Posted on Dec 6, 2023 at 12:03 pm by James T
The month of December, marked by the beginning of winter, presents a set of challenges and opportunities for gardening enthusiasts. As nature slows down its activity, gardeners have the opportunity to prepare their outdoor space for the upcoming cold season.
PS: If you scroll to the bottom of the article, we have prepared a summary table for you, you can take a screenshot with your phone.
In this transitional period, gardening work plays an essential role in maintaining the health of your plants, preserving the beauty of your garden, and anticipating the months to come. Although temperatures drop and days shorten, there is still much to be done.
At the same time, it is also important not to overlook the common mistakes that gardeners make before the arrival of winter, as this greatly contributes to ensuring effective gardening during the winter season.
Table of Contents
Maintaining your lawn in December
In this cold and short month, it is time to protect your garden for winter and carry out the final plantings, including fruit trees and hedges.
Regarding the lawn, there is not much to do in December, but remember to remove dead leaves to prevent the appearance of moss.
Planting and pruning decorative or fruit trees in December
- Ornamental and fruit trees: By planting them at this time, their roots will have the entire winter to firmly anchor themselves in the ground.
- Holly: This is the ideal time to identify female subjects with branches covered in berries and plant them in your garden.
- Pruning large trees: Take advantage of autumn to prune your trees and give them a balanced silhouette. This will improve their ventilation and keep them dormant until spring.
Winter protection for your plants and installations
Turn off outdoor faucets and drain uninsulated pipes to prevent damage from freezing. Protect non-hardy plants with a winter cover or by piling leaves around them. Let these materials decompose and integrate into the soil with the help of earthworms.
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Attracting birds to your garden in winter
To attract birds, offer them food, water, and shelter in the form of a birdhouse. Place fat balls and a water source for them to feed, drink, and bathe.
Optimizing your gardening by analyzing your soil
For around twenty euros, the Provincial Agricultural Analysis Station of the Province of Liège will analyze your soil and provide you with a spreading calendar for two growing seasons. This applies to gardens, lawns, and vegetable gardens. For more information and to obtain the application form, visit the SPAA website.
Flowers and vegetables to plant or protect in December
- Flowers: Mix heathers, winter jasmine, Mahonia, and pansies to bring your garden to life in the middle of December!
- Vegetable garden: Clean the plots where crops have been planted and aerate the cultivated areas using a broadfork to preserve underground microbial life. Use winter protection to protect your vegetables and extend the harvest of parsley, late lettuces, etc.
December can be a cold and dark month, but it is still important to properly prepare your garden and vegetable garden for the upcoming sunny days.
And here is the table:
| Category | Recommended Period | Activity/Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn maintenance in December | – | Remove dead leaves to prevent moss growth. |
| Tree planting and pruning in December | Autumn to early winter | Plant ornamental and fruit trees to ensure strong root attachment during winter. |
| Plant female holly trees with berry-covered branches. | ||
| Prune large trees for a balanced silhouette. | ||
| Winter protection for your plants and installations | Late autumn to early winter | Turn off outdoor faucets and drain uninsulated pipes to prevent damage from freezing. |
| Protect non-hardy plants with winter protection fabric or leaves. | ||
| Allow protective materials to decompose and enrich the soil with earthworms. | ||
| Attracting birds to your garden in winter | Autumn to early winter | Provide food, water, and shelter in the form of birdhouses. |
| Place fat balls and a water source for birds to feed, drink, and bathe. | ||
| Soil analysis for optimal gardening | Late autumn to early winter | The Provincial Agricultural Analysis Station of the Province of Liège can analyze your soil for a fertilization schedule. |
| Visit the SPAA website for more information and to obtain the application form. | ||
| Flowers and vegetables to plant or protect in December | Autumn to early winter | Plant heathers, winter jasmine, Mahonia, and pansies to bring life to the garden. |
| Clean vegetable plots and aerate the soil with a grelinette. | ||
| Use winter protection to extend the harvest of parsley, late lettuces, etc. |
