Tips for December 2023

Prevent premature leaf drop by placing cut Christmas trees in water. Always position trees away from heat and water container grown trees often.

Prune grapevines by mid -December to avoid sap bleeding.

To keep Poinsettia plants looking good through the Christmas period and beyond position them in good light away from draughts. Allow the compost to dry out slightly between waterings.

Purchase seed potatoes at the end of the month. It may seem early, but tubers will store well in a frost free place and can be ready for chitting in January.

Clean bird baths and feeders well and regularly with a garden disinfectant.

For an early harvest of tender stems, cover crowns of established rhubarb plants with dry straw, then a traditional clay forcing pot or upturned bucket.

Fleece figs to protect branch tips and embryo fruits from frost damage, which can cause significant crop losses.

Cut back overgrown deciduous shrubs such as Berberis, Weigela, Philadelphus, and Deutzia. Thin them out by removing a few branches at ground level.

Plant Blueberries in pots of ericaceous compost if your soil is not acid. Grow two different cultivars to ensure cross-pollination.

Avoid walking on or cultivating wet or frozen soils, particularly clay soils as this can lead to compaction. Walking on frozen lawns can damage the grass and leave foot prints.

A happy and peaceful Christmas to you all.