As we approach the final stretch of the month – and year – there is still time to get outside and make the most of your garden.
An expert outlined four seeds to consider planting in your garden in December for a great yield in the new year.
Now could be the best time to plant everything from eye-catching garden additions, like trees and fruit bushes, to smaller contributions like herbs and garlic, according to resident botany expert at Plantum Nastya Vasylchyshyna.
These plants will survive well in the garden at this time of year and are low maintenance for gardeners.
Now can be a good time to start planting trees in your garden
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Trees
Nastya said: “In winter, trees are dormant, so they don’t require special care after planting. Besides, they’re less likely to suffer from transplant shock. During this period, trees absorb fewer nutrients since all their internal processes slow down.
“Also, there’s no need to water them, as they don’t evaporate nearly as much water as in summer. This will definitely prevent trees from drying out compared to summer planting. Plus, winter tree planting encourages early rooting, which leads to stronger growth in spring.
“Choose areas for planting where the soil isn’t frozen. Evergreen trees like pines, spruces, and firs, or cold-hardy varieties of deciduous trees, such as maples, oaks, and birches, are well-suited for winter planting.
“Make sure they’re healthy, strong, and aged between three and 10 years. The optimal temperature range for winter planting is above -3ºC to 0ºC. Check if the soil is easy to work with and not waterlogged.”
Garlic
The bulbs are best planted before Christmas. The expert said: “Hardneck varieties of garlic are cold hardy. They need vernalisation, a period of cold temperatures, for good bulb development.
“Therefore, planting them in December in the open ground is best. The optimal temperature range is between 0ºC and 10ºC, but it depends on factors like garlic variety, mulch and other things.
“Opt for well-drained soil, which will prevent waterlogging and root rot. Before planting, add a mixture of sand and compost to garden beds and rake over well.
“This will improve the quality of the soil and air circulation. Choose healthy and firm garlic cloves with no signs of rotting.
“Plant them about 2in (5cm) deep and 4in (10cm) apart, with the pointed ends up. In areas where long frosts are expected, mulch the soil to retain heat.”
The expert advised quickly removing scapes for bulbs to grow large and strong. She continued: “To get larger garlic bulbs, you’ll want to remove green scapes as soon as they show up.
“This way, the garlic will direct all of its energy into developing the bulb rather than producing flowers and seeds.”
Herbs
If looking for a job to do indoors, December is a great time to start planting herbs.
“Early winter is the perfect time to plant herbs indoors and enjoy fresh produce in the future. Opt for a well-lit windowsill, preferably a south-facing one. Fill the pots with loose, well-draining, nutrient-rich, organic soil. For better drainage, add some coarse sand or perlite to the mix.
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Britons can plant herbs such as mint
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“Pick any herb you like – basil, dill, mint, arugula, coriander, or parsley – and plant its seeds. Keep the soil moderately moist at all times, letting the topsoil dry before watering again.
“As soon as the sprouts appear, provide them with enough sunlight; otherwise, they’ll become leggy and deformed.
“You can use a grow light to ensure sufficient lighting. By mid-winter, you can already harvest your herbs. When it gets warm in spring, you can plant well-established herbs outdoors.”
Fruit bushes
Finally, the gardening pro suggested planting fruit bushes. However, be mindful of the weather and skip this if the weather becomes unseasonably cold or wet.
Nastya explained: “In December, you can also plant dormant fruit bushes like raspberries, gooseberries, and currants. Go for hardy, bare-root varieties. Pick a sunny spot and prepare a planting hole with fertile and well-draining soil.
“Planting bushes follows the same pattern as planting trees. It’s best to put it off if severe cold is expected in your area or if the soil is swampy and wet because of winter rains.
“However, you’re good to go as long as the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged. Protect your plants from cold winds or choose a sheltered spot right away.”
Looking for additional gardening advice? An expert shared more tips on navigating your outdoor space in December. For houseplant hacks, an expert shared how to care for a winter favourite Christmas cactus and make it last year-round.
