Now’s the time to sow your winter salad indoors, including varieties like lettuce, radishes, micro-shoots, and pea sprouts. It’s also a great time to plant soft fruits and fruit trees. Take some time to sort out your garden canes; airing them out and removing them from the ground will help prevent rotting over the winter. Keep in mind, seed potatoes will be available early in January, so be ready. Lastly, plan your crop rotation for the next year and start buying seeds.
On the Plot
Now’s the time to sow your winter salad indoors, including varieties like lettuce, radishes, micro-shoots, and pea sprouts. It’s also a great time to plant soft fruits and fruit trees. Take some time to sort out your garden canes; airing them out and removing them from the ground will help prevent rotting over the winter. Keep in mind, seed potatoes will be available early in January, so be ready. Lastly, plan your crop rotation for the next year and start buying seeds.
In the Garden
December is ideal for planting roses, as well as trees and shrubs. If you’re planning to establish new hedges, consider varieties like laurel and privet. This month is also the perfect time to prune apple and pear trees, as well as climbing roses and wisteria. Make sure to clean and sharpen your hand tools, and check stakes and tree ties, replacing any that are worn out.
By the Pond
With the colder weather, reduce feeding your fish and switch to wheatgerm fish food, which is better for their digestion in winter. Remove any old leaves that have fallen into the pond to keep the water clean. To prevent the pond from freezing, drop in a tennis ball—it’s a simple trick that often works.
About the House
It’s time to get your real Christmas tree! Bring some festive cheer indoors with houseplants like Christmas cactus and poinsettia, and consider ordering a Christmas planted arrangement for pick-up. Potting up an amaryllis now will bring beautiful blooms later in the season. Hang bird feeders near your roses to attract birds, which will also help control overwintering pests.
Pick of the Month
- Perennials: Helleborus (Christmas Rose)
- Climbers: Jasminum nudiflorum (Winter Jasmine)
- Shrubs: Sarcococca (Christmas Box)
- Trees: Betula (Silver Birch)
- Vegetable: Seed Potatoes
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at Morley Nurseries!
Days to Remember
- 10th December: International Animal Rights Day
- 13th December: National Hot Chocolate Day
Follow morleynurseries.com for ideas on how to encourage your children to enjoy gardening and much, much more.