What To Plant In December UK
December’s Whispers: Cultivating the Serenity of Winter in the UK
As December unfolds and winter wraps the UK in its tranquil embrace, gardens take on a hushed elegance, adorned with glistening frost and the promise of a quiet season of rest. In this guide, we step into the poetic landscape of December, exploring the subtle possibilities of what to plant—an opportunity to cultivate serenity, foster resilience, and plant the seeds of anticipation for the eventual awakening of spring.
December marks a time when the garden transitions into a state of dormancy, yet the mindful gardener can still sow the seeds of future beauty. Gardens, whether small plots or cherished allotments, become a canvas for cultivating hardy perennials, establishing cold-tolerant vegetables, and setting the stage for the cycles of nature. This guide unveils the botanical potential that December holds for those who find beauty in the quietude of winter.
Join us as we wander through the serene landscape of December, discovering the best flowers, vegetables, herbs, and fruits to plant during this reflective month. Embrace the tranquility, sow the seeds of contemplative growth, and witness your garden become a sanctuary of anticipation and quiet beauty. May your December garden be a testament to the enduring spirit of nature in the gentle embrace of winter. Happy planting!
The weather is getting bleak and the snow is around but we find out what to plant in December in the garden and the allotment. You may think that there is not much you can start this month but there is still lots you can get going to prepare for the next year in the allotment and kitchen garden. Here we will be telling you what you can grow this month.
Each item is linked to Amazon so you can click on it and find the item to purchase or add it to your basket. What will you be growing in December?
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
What Vegetables to plant in December
December’s Whispers: Cultivating Winter-Resilient Vegetables
As winter settles in and December’s frosty touch embraces the garden, it’s easy to think that the growing season is over. But for the dedicated gardener, December is an opportunity to prepare for the promise of spring. In this guide, we explore what vegetables to plant in December, making the most of the cooler days and the dormant season ahead.
Whether you’re tending to a backyard garden, managing a community allotment, or working within a cozy kitchen garden, December presents a unique chance to cultivate hardy crops. While the ground may be hard from frost or even blanketed in snow, there are still resilient vegetables you can plant now to get ahead of the growing season.
In this guide, we’ll uncover the best vegetables to plant in December, from cold-tolerant leafy greens to hardy root vegetables that can withstand the winter chill. Embrace the serenity of the season and sow seeds that will reward you in the months to come. Let’s dive in and discover what you can plant this month!
Vegetables to Plant in December
Onions
December is the perfect time to get a head start on growing onions. One of the best varieties to sow this month is Alisa Craig, known for producing large, flavorful bulbs. Start by sowing onion seeds indoors in a seed tray, keeping them in a warm, bright spot such as a windowsill. By starting your onions early, you’ll give them plenty of time to develop, leading to a bountiful harvest come spring and summer.
Lettuce
If you’re fortunate enough to have a polytunnel or greenhouse, you can continue growing lettuce throughout the winter months. Varieties like Winter Gem or Arctic King are ideal for cooler conditions. These cold-hardy lettuces thrive in protected environments, providing you with fresh, crisp greens even in the midst of winter. Sow your lettuce seeds in well-drained soil, and with the right care, you’ll enjoy a harvest long before spring arrives.
Broad Beans
December is also a great time to start broad beans, but make sure you choose varieties that are winter-hardy. Look for broad beans with packaging that specifically states they can be planted in winter, such as the popular variety Aquadulce Claudia. Start them off in pots indoors or directly into the ground if conditions allow. By sowing in December, you’ll give your beans a head start, ensuring an early harvest in spring.
Winter Gardening Tips
While December may not offer ideal planting conditions for everything, it’s an excellent time to sow cold-tolerant crops and prepare for the growing season ahead. Keep an eye on weather conditions, and if the soil is too hard, focus on indoor planting or protected environments like greenhouses and polytunnels.
By starting these vegetables in December, you’ll set yourself up for success when the warmer months return. Happy gardening!
Fruit to Plant in December
December’s Winter Orchard: Sowing the Seeds of Seasonal Harvest
As December wraps the garden in a quiet stillness, it’s the perfect time for fruit enthusiasts to embrace the beauty of winter fruits. Despite the cold, December is an excellent month for planting hardy fruit trees and bushes that will thrive throughout the season and beyond. This guide explores the best fruits to plant in December, allowing you to get a head start on your orchard or fruit garden, setting the stage for a fruitful harvest next year.
Whether you’re nurturing a backyard orchard, tending a community fruit plot, or dreaming of establishing your own winter haven, December offers the ideal conditions to plant a variety of fruits. The cool, rainy weather helps fruit trees and bushes establish their roots, preparing them for a bountiful growing season. Let’s take a look at the top fruits to plant in December and how to give them the best start.
Fruits to Plant in December
Blueberries
December is a great time to plant blueberries, but they require ericaceous soil (acidic soil) to flourish. Planting blueberries in large pots is an excellent option if your garden soil isn’t naturally acidic. With the right care, your blueberry bushes will reward you with delicious, antioxidant-rich berries in the seasons to come.
Raspberries
For a fruitful harvest of raspberries next year, December is the perfect month to plant raspberry canes. Look for autumn-fruiting varieties, which will start producing abundant crops from late summer through autumn. These resilient canes thrive in colder conditions, making them an ideal choice for winter planting.
Strawberries
If you’re dreaming of juicy, homegrown strawberries, December is a great time to get started. Plant around 12 strawberry plants, and by next year, the runners they produce could multiply your stock! With proper care, you’ll never need to buy strawberry plants again. Over time, your patch will expand, providing sweet, delicious berries year after year.
Rhubarb
Winter is the ideal season to plant rhubarb crowns while the plants are dormant. The wet conditions in December help the crowns establish strong roots. However, resist the temptation to harvest rhubarb in the first year—allow the plant time to settle in and grow strong for future harvests.
Gooseberries
If you love gooseberries, December is a great time to plant them. Choose between the tart green variety or the sweeter red variety, depending on your taste. Gooseberries are easy to grow and will provide a delicious crop next year. They’re perfect for making jams, pies, or enjoying fresh from the bush.
Why December Is the Best Time to Plant Fruit Trees and Bushes
December offers the ideal conditions for planting fruit trees and bushes, as the cool, wet weather allows the roots to establish before the spring growing season. While summer planting can be stressful for plants due to heat and drought, winter planting provides the necessary moisture and cool temperatures for successful growth.
By planting in December, you’re giving your fruit trees and bushes the best possible start, setting them up for strong growth and high yields in the future.
Flowers to Plant in December
December’s Floral Symphony: Sowing the Seeds of Winter Beauty
As December’s quiet calm settles over the garden, flower enthusiasts can still find beauty and opportunity in winter planting. While many flowers rest during this season, there are still blooms that can thrive in the cool temperatures, offering a touch of elegance to your winter garden. In this guide, we explore what flowers to plant in December, helping you cultivate beauty even in the heart of winter.
Whether you’re tending to a balcony garden, a backyard plot, or planning an enchanting winter haven, December is the perfect time to sow the seeds of floral beauty that will blossom in the months to come. Let’s explore the best flowers to plant or sow in December, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and full of life even as winter takes hold.
Flowers to Plant or Sow in December
Geraniums
Get a head start on summer blooms by sowing geranium seeds indoors in December. Place them on a warm, sunny windowsill, and they’ll be ready to bloom for an extended period once spring arrives. By sowing early, you can enjoy the beauty of geraniums for a longer time in your garden or containers.
Tulips
If you haven’t planted your tulip bulbs yet, don’t worry—December is still a great time to get them in the ground. These spring favorites will grow strong despite the winter chill, providing a stunning display of color in your garden when warmer days return. Tulips are easy to plant and make an eye-catching attraction once they bloom.
Hellebores
Known as the Christmas Rose, hellebores are a winter garden essential. These hardy perennials thrive in cool temperatures and can be planted in December to bring delicate blooms to your garden through late winter and early spring. Their elegant flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple add a soft, enchanting touch to any winter landscape.
Winter Pansies
Winter pansies are cold-hardy and perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden in the cooler months. These flowers can be planted in December and will brighten your garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets with their vibrant shades of yellow, purple, and white. Pansies are resilient to frost and will bloom throughout the winter into spring.
Cyclamen
With their dainty flowers and attractive foliage, cyclamen make a wonderful addition to winter gardens. They thrive in cool temperatures and can be planted in sheltered outdoor spaces or kept indoors as a houseplant. Cyclamen blooms in shades of pink, red, and white will add a charming touch to your garden through winter.
