5 Gardening Jobs For December: Winter-Proofing Your Garden

Ah, early winter. There's something wonderfully peaceful about this time of year in the garden. The plants have slowed down, the hustle and bustle of spring and summer are over, and the urgency of gardening tasks is replaced with a quieter, more thoughtful rhythm. It's a time for rest, preparation, and getting ready for the challenges and joys of the seasons ahead. Here are five garden jobs you should tackle this December to ensure your space thrives through winter and into spring.

1. Help Garden Birds Prepare for Winter

December is the perfect time to play host to our feathered friends. Many birds use nest boxes not just for breeding in the spring, but as a winter retreat from the chill winds. Installing bird boxes now gives them a safe place to shelter as temperatures dip. When positioning your box, face the entrance toward a more sheltered area, away from the prevailing wind. Trust us, the birds will thank you! And don’t forget to provide a supply of bird food to keep them nourished through the cold months ahead. Sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet balls are always a hit.

Tip: Hanging a bird feeder near shrubs or trees offers birds protection from harsh weather and predators while they snack.

2. Plant Bare-Root Trees & Hedging in December

Winter may seem like a strange time to plant, but bare-root trees and hedging are happiest when planted during the colder months. The soil is still workable, and the roots have the perfect opportunity to establish themselves while the plants are dormant. This gives them a strong foundation to burst into life when spring arrives.

Bare-root plants are an affordable and fantastic way to fill gaps in your garden or to create new hedges, and now is the time to plant them! Take a look at our advice blogs about establishing hedging plants, including our Ultimate Guide to Native Hedging Plants.

Tip: After planting, be sure to water them well and keep an eye on the weather. If we get a cold snap, a little extra mulch around the base can help keep those roots protected.

3. Winter-Proof your Garden

It’s the season for preparing your garden for the cold ahead, and there are a few things you can do to keep your plants safe and sound through winter. Check any exposed outdoor taps and insulate them to prevent freezing. Your greenhouse might need a little TLC too—make sure heaters are working properly and any vents are secure.

Tip: Stake any plants that could be vulnerable to wind damage, especially if they have tall stems or heavy blooms. A little extra support now can prevent broken stems later.

Wrapping pots in bubble wrap or hessian is a good idea, too, to prevent the roots from freezing in the cold. And don't forget about your garden beds—mulching can add an extra layer of protection against frost.

4. Winter Care for your Lawn

Your lawn still needs a little care this time of year! Fallen leaves can trap moisture, leading to fungal issues and damage, so use a garden rake to gently clear any debris from your lawn. However, avoid walking on your grass if it's wet or frozen. This can damage the grass and leave unsightly patches that will take longer to recover in the spring.

Tip: If you’ve been wanting to sow grass seed for a lush lawn next spring, winter is a great time to apply a winter lawn feed to help strengthen the grass and prepare it for the warmer months ahead.

5. Service and Store Your Tools

Before you put your gardening tools away for winter, give them some well-deserved attention. Clean off any dirt, sharpen the blades, and oil moving parts to keep them in good working condition. Storing them properly is just as important—keep them in a dry place to prevent rusting and consider hanging them up to avoid any accidental damage over the winter months.

Tip: A quick wipe with an oily rag before storing tools will help prevent corrosion and keep them looking their best.

And there you have it! Five simple yet important jobs to keep your garden happy and healthy through December. By preparing now, you’ll not only help your garden survive the winter but also ensure it bursts into life when spring comes around.

Happy gardening, and here's to a peaceful, beautiful winter garden!🕊