How to Vegetable Garden

How to vegetable garden in December with hints and tips about growing vegetables and herbs.

If November has not been very cold and affected crops and the ground we can be fairly sure that December will make up for it.

The calendar may say it is the end of the year but us for gardeners it is the time to plan for the next growing season and at the same time clear and tidy up after a busy growing year.

The shortest day is in December and although the weather may be cold and damp there is optimism that the days will lengthen and that spring does not seem that far away. It is the perfect time to start planning for the next growing season.

Here are some hints and tips for growing a selection of vegetables during the month of December:

Root Crops

Lift Carrots, Turnips and Beetroot and store. A proven method is in boxes with sand packed between the rows of roots.

Be vigilant for signs of damage or rot when storing as this can soon affect healthy root crops. It is best to do a regular check on stored vegetables, removing any rotting or mouldy specimens.

Parsnips can be left in the ground until required for the kitchen as they taste better when they have been exposed to frost.

Celery

Leave Celery in the ground until needed but mulch with straw as protection.

Brussels Sprouts

The roots of Brussels Sprouts can become loosened by the wind, weakening the plant and reducing the crop so add a support before any damage is done.

When picking sprouts off the haulm begin by selecting the largest sprouts, which will be lower down the stem.

Take off yellowing leaves as soon as you see them which will help to prevent the spread of grey mould and brassica downy mildew.

Shallots

For those lucky enough to live in a mild area and garden on well drained soil it is possible to plant shallots in December. However for those gardening on heavy clay leave planting until the soil is warmer Shallots will easily rot.

Garlic

Garlic can be planted in December if you live in a mild area and garden on well drained soil.

If you garden on a heavy clay soil it is better to delay planting as there is a good chance that your Garlic will rot off. However you could plant Garlic cloves in modules to be planted out once the soil has warmed.

Spring Cabbage

If you planted out spring cabbages earlier in the autumn some may be ready to harvest and eat as winter greens. In mild autumns it is possible to have them heart up almost as large as they would achieve by spring.

Pigeons can devastate a crop so to prevent pigeon damage cover your crop with cloches, netting or fleece.

Soil and Garden Maintenance

If you have not done so dig over and incorporate soil improvers into available sections of the vegetable plot.

Cover these areas with thick polythene to keep the soil dry and make it easier to work in the spring. A practice that is very useful for heavy clay soils. Clear polythene will increase the soil temperature, enabling earlier sowings in spring. Black polythene will suppress weeds but many professional vegetable gardeners prefer to put down a black material membrane that allows the soil to breathe and not become sour.

Clear any remaining plant debris to discourage the spread of disease.

Slugs are still active so be on your guard around your crops and during the colder months mice are also on the lookout for an easy meal.

Bay Trees

Bay trees are not totally hardy so it is best to protect them during winter.

If your tree is in a pot and is small enough, carry it into a frost free greenhouse or similar structure. If not portable:

• Wrap the top growth with horticultural fleece
• Put the pot on feet so that it has good drainage
• Keep the compost on the dry side so that it cannot freeze

I have used this method for several years and now have a very good sized Bay.

Herbs in General

Some herb species can be kept going through the winter months by potting up pieces into small pots and keeping on the kitchen windowsill. Remember that they have missed their winter sleep and it may be necessary to dispose of them in the spring.

Provide protection for the crowns of herbs that have died down for winter by adding bark, grit or similar mulch.

See also:

How to Vegetable Garden in November
How to Vegetable Garden In January