The last bulbs can be planted if the weather is mild. The shortest day of the year is in December. Time to light candles in the house and do not go outside for too long if is it too cold.
Lawn
- Rake fallen leaves from the lawn and throw them in the borders for protection against the frost.
- Do not walk on the lawn if it is frosty. Frozen grass can easily damage.
- Prevent waterlogging.
Planting and moving
- Deciduous trees and shrubs can still be moved or planted if the weather is mild.
- Bare-root deciduous hedging, trees and shrubs become available this month. They have to be planted promptly before they dry out.
- You can plant bare-root roses if the weather is mild. It is better not to plant new roses in areas where roses were previously grown because the diseases of the old roses may remain in the ground and infect your new roses.
- Plants, shrubs, hedges and trees in containers can be planted all year round if the weather is mild.
Pruning
- Kiwis, raspberries and vines can be pruned if the weather is mild. That also goes for acers and birches. If you prune too late they may bleed.
- Many deciduous trees, hedges and shrubs can be pruned as long as it does not freeze. It is easier to see what you are doing when the branches have no leaves. Be careful because the spent flowers, like those of hydrangeas, offer protection against the frost. It is best to leave those until after the danger of frost has passed.
- Prune climbing roses if you have not done this last month.
- Evergreen trees and shrubs can best be pruned in spring.
Other
- Cut off the water supply to outside water tap and let out the remaining water to avoid frost damage.
- Empty the garden hose and store it away.
- Remove the ice from the pond with care. If the ice is thick, use boiling water rather than a hammer. The shock waves from the hammer may kill the creatures beneath.
- Knock off the snow from branches to prevent them from breaking.
- Check if the tree ties are not too tight or too loose. It may storm.
- Protect tender plants and newly planted trees, hedges and shrubs from cold winds and frost. You can use straw mats or bubble wrap for example. Do not leave the materials for too long because that may cause rots. Dry mulch or dead leaves can be used to protect the roots.
- Put out food for birds and other animals. Regularly clean the feeding area with hot water to prevent the spreading of diseases.
- Do not clean up too much in the garden. There many insects and animals that may want to hide under the leaves and between faded perennials to overwinter. The leaves and faded remains of perennials also help protect the perennials against the frost and they also provide nutrition for perennials, trees and shrubs as they rot.
- This is a perfect time for maintenance on the lawn mower, garden tools and mechanical equipment.