December Gardening Jobs: A Simple Guide to Keeping Your Garden Happy Through Winter

As we move from late November into the final month of the year, many people assume the garden can be left alone until spring. While growth slows, there’s still plenty you can do to keep outdoor spaces healthy, tidy, and ready for brighter days. Taking care of a few December gardening jobs now can make a huge difference when the warmer weather returns.

Winter brings shorter days, colder temperatures, and often a fair amount of rain. Even so, gardening in December doesn’t need to feel daunting. In fact, this time of year offers a calmer pace, giving you the chance to focus on small but impactful tasks that often get overlooked earlier in the year. And if you’re wondering what exactly you should be doing, don’t worry, we’ve put together some of the most helpful jobs, plus a selection of December gardening tips.

1. Tidy Up Fallen Leaves and Debris

One of the simplest December gardening tasks is clearing fallen leaves. When they collect on lawns, they block light and trap moisture underneath, which leads to patchy areas and potential disease. Give grass a gentle rake to remove built-up foliage and let the lawn breathe again. You can pop the leaves into compost bins, or collect them in bags to create leaf mould, a brilliant soil improver.

Keeping paths clear also reduces the risk of slipping during frosty spells. A quick sweep now and then keeps everything neat, safe, and looking cared for.

2. Protect Delicate Plants From Frost

Gardening in December weather conditions often means tackling mornings where everything is covered in a frosty layer. Some plants handle this well, while others need a little extra help. Wrap tender plants with fleece, bubble wrap, or hessian to shield them from freezing winds. Move pots to sheltered spots if you can, as containers cool down faster than borders.

If you’ve got anything exotic outdoors, or younger shrubs that haven’t fully established, protection is key. It’s a small job, but one that prevents disappointment later.

3. Prune Trees and Shrubs

The winter period is ideal for shaping deciduous trees and certain shrubs because their structure is more visible. Pruning in December improves airflow, encourages healthy growth, and prevents branches from rubbing or crossing. Always begin by removing dead or damaged wood, then focus on shaping.

Avoid trimming spring-flowering shrubs at this time though, they’ve already formed buds. Touching them now could cost you blooms next season.

4. Check on Your Soil and Beds

Soil health is often forgotten during winter, yet it plays a huge role in how well your garden performs. Spread compost, leaf mould, or well-rotted manure over empty beds. You don’t need to dig it in — the weather will help break everything down naturally.

Mulching also protects roots from sharp temperature drops, making this one of the most underrated December gardening jobs.

5. Look After Wildlife

Conditions can be tough for birds and other wildlife. Fresh water is harder to find once temperatures fall, and natural food sources become scarce. Put out seeds, suet blocks, and a bowl of clean water. You’ll be surprised just how many species you’ll attract, even in mid-winter.

Not only does this help wildlife through the colder months, but it also encourages natural pest control when spring arrives.

6. Keep an Eye on Tools and Equipment

While the garden grows more slowly, you get the perfect opportunity to sort sheds and fix equipment. Sharpening secateurs, cleaning lawnmowers, and repairing any broken tools will save you time once the season picks up again. This is one of those gardening tasks that people rarely think about, yet it makes life so much easier next year.

7. Plan for the New Year

When the weather stops you from working outdoors, planning becomes the next best job. Whether you want to redesign borders, grow vegetables, or add new features, mapping things out during winter keeps you ahead of schedule. Ordering seeds early means you won’t miss out when popular varieties sell out.

Taking time to reflect on what worked well this year also helps guide your choices for the future.

8. Don’t Forget the Greenhouse

If you own a greenhouse, check that vents are closed on cold nights and insulation is secure. Wipe condensation from glass to prevent mould forming on young plants. If you grow winter salads or herbs, make sure you pick them regularly to encourage fresh growth through the darker months.

Although December isn’t the busiest month outdoors, it’s still an important part of the gardening calendar. Completing a few thoughtful tasks now sets your garden up beautifully for spring. With the right care, even the coldest months can leave your outdoor space looking tidy, healthy, and ready for the year ahead.

Looking for a Gardener in Redditch?

If you’re based locally and need help with any winter gardening jobs, from leaf clearance to hedge trimming, lawn care, patio cleaning, or full garden maintenance Elite Garden Services is here to assist. As a trusted gardener in Redditch, we provide reliable, professional support throughout the colder months to keep your outdoor space looking its best. Whether you need a one-off tidy or regular maintenance, we’d be happy to help.