Monty Don shares the gardening job he 'always does' in December - 'it's a fresh start'

Monty Don Garden covered in frost

Monty Don discussed December gardening jobs

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Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 06/12/2023

- 14:17

Monty Don gave an insight to the gardening jobs he does in December

Gardening in December can be a challenge, between frosty flowers and muddy lawns.

It is less pleasant to be outside but there are still some jobs that are important to do.


Gardening expert Monty Don spoke about what he "always" does towards the end of December.

He said it is a good time to sow seeds when Christmas passes.

Growing tomatoes

Monty said he will sow tomato seeds on Boxing Day

PA

"Christmas comes and we ransack the garden for greenery, deck the halls, put up a tree, make wreaths and Boxing Day feels like a fresh start," he said in his December 2023 blog.

"In fact I always sow some seeds on Boxing Day - onions, chillies, some tomatoes - as much as a symbolic act as serious horticulture."

Sowing seeds and planting jobs can be done in December but it is ok if jobs are pushed back, he continued.

With Britons spending less time outdoors, they should prioritise clearing up leaves and planting tulips.

Monty added: "There are leaves to collect, last minute tulips to plant, perhaps even trees or shrubs to plant as well although the wet normally precludes this.

"But it is all a sham really. Other than the tulips which are a good idea to get planted by Christmas there is nothing that will not keep until the new year and a lot that will benefit from being left until the ground is drier."

Monty Don regularly shares gardening advice on his blog.

While some gardening jobs are best done now, the expert explained many can be left for January.

Garden covered in frost

The garden goes through a lot at this time of year

PA

This comes as gardening experts shared the importance of taking care of plants as the weather cools.

Experts at Bi Folding Doors said: "This winter remember to protect and cover any vulnerable or delicate plants to shelter them from any frost or cold winds.

"If you have any potted plants, it’s time to move them inside for the winter in a bright spot near the window.

"Then come spring, pop them back outside. Make sure to prune any dormant trees or shrubs, so they can get ready to thrive again in spring."

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