Gardening Jobs for December

December might feel like a quiet time in the garden, but it's still full of purpose. Whether you're clearing paths, planting bare roots or protecting delicate plants, these garden jobs in December help your outdoor space rest well and return strong in spring.

Top gardening jobs for December

The end of the year brings colder days and longer nights, but there are still many meaningful gardening jobs for December. These tasks help prepare your winter garden for the months ahead and set the stage for healthy growth in spring.

Clearing and prepping the garden

Keep paths safe and clear

Remove the last of the fallen leaves from paths and beds. Damp leaf piles can shelter slugs and snails, so a quick sweep now helps protect young plants later. Pause before clearing big heaps though. Hedgehogs and other small wildlife may be tucked inside for warmth.

Brush or wash away slippery patches on patios or steps to keep things safe through frostier days.

Soil, beds and watering

Improve your soil

December is a lovely time to nourish your beds. Spread well rotted manure or compost over the soil, then gently work it into the top layer with a garden fork. Winter frosts will help break down the clumps, leaving you with a richer, easier soil come spring. Pull out any hardy weeds that have held on through early winter.

Check watering needs

Plants rest now, so water less and make sure to keep an eye on pots that sit in the rain. If they look waterlogged, raise them onto bricks or pot feet to help with drainage.

Pruning and planting

Prune roses and deciduous trees

Give hybrid tea, floribunda and climbing roses a light winter prune, especially if there is damaged or diseased growth to keep them healthy.

For deciduous trees like Japanese maples or silver birch, prune in early winter when sap flow is low as this will help avoid bleeding. Gentle shaping now will help them keep a natural form without cutting into older wood.

Encourage fruit next year

Prune soft fruit plants like blueberries and gooseberries, removing old wood to favour productive young shoots. Avoid pruning stone fruits like cherries now as this may attract silver leaf fungus.

Plant bare roots and fruit bushes

Bare root roses, fruit bushes and young trees will settle beautifully when planted now. Choose a fresh spot for roses rather than reusing an old rose bed. Mulch or cover young trees to protect their roots from hard frosts.

Winter protection

Protect trees and shrubs from frost, wind, and waterlogging. Move potted plants to sheltered spots or cluster them together. Wrap containers in fleece or bubble wrap to prevent roots freezing and pots cracking.

Cover the tips of fig trees to protect any developing fruit. Tie back climbing plants to supports so winter winds do not loosen or damage them.

Harvest and wildlife

What to harvest in December

In December holly branches with berries can be used to create wreaths or festive arrangements. If you prune your Christmas tree, you could combine the greenery with holly for natural winter decorations. Finish harvesting the last of your apples and pears and make sure to remove any mouldy fruit to protect what remains.

Encourage wildlife in your winter garden

Support garden wildlife by planting trees that provide food in winter such as rowan, holly, and oak. Add a bird feeder in a safe, elevated spot and top it up regularly to attract birds and other visitors throughout the colder months. Birds will remember and return, bringing life and movement to your winter garden.

Indoor plant care

Move citrus trees away from radiators and cold draughts to prevent leaf drop. Water sparingly, keeping the compost moist but never waterlogged.

For more help, see our citrus leaf drop guide.

Position indoor plants in bright spots to maximise winter light and reduce watering as their growth slows.

Other useful December jobs

Check for overwintering pests like aphids and spider mites. Remove by hand or treat with soapy spray. Turn compost heaps and cover them to retain warmth.

And if you're looking for meaningful winter gift ideas, our December Tree of the Month and December gift guide offer plenty of thoughtful, festive choices.