that your outdoor space remains beautiful and well-maintained. From winter pruning to preparing for spring blooms, there is plenty to do to keep your garden looking its best. So don't hibernate just yet! Grab a hot cup of tea and get ready to tackle those pesky gardening jobs. And if the weather is too harsh for you to handle, don't worry - Steve's Garden Services is here to help. Contact Us today to get the assistance you need in keeping your garden in top shape throughout the winter months.