Christmas Gardening – winter tasks

It may come as a surprise, but mowing the lawn is already a year-round chore for thirty-five per cent of UK home-owners, according to the Natural Environment Research Council – global warming, taller fences, more robust grass strains – all contribute to grass growth in winter and that leaves us dragging the mower out very early in the New Year.

Further unwelcome news: weeding is rapidly becoming a February task. Chickweed, dandelion, dock and many other weeds all grow at temperatures of 6C and above and if their growth is unchecked, it could be detrimental to the plants which are beginning to appear above ground such as snowdrops, bluebells and spring bulbs. As we move into February the higher light level will increases the growth of weeds which in the past have tended to be fairly dormant in the winter.

Sowing seed, a task once left until March at the earliest, is now a real possibility for those prepared to gamble with an unexpected frost. Though French or runner beans and courgettes have a low frost tolerance, early salad leaves, broad beans and garlic can be planted in February although it would be wise to use short stakes to support plastic sheeting around seedling plants to prevent rot in cold, wet spells. Cloches and fleece provide frost protection too, and vegetable growers can also take advantage of higher ground temperatures these days – simply cover the soil with polythene to get seedlings off to a speedy start when they are planted out.

Pruning is also a February task, since it needs to be done before the sap rises - a process which is beginning earlier as the climate warms.

The mild weather is also the time to start mulching which will help retain moisture later in the season.

And give the compost heap a turn as the composting process also begins as the weather warms.

Christmas gardening winter grass photograph by Michael [twistyfoldy.net], used under a creative commons attribution licence