What to do in December in the vegetable garden?

Growth slows in December, but there is still useful work: protect overwintering crops, harvest what is ready and prepare for next season. Adapt tasks to the weather and keep off wet or frozen beds as much as possible.

Plan next year's crops

Review what worked and plan crop rotation. The personalised Permapotes calendar helps organise sowing and planting dates, with an overview you can download or print. Check your remaining seed stocks too.

Protect crops from cold

Use horticultural fleece or a tunnel suited to the crop and expected frost. Secure covers and ventilate on mild days to limit persistent dampness. Mulch can protect soil around hardy vegetables; keep growing points clear.

Look after soil and equipment

Remove weeds and cover bare ground with appropriate organic material. Add compost according to the soil and following crop's needs. Avoid working waterlogged soil. Clean stakes and tools and repair damaged tunnels or irrigation components.

A hotbed can use heat from decomposing organic material for early crops. Check the temperature before planting, as fresh manure can initially become too hot. Keep the growing layer separate from the heat-producing layer rather than sowing directly into fresh manure.

Sowing and planting

In mild climates, suitable broad beans, peas, garlic or shallots may be possible. Choose varieties and protection for winter growing. In colder areas, wait rather than planting into unsuitable soil. Sweet potatoes are normally raised from shoots and are not a routine winter crop to start from seed.

Dormant fruit trees can be planted when the ground is neither frozen nor waterlogged. Keep roots moist and give them adequate space in the planting hole.

Harvesting in December

Depending on earlier crops, you may have leeks, winter cabbages, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, Jerusalem artichokes, lamb's lettuce or scorzonera. Frost tolerance differs between varieties. Check stored vegetables regularly and do not keep damaged produce for long storage.

Review the season

Record yields and problems, check seeds and service tools and watering equipment. This helps you prepare without repeating the same difficulties.