Snowdrops
Another winter classic, snowdrops can be planted as bulbs in December. These delicate white flowers are often the first to bloom in late winter, signaling the approach of spring. Snowdrops are a symbol of hope and renewal, making them a lovely addition to any winter garden.
Primroses
Primroses are hardy perennials that can be planted in December for early spring blooms. Available in a range of bright colors, primroses can tolerate the cold and will add cheer to your garden beds and borders as winter draws to a close.
Winter Gardening Tips
While December may be a quiet time for the garden, it’s an excellent month to plant cold-tolerant flowers and bulbs that will bloom through the winter and into spring. Keep an eye on weather conditions, and if the ground is too hard from frost, focus on indoor planting or use greenhouses and sheltered areas for sowing seeds.
By planting in December, you’ll enjoy a winter garden that reflects the serene beauty of the season while also preparing for the vibrant blooms of spring.
Top 10 questions on What To Plant In November UK In The Garden And Allotment
- Q: Can I plant anything in the UK garden or allotment in December?
- A: December is not the prime planting season, but you can plan for the upcoming year. Consider ordering seeds, planning layouts, and preparing beds for the next growing season.
- Q: Are there any flowers suitable for planting in the UK during December?
- A: December is not ideal for outdoor flower planting. However, you can start certain flowers indoors, like amaryllis or paperwhites, for indoor blooms during winter.
- Q: Can I sow seeds for winter vegetables in December in the UK?
- A: Sowing directly outdoors is challenging, but you can start seeds indoors for later transplanting. Consider winter vegetables like kale, winter lettuce, and hardy herbs.
- Q: How can I protect my garden from frost in December in the UK?
- A: Cover vulnerable plants with frost cloths or horticultural fleece on cold nights. Mulching around the base of plants and providing windbreaks can offer additional protection.
- Q: Is there anything to harvest in December in the UK?
- A: Some cold-tolerant vegetables like Brussels sprouts, kale, and leeks may still be harvestable in December. Check the specific growing conditions in your region.
- Q: Can I still care for fruit plants in December in the UK?
- A: Yes, December is a good time for winter pruning of fruit trees. Ensure they are well-protected from frost, and consider applying a winter wash to control pests.
- Q: Is mulching important in the garden or allotment in December in the UK?
- A: Mulching remains beneficial in December to protect plants, conserve soil moisture, and suppress weeds. Apply a layer of well-rotted compost or straw around plants.
- Q: Can I continue preparing new beds or improving soil in December in the UK?
- A: While actual planting may be limited, December is suitable for soil improvement. Add organic matter, such as compost, to enhance soil structure for the next growing season.
- Q: How often should I water my plants in December in the UK?
- A: Watering frequency is reduced in December due to cooler temperatures and potential rainfall. Water only when necessary and avoid waterlogging.
- Q: Any special considerations for raised beds or containers in December in the UK?
- A: Ensure containers have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging. Protect container plants from extreme cold by moving them to sheltered areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, December marks the culmination of the gardening year in the UK, transitioning the garden and allotment into a period of rest and reflection. As winter settles in, the focus shifts from active planting to strategic preparations and maintenance, ensuring the well-being of the garden during the colder months.
While December may not be characterized by extensive planting, it offers opportunities for thoughtful actions that contribute to the garden’s resilience. Planting garlic and overwintering onions in this month allows for a strategic start to the coming year, with the bulbs establishing roots during the winter dormancy.
Gardeners can also use December to implement protective measures for the garden’s health. Adding a layer of mulch to beds helps insulate the soil and protects plant roots from harsh winter temperatures. Checking and maintaining garden structures, such as fences or trellises, ensures they withstand winter weather.
As the garden takes on a more subdued appearance with dormant plants and bare branches, December invites a sense of reflection. It’s a time to appreciate the garden’s beauty, even in its winter form, and to plan for the upcoming growing season. Gardeners can use this month to finalize layouts, order seeds, and dream about the potential transformations that lie ahead.
While December may be a quieter month in terms of active gardening, it plays a vital role in the garden’s yearly cycle. As you tend to the essential tasks and take moments to observe the garden in its winter repose, embrace the sense of anticipation for the seasons to come. Happy gardening!
We hope you have found this information useful. Check out what jobs need doing in the garden and allotment here.