December - an overview
Cool
dry days when the ground is not wet are good times to dig over
the soil and fork through removing any perennial weeds, making
sure the roots are all removed to prevent re-growth. Any manure
can be dug in when digging, or placed on surface of the soil to
work its way in over the winter months.
Winter vegetables such as Leek will stand in the ground with little
trouble; if cold weather is forecast make sure you pick enough
as they will be impossible to remove if the ground is frozen.
Check sprouts and cabbage are not being damaged by pests, remove
any dying leaves and compost them.
Fruit bushes can be pruned; currant bushes need one third of their
growth taking out. Raspberry canes; the old wood needs removing
and the new season's growth tying in. Autumn raspberries need
cutting right back as they fruit on the new seasons growth. Sort
out the pruned wood and any pieces that are about 3ft tall with
stout branches save for using as pea stick support.
Check
any stored vegetables to see they are still in good condition.
Now is a good time to order seeds. Seed potatoes can be put in
egg boxes, the "eyes" uppermost in a cool place near
to a north facing window to chit; the aim is to have small shoots
growing.
Key dates:
If you have any advice or tips about gardening relating to
this month contact us and if suitable will add to the page - please
local to Haworth and the surrounding area only.
