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As we approach the shortest day of the year in December you will need work to keep you warm outside, such as digging and tree pruning. Check your winter protection and if you have a greenhouse make sure the heater is working. Hopefully there are not too many jobs left to do this year so you will have time for some fireside garden planning. This month's main gardening jobs are: Check your winter protection structures are still securely in place Check that greenhouse heaters are working Insulate outdoor taps and prevent ponds from freezing. Here are some more jobs and reminders for December as circulated by the RHS... Check your winter protection structures are still securely in place Check that greenhouse heaters are working Insulate outdoor taps and prevent ponds from freezing Prune open-grown apples and pears (but not those trained against walls) Prune acers, birches and vines before Christmas to avoid bleeding Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage, sprouts and remaining root crops Deciduous trees and shrubs can still be planted and transplanted Take hardwood cuttings Keep mice away from stored produce Reduce watering of houseplants Please visit the RHS website for more detailed guidance on each of this month's jobs above, plus much more. Also highly recommended is the excellent Gardening Know How (December) section at Sutton's Seeds website, for more great gardening tips and advice! Cover Photo from Pixabay