In the garden with GB News: Three plants to grow in December - including one that is a great ingredient for winter meals
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GB News is sharing everything you need to know to grow and care for the plants in your garden and home. This week, we detail the plants to grow now
December is not often a busy month for gardeners, but there are still some jobs that are worth doing at this time of year.
GB News spoke exclusively to an expert about everything you need to know about planting as the year comes to an end.
Gardening expert and lawn care specialist at Online Turf shared advice on planting in your garden in winter, explaining three plants, in particular, thrive in December.
She said: "When it comes to seasonal planting, the trick is to take a staged and considered approach.
Crocuses are good to plant at this time of the year
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"The great thing about gardens is that they’re constantly evolving - not every plant needs to be planted in the spring to thrive, and there are a unique few that actually thrive better when planted in the winter.
"Planting a mixture of different seasonal plants also gives you a thriving, vibrant garden year-round."
Being mindful of what you plant in your garden - and when - will ensure there are always seasonal flowers in full bloom.
Chrissie also highlighted three plants that could do particularly well in your garden in the colder months.
Thyme
The expert told GB News: "Thyme is a hardy and cold-tolerant plant that thrives and can be harvested during the winter months.
"It’s also a great all-rounder - it looks good in your winter garden and makes a great addition to your kitchen for some flavourful winter dishes."
Crocuses
She explained gardeners can get a headstart on the new year by planting the vibrant purple plant in the coming weeks.
Chrissie continued: "Crocuses bloom in early spring, but by planting them in winter, you allow them to settle into the ground and become stable in time for them to bloom spectacularly in early spring.
"They’re hardy, cold tolerant and, once bloomed, attract beneficial pollinators to your garden like bees and butterflies."
Snowdrops
Chrissie explained: "The key here is in the name. Snowdrops thrive in colder conditions and are often the first sign of early spring as they emerge through snow in February/March, adding a floral touch to your winter garden.
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Snowdrops thrive in colder conditions
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"Once planted they require minimal care and have a lovely sweet fragrance to them."
While these plants should grow well in the winter, the gardening pro suggested testing your outdoor space to find the best place to grow each flower.
She continued: "For an even more tailored winter planting experience, you can test the growing conditions of your ground in different areas of your garden and note where the sunlight and shade patterns are.
"This will allow you to plan where certain plants are going to thrive best and allow you to group certain plants together for an organised look and optimal growth."
For more bespoke gardening advice, check out the GB News Membership guide on houseplants. Or see how to care for Christmas cacti and make them last all year.