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Jobs for December

Another year draws to a close on the plot, but as the festive season looms, there are still plenty of reasons to be outside and lots of essential jobs to do that will keep you warm while you work – not least the digging! Sue Hoy, head gardener at Normanby Hall, North Lincolnshire, has all the advice you need...

KG TOP TIPS

● Broad beans can still be sown in sheltered gardens for an early harvest in June next year. Choose a variety such as ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ for best results.
● Order seeds if you haven’t already done so to ensure that you have them in good time. There’s nothing more frustrating than waiting for a seed order to arrive when you’re raring to get going with the first sowings.
● When harvesting sprouts, cut those from the bottom of the stem first. These will be the biggest, as sprouts mature from the bottom up.
● Up to the middle of this month, there’s still time to plant shallots in areas where the soil is well-drained.

KG tip of the month

Check any stored vegetables for signs of rot or rodent damage so that it doesn’t spread. Keep storage areas well-ventilated and frost-free.

Make compost

We’re all becoming more compost conscious, but new gardeners are often disappointed by their first attempts. It really isn’t difficult, but you need to follow a few basic rules. Firstly, you need to be patient. I believe that it takes a year to make good compost, so don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t happen in a few months. Secondly, you must vary the materials in the heap; if you have a lot of one thing, whether it’s weeds or lawn clippings, spread them over several thin layers rather than putting them onto the heap all at once. Start a heap now, and you should have good quality compost to dig in next winter.

A wire netting enclosure is basic, but it works and will contain the heap well, or you can make a compost area from planks of wood slotted into four posts. The larger the heap is, the better it will heat up during decomposition and destroy weed seeds, so make it at least 1m (3ft 3in) square. At the base, put a layer of brushwood to allow good air circulation into the heap. Then build up shallow layers, mixing materials where possible; any very dry material should be dampened (not soaked). If you can add fresh manure, this will help activate, or speed up the composting process. Cover the heap so that it doesn’t become waterlogged in wet weather, and to keep the heat in during the winter months, and your composting should end in success.

For lots more advice, see this month's issue, available to buy online!

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