Christmas is coming
For the gardener, this is a quiet month. There is tidying and tying in to be done when the weather allows and a bit of pottering in the potting shed but with Christmas looming and extra commitments, not to mention the often rainy and windy weather, it can be easy to settle down with a catalogue and a gardening book and forget about doing too much. There’s a lot that can’t be done in December but a lot than can, such as ordering seeds, seed potatoes, looking through catalogues, planning the rotation, pruning fruit trees if the weather isn’t frosty, keeping an eye on salad seedlings and autumn planted shallots, onions and garlic and other jobs that catch the eye when the foliage is more sparse and there’s time to look about. There’s more to it, as you’ll see in my growing calendar which is still in production but here are a few things that can be rewarding and gently therapeutic.
It’s good for us to get outdoors, if we can, every day, even if it is a quick trip to the greenhouse.
Tools need cleaning and sharpening, as well as sorting.
Check netting on brassicas and other veg. In windy conditions, if these blow off then the pigeons will have a feast.
Check brassicas, leeks and other harvestable veg and herbs for pests and secure Brussels sprouts with stakes against prevailing winds.
Tighten up stakes and make sure they are firm.
Check on your compost, particularly when it’s wet. Gather up the last of the fallen leaves and add to leaf mould.
Plan your rotation and any changes you’d like to make to the layout of the garden. These plans can gestate over winter, so that by the time it’s spring, you’re ready to go.
Wash pots wash down the greenhouse glass.
Sort through your seeds, throw out any that are past their best and read the catalogues, planning your growing. More on this later.
Cut down Christmas greenery for the house, gather cones and anything else for a natural look.
Make a fresh wreath. I used to make oasis foam wreaths but there are now much greener options as well. I tend to tie the flowers and foliage onto a willow wreath now and it lasts amazingly well in this cool climate.
Tie in climbers and check that they are firm against winds.
If a frost is forecast, especially around Christmas and Hogmanay, make sure you harvest sprouts, cabbage, leeks and herbs before it sets in.
Make preserves from this year’s harvest to give as gifts. If you’ve frozen produce and have onions and shallots or garlic stored, now’s the time to make jellies, jams and chutneys. I’ve just harvested some sloes to make sloe and apple jelly. It’s delicious with cheese and preserved meats. Pickled plums are a favourite, too.
There are other gifts that I’ll be writing about for a future Christmas, many of which cost only time. Even if time is in short supply, you can put some thought into gifts. Make a list of things you’d like: tools, seeds, pots. Give it to those who buy presents for you or who ask you what you’d like. It means you’ll receive something practical rather than yet another floral covered garden kneeler (ugh!!!). Or make a list of luscious gardening books you’d like. I’m hoping to be listing some thoughtful, ethical and handmade gifts that you can give, as well as some ideas for decorating the house. For now, I’m off to shovel dung!