December gardening jobs

So it's here - the last month of the calendar year. The shortest day will soon be upon us, and we can all try to convince ourselves that the worst of the winter is over - when, in reality, there's still a good couple of months of chilly mornings, muddy boots, and frozen fingers ahead of us.

That said, there's something undeniably peaceful about the December garden. The pace has slowed, the colours have faded, but there's still work to be done - albeit at a gentler rhythm. So wrap up warm, grab a flask of something hot, and get outside when the weather (and precious daylight) allows.

December is an ideal month for checking, repairing, and preparing. If you haven't already, insulate your outside taps and drain garden hoses to prevent frost damage. If you have plants overwintering in a greenhouse and they rely on a bit of warmth, make sure your heater is working properly - now is not the time for it to fail.

Check your tools, too. Give them a clean, sharpen blades, and oil wooden handles and metal parts so they're ready to go come spring. A bit of time spent now can make all the difference when everything bursts back to life.

If you're lucky enough to have a garden pond, consider floating a tennis ball or two on the surface. This simple trick can help prevent the water from freezing solid and allows gases to escape - essential for any fish or aquatic life.

There's still some harvesting to do if you planned well earlier in the year. Hardy crops like parsnips, leeks, and winter cabbages are often at their best now - especially after a touch of frost. You might even still have carrots in the ground, providing the soil isn't waterlogged or frozen.

Happy December gardening!