Vegetable Garden in December - Hints and Tips
If the cold has not hit the ground and crops in November we can be pretty sure that it will in December.
It may be the end of the calendar year but for gardeners it is not only the time to clear and tidy up after a busy year but also the opportunity and time to plan for next year.
The days may be short, the weather cold and maybe damp but when starting to plan for the next growing season, spring does not seem that far away.
Root Crops
Carrots, Turnips and Beetroot should be lifted in December and stored. A good way is in boxes with sand in between rows of roots.
Make sure there is no sign of damage or rot when storing as this can soon transfer to good roots.
Regularly check stored vegetables, removing any rotting or mouldy specimens.
Parsnips taste better for exposure to frost so leave them in the ground until required for the table.
Celery
Celery can be left in the ground until needed but it is best to mulch with straw to protect it.
Brussels Sprouts
Support Brussels Sprouts at this time of year otherwise the roots may become loosened by the wind.
A good tip is when picking sprouts off the haulm begin by choosing the largest sprouts from lower down first.
To help to prevent the spread of grey mould and brassica downy mildew it is best to take off yellowing leaves as soon as spotted.
Shallots
If you live in a mild area and garden on well drained soil plant shallots now. Heavy clay soils should be avoided as they will easily rot.
Garlic
If you live in a mild area and garden on well drained soil plant garlic now. Heavy clay soils should be avoided as they will easily rot.
Alternatively Garlic cloves can be planted in modules.
Spring Cabbage
It is possible that if you planted out spring cabbages earlier in the autumn some may be ready to harvest and eat as winter greens. In mild autumns it is possible to have them heart up almost as large as they would achieve by spring.
Pigeons will peck away at Brassicas such as spring greens and can devastate a crop. To prevent pigeon damage cover your crop with cloches, netting or fleece.
Soil and Garden Maintenance
If you have not done so already, now is the time to dig over and incorporate soil improvers into vacant areas of the vegetable plot.
You can cover these areas with thick polythene to keep the soil dry and make it easier to work in the spring - particularly useful for heavy clay soils. Clear polythene will increase the soil temperature, enabling earlier sowings in spring. Black polythene will suppress weeds but many professional vegetable gardeners prefer to put down a black material membrane that allows the soil to breathe and not become sour.
Clear any remaining plant debris to discourage the spread of disease.
Slugs have not gone to sleep for the winter so be vigilant around your succulent and tasty crops.
Mice are also hungry during the colder months and are looking for easy pickings.
Bay Trees
Bay trees are not totally hardy but not so cheap to buy so it is best to protect them during winter.
If your tree is in a pot and is small enough, carry it into a frost free greenhouse or similar structure. Alternatively wrap the top growth with horticultural fleece, have the pot on feet so that it has good drainage and ensure that the compost is kept on the dry side so that it cannot freeze. I have used this method for several years and now have a very good sized Bay.
Herbs in General
Some herb species can be kept going through the winter months by potting up pieces into small pots and keeping on the kitchen windowsill. Remember thought that they have missed their winter sleep and it may be necessary to dispose of them in the spring.
Provide protection for the crowns of herbs that have died down for winter by adding bark, grit or similar mulch.
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