As December approaches, the team at Barnsdale Gardens, home to Britain’s largest collection of individually designed gardens in the East Midlands, emphasizes the ongoing importance of garden care. Despite the winter chill, there are crucial tasks to undertake for the protection of growing areas and to ensure bountiful harvests and vibrant blooms in the coming year. Here are their December Gardening Tips
Fruits Requiring Attention
Pruning Fan-trained Gooseberries – Nick Hamilton recommends pruning fan-trained gooseberries, a task typically done in November but adaptable to milder autumns. The focus is on cutting back all laterals growing from the main framework to one or two buds, maintaining a compact form while ensuring excellent crop production. Additionally, December is an opportune time for taking hardwood cuttings of blackcurrant and pruning blackcurrants.
Blooms That Stand Out
Pruning Wisteria – With the leaves turning yellow and falling, December is the perfect time to prune Wisteria. The team at Barnsdale, deviating from their usual pruning approach, opts for a single prune this year, cutting back to three buds from the previous year’s growth. Chrysanthemums should be cut back, especially if affected by temperature fluctuations and heavy rain, resulting in limp plants. Planting tulips is on the agenda, and despite recent wet weather, the team is determined to get them in the ground, using a dibber to minimize soil structure impact.
Crops in Winter Care
Covering Ground for Early Crops – For those eager to start early crops like beetroot, carrots, leeks, turnips, etc., preparations are essential. The team advises covering the area with polythene or cloche after proper soil preparation. This ensures the desired planting condition, regardless of the weather, allowing for easy removal when ready to plant.
Protecting Winter Lettuce – While winter lettuce varieties are hardy, harsh winter conditions can lead to leaf damage. To safeguard winter lettuce crops, Nick covers them with fleece, a material permeable to light, air, and water. This protective cover can be left on throughout the winter, offering convenience and effective winter care.
Photo credit Steve Hamilton