Top tips for gardening in December

Bird feeds

Don’t forget to feed the birds, as winter is the most threatening time for them. Special bird feeds are better than table scraps as they are specially mixed to provide all the nutrients that our feathered friends need; you will find a large selection of these in our garden shop. Water is another essential to ensure their survival, so in freezing conditions make sure that their supply is available.

Insulating your greenhouse

Save on energy costs by insulating the greenhouse with bubble plastic. This will save up to 30% of heat loss in a heated greenhouse. At Aylett Nurseries, we sell this product by the metre along with the special fixing clips.

Protecting plants

Protect plants vulnerable to frosts. Thermo fleece is an excellent product to tuck those special specimens up for the winter. It has the advantage of allowing the plants to breathe whilst providing protection. It is available in handy sizes and the plant cosies are especially suitable for those sudden sharp spells. Alternatively, for those larger plants, it is available to purchase by the metre.

Outside tap insulation

Outside taps should be insulated against frosts. A handy cover is available to purchase at £8.25 for those short of time to construct a homemade answer.

Dahlias

Dahlias that you have decided to leave in the border for the winter have a better chance of withstanding frosts if a good mulch is applied over the plant that has died down. If you have lifted your Dahlia tubers, do regularly inspect them – a dusting with yellow sulphur should keep them healthy.

Winter digging

Winter digging should continue when weather permits, but if the soil sticks to your boots then it’s too wet and it’s best left until it dries out. If not too wet or frozen, then the sooner this job is completed the better. When gardening in December, now is the time to dig into the soil any organic matter together with bone meal. If you have clay soil, incorporate some grit to open it up and improve the soil structure.

Fruit trees

Apply a winter wash to your fruit trees now; this has the effect of killing those overwintering eggs of various pests that are lurking in the cracks and crevices. The product to apply is Vitax’s Winter Wash. This is a completely natural product and comes in a handy 500ml bottle. Roses will also benefit from the same treatment, but do remember to clear away old foliage that has fallen around the plants as the spores from blackspot can overwinter and reinfect the plants next year.

Wood preservative on fences and sheds

When plants have died down in December, it’s a good time to apply a wood preservative to fences and sheds. If you fancy a change, there is a very good range of colours that will give a facelift to a jaded garden.

Contact our friendly team

Browse our range of plants, tools and accessories at our garden centre in St Albans – perfect for gardening in December.

For more information, contact our friendly team on 01727 822255 or email us on info@aylettnurseries.co.uk.