December Jobs On Your Allotment

Maintaining soil and structures and planning ahead​

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• Clear away any remaining plant debris from plots and compost if disease-free.

• Earth up and check stakes on Brussels sprouts and other tall brassicas to prevent wind rock.

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​Sowing and planting​

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• Protect autumn-sown broad beans with cloches during extended periods of frost.

• Divide and replant rhubarb. For early tender stems, ‘force’ rhubarb by covering crowns with a dark-coloured bucket or terracotta rhubarb forcer.

• Ventilate green houses on mild days to reduce diseases.

• Continue to plant fruit trees and bushes if soil is not frozen.

• Plant blackcurrants 5cm below the soil to encourage new shoots.

• Plant fruit trees trained as cordons or espaliers to make good use of limited space. Check RGS website for guidance on permitted trees.

• Plant blueberries in pots of ericaceous compost.

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Harvesting

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• Continue to harvest Brussels sprouts, kale and winter cabbage.​​​

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Pruning

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• Prune grape vines before the end of the month, when dormant, to avoid sap bleeding.

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Gardening for wildlife

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• Feed birds regularly. Disinfect bird tables and water dishes regularly to avoid spreading disease.​​