insideKENT Magazine Issue 33 - December 2014 | Page 147

OUTDOORLIVING

YOUR GARDEN:

december

It's getting even colder
While frost, rainfall and winds are increasingly common, sunshine hours
are little, and it can be bitter with a risk of snow. You may not want to be
working outside at this time of year, but luckily, there is not a lot to do.
Keep an eye on winter protection, and if you have a greenhouse, make
sure the heater works. It is also time to think about pruning apples and
pears too if you are planning to get the best possible harvest.

TOP 10 JOBS THIS MONTH
1. Check your winter protection structures are
still securely in place
2. Check that the greenhouse heaters are working
3. Prevent ponds and standpipes from freezing
4. Prune open-grown apples and pears (but not
those trained against walls)
5. Prune acers, birches and vines before
Christmas to avoid bleeding
6. Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage,
sprouts and remaining root crops
7. Deciduous trees and shrubs can still be planted
and transplanted
8. Take hardwood cuttings
9. Keep mice away from stored produce
10. Reduce watering of houseplants

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The RHS is a UK charity established to share
the best in gardening. Its work is driven by a
simple love of plants and the belief that
gardeners make the world a better place.
For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk.