While many gardeners hang up their trowels for the winter, a leading expert insists there is one crucial task that should not be overlooked before the year ends. According to horticulturist Pollyanna Wilkinson, December is the perfect time to plant spring bulbs, offering a final chance to ensure a colourful bloom when warmer weather returns.
Why December is the ideal time for bulb planting
Writing in The Times, Pollyanna Wilkinson provided clear guidance for green-fingered enthusiasts. She confirmed that it is not too late to plant spring bulbs, including favourites like tulips, alliums, and camassias. The key condition is that the soil must not be frozen solid or waterlogged.
Wilkinson explained her own preference for late planting, noting that tulips, in particular, benefit from being placed in the ground during colder conditions. This practice helps to avoid the risk of 'tulip fire', a damaging fungal disease that makes leaves and flowers appear scorched. For those with leftover bulbs or who simply haven't found the time, this December window provides a valuable opportunity.
Embracing the quiet season in the garden
Pollyanna Wilkinson is not alone in advocating a mindful approach to winter gardening. Celebrity gardener Monty Don also shared his perspective on the BBC Gardeners' World Podcast. He highlighted the practical challenges of the season, with short days and often poor weather.
Don advised restraint, especially on heavy soil that can be easily compacted and damaged. "For purely horticultural practicality, less is often more," he stated, suggesting that most tasks delayed in December can be caught up on in January or February. His advice is to work with the season, not against it.
Gardening for mental wellbeing in winter
Monty Don also spoke candidly about the psychological impact of the darker months. In a frank discussion with Gardeners' World Magazine, he revealed that December can be a low period for him as he manages Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
However, he finds a reliable lift in his spirits around Boxing Day. "Even if it's filthy weather, I always do some gardening," Don confessed. His ritual involves visiting the potting shed to sow tomatoes, chillies, and onions. This simple act provides a tangible connection to the future, fostering a sense of hope and the promise of spring.
For UK gardeners looking for a productive and mood-boosting activity this winter, the message from the experts is clear: grab your bulbs and get planting. A little effort now will be rewarded with a vibrant display of colour when spring finally arrives.
