December Tips |  |
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With the days getting progressively colder there is not a lot to do in the garden except to continue tidying up, pruning and planning for the spring. |
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Borders | |  | • | Continue to tidy beds and borders, then mulch with compost, well-rotted manure or bark and apply a slow release fertiliser such as bonemeal. | | • | Protect tender plants and evergreens which cannot be moved by insulating them with straw, bracken or fleece. | | • | In frost-free weather, prune out dead, damaged, or diseased branches from established trees and shrubs. | | • | Continue to firm in the roots of trees and shrubs that are lifted by frost. | | • | Prevent established rose bushes from snapping in windy or snowy conditions by cutting them back by about half. | | • | Check the ties and remove any unnecessary stakes or supports from trees and climbing plants. |
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Bedding Plants | | | • | Now's the time to start ordering plants you'd like to plant next spring. |
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Containers | | | • | Protect any delicate pots from freezing by moving them into a greenhouse or wrapping them in bubble wrap. | | • | Move containers in exposed sites to sheltered positions. | | • | Check the fixings on hanging baskets to make sure they are secure. |
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Lawns | | | • | Mow if necessary - but only if the grass isn't wet or frozen, and keep the blades set high. | | • | Clean and overhaul any machinery, oiling parts and storing under cover. | | • | Choose different paths when crossing the lawn, as continually following the same route will cause compaction. | | • | Avoid walking on your lawn when it is frosty as this will cause damage. |
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Fruit | | | • | You can still plant new fruit trees and bushes providing the ground is not frozen or too wet. | | • | Continue to prune apple and pear trees. | | • | If not already done apply a "winter wash" to control pests. | | • | Feed all fruit trees with a slow release fertiliser such as bonemeal. |
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The Vegetable Garden | | | • | Continue to dig over vacant ground and dig in well-rotted manure or compost providing the ground is not too wet or frozen. | | • | Net winter vegetables to keep pigeons away. |
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The Greenhouse | | | • | Clear greenhouse gutters of autumn leaves. | | • | Line the inside of the greenhouse with bubble-wrap to keep plants warmer. | | • | Do not water plants too much - only when the compost is dry. | | • | Check plants regularly for pests and disease i.e. moulds and fungus. | | • | Ventilate only on warm days. |
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Ponds | | | • | If not already done, take out any pumps and clean and store them in a dry place. |
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General Tasks | | | • | Provide food and water for garden birds. | | • | Drain stone fountains etc. so that freezing conditions are less likely to damage them, and service electrical pumps. | | • | Ensure outside taps are insulated or drained. |
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