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What to do in December

december
  •   Protect terracotta pots from cracking in freezing weather by bringing them indoors or wrapping in bubble polythene
  •   Rake up accumulated fallen leaves in borders that could be harbouring slugs and other pests
  •   Plant bare-root roses and other deciduous shrubs, plus ornamental trees
  •   Hang bird feeders near roses to attract hungry birds that will also pick off any overwintering pests
  •   Cut stems of berried winter shrubs, seasonal flowers and evergreen leaves for festive decorations
  •   Place straw around the base of parsnips to prevent the soil freezing, which can make harvesting difficult
  •   Plant thornless blackberries, such as 'Loch Ness', for easy pickings of large, sweet, juicy fruits
  •   Winter prune large fruit trees to control their shape and size, and to increase their productivity
  •   Plant fruit trees trained as cordons, fans or espaliers to make good use of limited space
  •   Start to plan next year's crops and order seeds
  •   Pot up a clump of rhubarb and place under a large bin to force an early crop of sweet stems
  •   Pick faded leaves and dead flowers regularly from plants overwintering in the greenhouse, such as pelargoniums
  •   Pinch out the tips of autumn-sown sweet peas to encourage bushier growth
  •   Deadhead indoor azaleas, water regularly and provide cool conditions, away from radiators, to prolong flowering
  •   Monitor greenhouse temperatures with a max-min thermometer to ensure heaters are working efficiently
  •   Plant Tulip bulb in pots and bordersPut out fresh water for birds every day during frosty weather
  •   Bring all watering equipment indoors, including hoses and sprinklers, so they don't freeze and split
  •   Scoop fallen leaves and debris from ponds, leave on the side so pondlife can escape, then add to the compost bin
  •   Stand your Christmas tree in a bucket of water in a sheltered spot outdoors until it's time to bring it indoors
  •   Clear out your shed, and organise and clean your tools