December

The days have shortened and plant growth has slowed or halted, but there is still plenty to do in the garden in December. It’s tidy-up time – weather permitting!

Leaf clearance

Clearing away leaves minimises hiding places for pests and diseases and prevents smaller plants being smothered. It also allows valuable sunlight to reach lawns, preventing the die back of grass under piles of soggy leaves. It is good though, to leave a patch of fallen leaves in a sheltered area for hedgehogs and other wildlife to make use of over the winter. Hedgehogs will be active until four consecutive nights of hard frost trigger their hibernation, so they are often still out-and-about in December.

Pruning

With the leaves down from the trees, it’s easier to see and remove any dead, damaged and diseased wood. This helps to keep plants strong and healthy. You can also see the framework of plants, unencumbered by foliage so you can prune to change or develop the structure when it starts to grow again in the spring. The third benefit of winter pruning is that it will promote growth and vigour.

Weeding

Removing the plants you don’t want, allows space and nutrients for those you do. Weeds may die back above the surface over the winter, but their roots get stronger underground and they come back fighting in the spring, so try to remove anything you don’t want coming back.

Deadheading

There are still flowers around at this time of year and deadheading will keep plants healthy and flowering as long as possible.

Harvesting

Holly from your garden and other winter shrubs and flowers can be cut and brought in for making festive decorations, for yourselves and loved ones - but do leave some berries for birds to feed on! Please do not pick holly from the wild. It provides dense cover and good nesting opportunities for birds, while its deep, dry leaf litter may be used by hedgehogs and other small mammals for hibernation.

Planning

Whilst keeping warm indoors you can plan what to grow next year. Having something in flower all year round will provide support for wildlife as well as a beautiful display for you to enjoy.

Supporting wildlife

Let’s not forget the wildlife at this challenging time of year. Even simple actions like throwing out your breadcrumbs and providing water on frosty days can help birds and other creatures survive the winter. If you can stretch to some nuts, seeds and fat balls you will doubtless be rewarded with many different species of birds (and possibly a cheeky squirrel or two) popping in for snacks.

Garden waste collection service

Wealden’s Garden Waste Service enables residents to subscribe to have up to four garden waste bins emptied on a fortnightly basis. We are part way through the subscription year but you can still sign up by visiting www.wealden.gov.uk/gardenwaste. If you have already subscribed but want an extra bin please call us on 01323 443322.

Tip for frosty bins

At this time of year, as the temperatures come down and nights are frosty the contents of the brown bin can get frozen to the side and then it may not empty fully when tipped upside down on the back of the lorry. To ensure a complete empty, if you are placing your bin out for collection after a frosty night please just give it a stir with a garden fork or similar to ensure nothing is stuck to the sides.

Garden Waste collections are suspended from Thursday 25th December and resume of your usual collection day from Thursday 8th January 2026. Check your bin day collection online at www.wealden.gov.uk