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The days are shorter and the weather has turned cooler, with frosty nights and the festive season is around the corner, but there are still a few jobs to get on with in preparation for the festive period and the new season ahead.

1. The vegetable plot can be dug for the winter, I started mine in November and hope to be finished before the New Year. Once completed the cold frosty winter weather can help break down the soil and any winter rains will help penetrate the soil and should be retained below ready for when next year’s crops need it. I think a tidy, neatly dug winter plot always looks great and you have the satisfaction of knowing that this is a good job done, and once completed you can sit back and relax whatever the weather.

2. If the weather is too cold or wet to do any jobs outside, then there are plenty of jobs to do in the warmth of the greenhouse or shed to prepare for next year. A good clean of all the sowing equipment is required. Wash pots and seed trays with soapy water, so they are clean and ready for use early next year. Propagators and benches can also be washed down so they are clean from any pests or fungal diseases that may be hiding in those tiny crevices. This will give us all a clean start, for when we start seed sowing in the coming year.
 
3. Remember during very cold weather to look after the birds regularly. Leave our bird feed and top up the birdbath so they have some fresh water to drink. If you encourage the birds into your garden at this time of year, hopefully they will also return next spring to nest and feed on some of the aphids and other pests that can cause us gardener’s problems.
 
4. I have one little job I always try to do Christmas Eve, Christmas day or Boxing Day depending on when we have company during this busy period. This is the traditional time for sowing Large Exhibition Onions, plus it will give me a good excuse for getting out of the washing up. I like to sow the variety Globo, Mammoth or Ailsa Craig, as these will grow into whoppers over 1-2lb in weight. Onion Seeds need sowing onto the surface of moist seed sowing compost, and then they should be lightly covered with fine grade vermiculite. Once sown, place in a heated propagator set at 21C (70F). Germination usually takes 10-14 days. Once germinated grow on in a frost free greenhouse until large enough to move to a cold frame next March or April.
 

5. Whilst you have the heated Propagator on for the Onions, you can also make an early sowing of Sweet Peppers and Chillies as these need a long growing season. Sowing early will ensure plants will fruit earlier next summer. Sow the seed onto the surface of moist seed sowing compost, and then they should be lightly covered with fine grade vermiculite. Once sown, place in a heated propagator set at a minimum of 21C (70F). Germination usually takes 14-21 days.
 
6 Give yourself time to harvest Vegetables for the Christmas lunch a few days before they are required. This year I will be enjoying Parsnip ‘Gladiator’, Carrots ‘Eskimo’, Brussels Sprout ‘Trafalgar’ and Red Brussels Sprout ‘Ruby Crunch’ and cabbage Tundra, all harvested fresh from my plot, along with Pea’s Hurst Greenshaft from the Freezer, and from Storage Onion ‘Santero’ for flavour to the meat juices and Potato ‘Setanta’ to make my Roasties. 
 
7. December is the ideal month for pruning Blackcurrants. Now that all the leaves have fallen off the plants it makes it easier to see what you are doing. When pruning Blackcurrants you should cut out as much old wood as possible to leave just young growth, that is less than 3 years old. The younger shoots will grow more vigorously and in turn will produce more fruit. The older wood is easily recognised because it is much darker in colour than the younger shoots, and often the bark is a lot rougher. Always try to prune down to a healthy new bud as close to the base of the plant as you can. This will help encourage new shoots to grow from the base. Once pruned give the blackcurrant plants a generous mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost.
 
8. Many glossy leafed houseplants like Rubber plants or Dipladenia will have attracted dust over the summer months. It is important to clean these leaves with a damp cloth, or leaf wipes, as this will allow more light to get through to the plants during the dull winter days, and help them grow better. It is also a good idea to move these houseplants, if possible, to a light south-facing window during the winter months, so they can take full advantage of any sunny days we may get.

9. If you have some large clumps of Rhubarb, why not cut a piece off and leave it lying on the top of the ground this month to get frosted. This cold period will spur the growth buds into developing sooner. Leave the Rhubarb laying there for several weeks until it has been frosted several times, then pot it up and move it into a warm (Not hot) greenhouse, polytunnel or shed. This will then start to produce some tender sticks of Rhubarb for you to enjoy early next spring.

10. Lastly on cold winter evenings, look through seed catalogues and place your orders, and start to create a sowing and planting plan, so you are fully prepared once spring arrives. You can request a copy of our seed catalogue online www.kingsseeds.com

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Gardening New Year for 2026.