Get the most out of your garden with our diary of essential jobs for December.
Give the wisteria its winter prune now, cutting this year’s growths back to 2-3 buds from the older wood. This will save time next summer
Providing the soil isn’t sticky this is the ideal time to plant and transplant deciduous shrubs and trees. Plant them at the same depth as before and firm the soil after planting. If new plants arrive and the soil is wet, keep them in a sheltered area until they can be planted. Bare rooted plants should be heeled into damp sand or peat to prevent their roots from drying out
Cut bush roses down to half way to prevent them blowing in the wind and damaging the roots. Also shorten all the branches on standard roses, the final pruning can be carried out in March
Where areas have been cleared, start digging over and conditioning the soil. It is worth carrying out a soil test now to check its acidity or alkalinity level (pH). Most plants grow best in a neutral soil, so make adjustments if necessary by applying a lime dressing to very acid soils, or sulphur chips to alkaline ones
Repair fences, trellises and wooden features. Once annual climbers have died away and perennial ones have lost their leaves, treat timber with wood colour or preservative. Replace loose posts and those rotting at the base before they collapse and cause greater damage
If you haven’t already planted prepared hyacinths in glasses in time for Christmas, try Narcissus papyraceus which will flower in less than six weeks if potted now. Check potted bulbs in forcing frames and water them if their compost is dry. Make sure you only bring them into cool, light conditions when their shoots are 5cm (2in) tall
