Preparing Your Garden for the Festive Season: A December Checklist

Don't Let Your Garden Hibernate

It's easy to forget about the garden once the clocks go back and the temperatures drop. But December is actually a useful month for getting a few jobs done while things are quiet. A couple of hours now can save you a lot of catch-up in spring.

Tidy Up Fallen Leaves

If autumn left you with a carpet of leaves, now's the time to clear them up properly. Leaves left sitting on lawns over winter can cause bare patches and encourage moss. Rake them off borders and paths too — they get slippery when wet and can smother low-growing plants.

If you've got space, pile them into a bin bag with a few holes punched in it. It takes a year or two to break down, but you'll end up with lovely free compost without lifting a finger.

Check Your Fencing and Boundaries

Winter storms are coming, if they haven't hit already. Walk your boundaries and look for loose panels, wobbly posts, and broken trellis. A quick fix now is much cheaper than replacing an entire run of fencing after a big storm.

If your fencing is past its best, it's worth getting a quote now — fencing work can often be done through winter and you'll avoid the spring rush.

Protect Tender Plants

If you haven't already, wrap any tender plants in fleece or move pots to a sheltered spot. Terracotta pots are especially vulnerable to frost — they can crack if water gets into the clay and freezes. Stand them on pot feet or move them against a south-facing wall.

Give Your Lawn a Final Check

You probably won't need to mow again until March, but it's worth keeping an eye on your lawn. Stay off it when it's frosty — walking on frozen grass damages the blades. If you notice any waterlogged patches, that's a sign of drainage issues worth addressing before next year.

Clean and Store Garden Tools

Give your tools a clean, oil any metal parts, and store them somewhere dry. Wooden handles can crack if left out in the cold, and rusty blades make every job harder. Ten minutes now means everything's ready to go when spring arrives.

Plan Ahead for Spring

December is a great time to start thinking about bigger projects. If you've been considering a new patio, some planting, or a garden overhaul, getting in touch now means we can plan the work and book it in for when the weather improves. Things tend to fill up quickly from March onwards, so it's worth getting ahead of the queue.

Need a Hand?

If your garden needs a winter tidy-up or you'd like to start planning a project for the new year, get in touch. We offer free, no-obligation quotes for all garden and landscaping work across Northamptonshire.