Snowdrops planted now will reward you with delicate white blooms in late winter, brightening shady corners of the garden. 
Helena Mottram 07/12/2025 07:00 3 min
Winter may feel like a quiet time for gardeners, but there are plenty of tasks to keep your green space productive. December is ideal for planting bulbs, preparing soil, pruning shrubs, and even sowing hardy vegetables under protection. By taking advantage of milder spells, gardeners can give their plants a head start for the growing season. Even a small outdoor space, balcony, or patio can be made to flourish with the right selection of plants and careful placement.
Bulbs and early blooms for a bright start to the year
Winter bulbs are a fantastic way to bring life and colour to your garden in the darkest months. Snowdrops, crocuses, and winter aconites can be planted now in well-drained soil to flower in late winter and early spring. Choose spots with partial shade or sunny exposure, depending on the variety, and water them lightly if the ground is dry. Bulbs provide early colour and are a valuable food source for pollinators such as bees that emerge during milder winter days. Planting bulbs in clusters or alongside evergreen borders will make your garden feel more vibrant and inviting during the grey winter months.
Vegetables, herbs, and soil care for winter growth
December is also a good time to plant hardy vegetables and herbs in sheltered areas or under cold frames. Garlic, shallots, broad beans, and winter cabbage can all be planted this month to develop strong roots before spring. In greenhouses or cloches, sow lettuces, spinach, and chard for an early spring harvest. Hardy herbs such as parsley, thyme, and chives can survive the cold with light frost protection. Applying a layer of mulch, such as straw, shredded leaves, or compost, will help protect roots, retain moisture, and keep the soil in good condition for spring planting.
In December, hardy varieties of cabbage can be planted in sheltered spots or under cloches to establish roots for a strong early spring harvest.
Winter is also the perfect time to tidy garden beds, prune shrubs, and inspect plants for disease or damage. Regularly checking winter crops and bulbs ensures they remain healthy and ready to thrive when warmer weather returns. By taking these steps, your garden will not only survive the colder months but will be well-prepared and full of life when spring arrives.
Even in December, gardening can be rewarding. Whether you have a large garden, a small yard, or just a few containers, focusing on winter planting and care ensures a colourful, productive, and healthy garden in the months ahead.
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