December in the Garden

December brings stillness. The garden is quiet now, tucked beneath frost and soft winter light. There’s a peacefulness to this month a sense of rest, reflection, and gentle preparation. The bones of the garden reveal themselves, and the smallest details feel full of beauty.

It’s also a wonderfully busy festive month with my family, full of warmth, gatherings, and cosy moments. In between the celebrations, I find little pockets of time to pause in the garden, breathe in the cold air, and feel grateful for the rhythm of the seasons. I love living in a country where we have such contrasting seasons.

December is a perfect month for planning next year’s garden, sketching ideas, choosing seeds, and thinking about how to make the space even more useful, productive, and flourishing in the year ahead. A cup of tea, a quiet moment, and a notebook can spark the loveliest garden dreams.

What to Do in the Garden in December

• Protect from frost – Check fleece, cloches, and coverings after storms to keep winter crops safe.

• Mulch borders – Add compost or leaf mould to beds to nourish the soil over winter, this can also be saved until spring.

• Check stored crops – Keep an eye on stored potatoes, squash, and apples; remove anything showing signs of rot.

• Plan next year’s garden – Reflect on what grew well, what didn’t, and dream up new planting ideas for spring.

• Work on garden design – Think about layout, beds, paths, and planting areas to create a space that supports productivity and beauty.

• Prune apple and pear trees – Continue pruning on dry, frost-free days. Hold back on any stone fruit.

• Sow herbs indoors – Basil, parsley, and coriander can still be grown on a bright windowsill.

• Feed the birds – Support garden wildlife with seed, suet, and fresh water daily in freezing weather.

What Can Be Harvested

• Vegetables:

• Kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts

• Leeks and parsnips (sweetened beautifully by frost)

• Late beetroot

• Hardy winter radish

• Fruits:

• Apples and pears (from store)

• Rosehips for syrups and teas

• Herbs:

• Rosemary, sage, bay, thyme

• Parsley and chives from the greenhouse or indoors

Final Thoughts

December invites us to slow down. The garden rests, and we can rest with it. It’s a month of gentle gratitude for the harvests this year, the lessons learned, the festive moments with family, and the quiet promise of a fresh new year in the garden. What a wonderful year it’s been.

See you next in 2026! In the meantime check out my Instagram page for The Granary Gardens Advent Calendar.

All my love, love from Donna 🌷