As the year draws to a close, there are still some jobs to do in the garden during December.

As we approach the shortest day of the year, daylight hours will be limited, but here are our top gardening jobs for this month…

🎄Prune wisteria, cutting back summer side shoots to 2 or 3 buds.

🎄Lift and store dahlia tubers once the leaves are blackened by the frost.

🎄Prune climbing roses between now and February by cutting older flowered side shoots back by two thirds.

🎄If you’re growing beans next year, dig a trench ready and fill with kitchen waste and re-cover with soil.

🎄Dig over any empty beds in the veg garden and pile manure on top.

🎄Lift and divide established rhubarb plants.

🎄With the exception of plums, cherries and other stone fruits, now is the perfect time to prune fruit trees to keep a good open shape and encourage quality fruiting next year.

🎄Avoid walking on your lawn when there is snow or frost laying on top as this damages the grass.

🎄Clear fallen leaves and debris from borders to prevent slugs and snails setting up home in these cosy conditions.

🎄Bring all watering equipment such as hoses and water timers indoors so that they don’t freeze and split.

🎄If you haven’t done so yet, protect any tender plants by putting them in a greenhouse or covering with fleece. 

🎄Feed the birds, especially with high energy food such as suet balls, and make sure they have access to fresh water.