The Garden House Tasks for December

Posted:10 December 2025

Lots to do despite the weather!  Wrap up warm and continue to enjoy the winter garden…

Please bear in mind these tasks are not a comprehensive look at all garden aspects, but relate directly to our monthly work in the Garden House garden, inspiring and teaching the volunteers, students and Friday group gardeners who get stuck in and support the development of this unique Brighton garden.

*If you have a greenhouse, install a max/min thermometer to check the temperature

*Use bubble wrap or horticultural fleece to ensure tender plants don’t freeze

*Keep on top of cleaning your greenhouse or cold frame

*Sort out seed packets and organise them ready for sowing

*Check Dahlias for rotting

*Bring in your Narcissi ‘paperwhites’ and other bulbs for Christmas flowering, if you haven’t already use small twigs around the bowl to support them as they grow

*Bring Hippeastrums (Amaryllis) into a warm room so that they will start into flower. Top off with moss (from a sustainable source) or fine gravel for a lovely table decoration

*Reduce watering houseplants, but check their position and that they are receiving as much light as possible

*Keep planting outdoor bulbs, especially tulips, right up into January

*Continue to prune climbing roses

*Check containers and water lightly if there is a dry spell

*Insulate outdoor taps and disconnect hoses

*Prune apples and pear trees (not espaliers)

*Prune Acers, birches and vines before Christmas to avoid them bleeding

*Take hardwood cuttings

*Check newly planted trees

*Plant bare root deciduous hedging plants 

*Now is also a good time to move shrubs