BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don has said that Boxing Day marks the beginning of the new gardening year for him despite winter challenges
Christopher Sharp Trendswatch Reporter
07:00, 27 Dec 2025
Monty Don(Image: PA)
Celebrated horticulturist Monty Don has revealed his approach to the festive gardening break and explained how one particular part of the Christmas season signals the beginning of his new year.
The Gardeners’ World host, 70, was appearing on the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast when he began discussing his winter downtime whilst filming is on pause.
He spoke about the constraints this season places on gardeners due to the shortened daylight hours and the limited activities possible as a result.
Monty noted that consequently, there was little sense in persevering during a period when garden tasks are minimal, reports the Express.
Monty revealed: “Boxing Day is effectively the beginning of the new gardening year for me.”
When asked whether his break was intentional, Monty observed: “It doesn’t get light until 8 o’clock and it’s dark by half past four….Basically there’s not much you can do after four o’clock in the afternoon.
“So the days are short, the weather is bad. It doesn’t make any sense to struggle on our very heavy soil making a mess and compacting the soil and making it worse. So for purely horticultural practicality, less is often more.”
“There’s very little that you need to do in December you can’t catch up on in January or even February that, if you’re organised, you couldn’t have done in November.”
Monty has become well known thanks to his work on Gardeners’ World(Image: Getty)
While Monty has discussed how winter represents a quiet period for gardens across the UK, he has also shared insights into his personal challenging moments. Earlier this year Monty opened up about his struggle with seasonal affective disorder, a condition which impacts approximately three in 100 people across the UK.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) develops when an individual’s mood shifts according to the changing seasons.
Monty Don(Image: Getty)
In an interview with Gardeners’ World Magazine, Monty revealed: “December can be a low time of year for me psychologically, as I am prone to seasonal affective disorder, but my spirits always rise when we get to Boxing Day.
“Even if it’s filthy weather, I always do some gardening – I go to the potting shed and sow some tomatoes, chillies and onions. It gives me the sense that we are working towards spring,”.
“If the weather allows, I will start pruning the apples. It takes me about a week to prune the orchard, and I really enjoy it in dry, cold weather. I’m very happy doing that job in the quiet week between Christmas and New Year.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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