December in the Garden
Quiet soil, bare trees, and the promise of another spring ❄️
As we approach the shortest day of the year, the garden rests — and so can you. December is a month for tidying, pruning, and protecting, but also for pausing and planning ahead. Wrap up warm, get some fresh air with a few simple outdoor tasks, and then head back inside for some fireside garden dreaming.
Top Jobs for December
- Check winter protection – Make sure fleece, cloches, and cold frames are still secure after strong winds or rain.
- Test greenhouse heaters – Ensure your greenhouse heater is working properly to protect tender plants during frosty nights.
- Insulate outdoor taps – Wrap outdoor pipes and taps to prevent freezing, and keep ponds ice-free with a floating ball or pond heater to protect wildlife.
- Prune fruit trees – Prune open-grown apples and pears, but avoid wall-trained varieties until spring.
- Prune acers, birches, and vines before Christmas to prevent sap bleeding later in winter.
- Harvest winter crops – Enjoy fresh leeks, parsnips, sprouts, winter cabbage, and any remaining root vegetables.
- Plant and transplant trees and shrubs – Bare-root plants can still go into the ground in mild weather.
- Take hardwood cuttings – Propagate shrubs like dogwood, currants, or roses for next year’s garden.
- Protect stored produce – Check stored vegetables regularly and keep mice at bay.
- Ease off watering – Reduce watering for houseplants as growth slows in the darker months.
General Garden Care
With the year drawing to a close, December is a time to protect rather than plant. Check that supports, stakes, and ties are secure against winter gales. Brush snow off evergreen branches to prevent breakage, and tidy away garden tools and furniture for the season. Indoors, it’s the perfect time to plan next year’s garden — browse catalogues, sketch planting layouts, and reflect on what worked well this year.
Top 10 Jobs This Month
- Check winter protection is secure.
- Ensure greenhouse heaters are working.
- Insulate outdoor taps and prevent ponds freezing.
- Prune open-grown apples and pears (not wall-trained ones).
- Prune acers, birches, and vines before Christmas.
- Harvest leeks, parsnips, cabbage, sprouts, and roots.
- Plant or transplant deciduous trees and shrubs.
- Take hardwood cuttings.
- Keep mice away from stored produce.
- Reduce watering of houseplants.
What’s in Stock This Month 🌿
At Newquay Garden Centre, December is a time for festive warmth and winter care. You’ll find:
- Bare-root trees, roses, and shrubs ready for planting
- Horticultural fleece, compost, and frost protection essentials
- Bird feed, feeders, and water dishes to support winter wildlife
- Pond care products to keep water healthy in cold weather
- Garden tools, gloves, and heaters for winter maintenance
- Festive plants – poinsettias, cyclamen, and indoor bulbs to brighten your home
Take a moment to enjoy the peace of the season, and from all of us at Newquay Garden Centre, we wish you a warm and wonderful Christmas — and a thriving garden in the year ahead.
Cornwall Gardening Tip
Cornwall’s mild winters often mean less frost, but strong coastal winds and heavy rain can do just as much damage. Secure greenhouses, fences, and sheds before storms, and keep drainage channels clear to avoid waterlogging. It’s also a good time to check outdoor lighting and power supplies, ready for shorter days and festive displays.
