Gardening in December in Ireland | What To Do

What to Sow in December

Very little sowing is possible in December in Ireland. Check on overwintering crops under cover — winter salads, broad beans and peas should be surviving well in polytunnels and greenhouses. Order seed catalogues and begin planning next year's vegetable and flower garden. Start forcing rhubarb by covering established crowns with a forcing pot or upturned dustbin in late December. Christmas amaryllis and paperwhite narcissus bulbs planted in October should now be growing strongly indoors.

What to Plant in December

Continue planting bare-root trees, hedging, roses and fruit bushes whenever the soil is workable and not frozen or waterlogged. December is the last opportunity to plant tulip bulbs for spring flowering. Plant bare-root raspberry canes, blackcurrant bushes, gooseberries and redcurrants. Move established deciduous shrubs if needed while they are fully dormant. Container-grown evergreen shrubs can still be planted in mild spells.

What to Harvest in December

Harvest Brussels sprouts, leeks, parsnips, swede, celeriac, kale, winter cabbage and chard as needed. Parsnips are at their sweetest in December after sustained cold weather. Forced chicory provides crisp winter salad leaves. Rosemary, thyme, sage and bay continue to provide fresh herbs for winter cooking — essential for Christmas dishes. Check stored root vegetables, apples and onions for any deterioration.

Lawn Care in December

No mowing needed in December. Keep leaves and debris off the lawn. Avoid walking on frosted or waterlogged grass. December is a good time to service the mower, sharpen blades and carry out any maintenance so it's ready for the first spring cut. Plan any lawn improvements for the coming year.

General Garden Tasks for December

Check all stored tubers, corms and bulbs for rot. Continue clearing fallen leaves and adding them to leaf mould cages. Check plant ties and stakes after winter storms. Ventilate the greenhouse on mild days to prevent fungal disease. Keep bird feeders topped up — this is the most critical time for garden birds. Protect container-grown plants from freezing by wrapping pots in bubble wrap or moving them against a sheltered wall. Clean and organise the potting shed. Prune open-grown apple and pear trees during dry, frost-free weather. Take hardwood cuttings of deciduous shrubs.

Ireland-Specific Tips for December

December is the darkest and often coldest month in Ireland, with barely eight hours of daylight around the winter solstice. Average temperatures are 4-8°C, with inland frosts becoming more frequent. Coastal areas of Cork, Kerry, Clare and Galway benefit from the Gulf Stream's moderating influence, keeping temperatures remarkably mild for the latitude. December rainfall is typically heavy, particularly in the west. The garden is at its quietest, but evergreen structure, berried shrubs, winter-flowering heathers and the bare architecture of deciduous trees provide their own beauty. Use this quiet time to reflect on the year's successes, plan improvements and enjoy the festive season.

Frequently Asked Questions

December gardening in Ireland focuses on protection, planning and maintenance. Check stored dahlia tubers and begonia corms for rot. Continue planting bare-root trees, roses and hedging in mild weather. Prune apple and pear trees on dry, frost-free days. Clean and oil garden tools. Check greenhouse heaters and insulation. Keep bird feeders full. Protect vulnerable plants with fleece during cold snaps. Order seed catalogues and plan next year's garden. Start forcing rhubarb under cover. Take hardwood cuttings. It's also a good time to build raised beds, repair paths and carry out structural garden projects.

Absolutely — December is the most critical time for feeding garden birds in Ireland. Natural food sources are at their scarcest, and birds need extra calories to survive the long, cold winter nights. Provide a variety of foods: fat balls, sunflower seeds, peanuts (in mesh feeders), mixed seed and kitchen scraps like grated cheese and cake crumbs. Supply fresh water daily, as natural sources may be frozen. Place feeders where birds can see approaching predators and near cover for quick escape. Regular feeding throughout winter genuinely saves bird lives and supports biodiversity.

Yes, December is an excellent time for planting bare-root trees in Ireland. The planting season runs from November through to March, and December plantings benefit from several months of root development in mild Irish soil before spring growth begins. Choose a day when the soil is moist but not frozen or waterlogged. Dig a generous hole, spread the roots out naturally and firm in well. Stake securely and water thoroughly even if the weather is wet. Bare-root trees planted in December in Ireland typically establish faster than those planted in late winter or spring.

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What To Do In Your Irish Garden In December