Jobs for December

 

If you think you've got a chance to escape from any further jobs in the garden then you're wrong!

There's still some things that need to get done before the January cold sets in and there's always ongoing jobs. Here's my list of the things that you need to do:

• If you haven't already, clean your greenhouse. Then make sure that if you are using any heating, that it's working properly. 
• Take hardwood cuttings. Perfect timing if you really haven't got anything else to do in the garden as you'll find you have plenty of time to propagate now. Take advantage of getting free plants!
• Keep on cleaning bird feeders. Greenfinches in the UK have seen a huge drop in population over the last 15 years. Part of that is caused by a disease called finch trichomonosis, which can spread where birds frequent feeding stations. Make sure you thoroughly clean your feeders about once a fortnight. The same goes for water/bird baths.
• Look after garden ponds. If you keep fish or have amphibians in your pond, try to prevent the surface from freezing over. Do this using a ball or placing a pan of hot water in one spot. Breaking the ice can shock anything living in your pond. 

I've been continuing with my no dig patch. It's not been easy as I'm running out of organic matter at home so I may have to resort to buying some very soon. 

Indoors:

There's jobs indoors with houseplants too. Popular Christmas flowering plants need care, but if you have other houseplants reduce watering them now. 

Poinsettias: These don't like the cold so make sure when you buy one it has been kept in shelter. They don't even like the cold if you are just making a trip from the shop to the car! Although many treat them as annuals and throw them away in the spring, you can keep them. Try to grow yours on and see if you can get those lovely colourful bracts to appear by giving your poinsettia a stint in darkness.

Christmas Cactus: Cacti don't need much care over winter, so be careful not to overwater. If yours hasn't got flower buds, it may be because it's been kept somewhere a little bit too warm.

Cyclamen: These need care when watering. Water from the bottom rather than on the leaves as this can cause fungal infections.

Kalanchoe: These lovely cheerful plants enjoy sunny spots. They also don't like to be overwatered.

The wonderful colours of Poinsettias. I'll keep these for next year and hopefully get some more colour varieties then too.

I've also been working on creating some colourful pots and pot holders for my home as the days get dark too early. My houseplants needed an attractive pot boost!

A couple of small attempts at getting arty. Am favouring the green and gold theme at the moment!

And finally...

I had previously sown some broad beans and I'm happy to say that they are growing on quite well. The onion and shallot sets I've also planted have done well so far too. I'll be planning to sow seeds next. In preparation for that I'll be dusting off the heated propagators and window sill trays for tomatoes, chillis and aubergines to get a head start.

Most of my broad bean seeds have germinated. Looking forward to harvesting these as they are a variety that's new to me.

Keep busy but keep warm if you're going to work outdoors.

Have a lovely Christmas x