The allotment in December

Dark and cold, often wet and sometimes snowy, this month can be bleak. If we are lucky we will have some beautifully crisp sunny days too. There is Christmas to look forward to, and just before that, the shortest day and the promise of another year of vegetable growing ahead. There are still things to do on the allotment in December but don’t forget to have a rest too!

Allotment jobs for December

Net brassicas to protect from birds. Pigeons are particularly partial to them and will strip them rapidly as food becomes scarce.

Keep an eye - and a nose! - on any crops you have stored. Unpleasant odours are a sign of rotting. Dispose of anything that doesn't look good before it affects the rest.

If you haven’t already done so, take stock of your seeds and order anything you need. Check packs for their sow by date. Whilst I have found that most seeds are viable beyond the advised date, it is likely that germination rates will decline. To avoid disappointment don’t keep them for too long.

On a fine day, take the opportunity to turn your compost. Any that is ready can be used as a mulch or separated out for use later in the year.

Tidy your shed and greenhouse in preparation for next year.

Seeds to sow in December

Some varieties of onion, especially for exhibition use, can be sown towards the end of December. They will need to be started in a warm, light place.

Plant out in the allotment in December

By tradition, shallot sets should be planted on the shortest day and harvested on the longest. Planting direct into the allotment in December isn’t usually practical. If you want an early crop consider starting them in pots for planting out in early spring. We prefer to wait until early spring.

Harvest from the allotment in December

Winter cabbage, Brussels sprouts, swede, parsnips and leeks will be available for harvesting from the allotment in December. All of these winter crops are hardy and will overwinter without protection. Root crops may be difficult to lift if temperatures stay below freezing for long periods so keep an eye on the forecast and cover with fleece or a deep mulch if it becomes necessary.