Tasks for December
Remove all fallen leaves from the plants to prevent the spread of fungal diseases. Old plants that are going to be kept indoors require frost-free conditions. Remove all fallen leaves and debris from pot tops, reduce growth by about a third and keep the compost just moist. Further pruning will be done in the spring. This month is probably the easiest. All you can really do at this time of the year is keep an eye on your over- wintering plants. Don’t just leave them and expect everything to be fine. You should continue to check them daily and more thoroughly once a week, and deal with any problems that you may find. Remember to check the plants at the back of the staging. Check each plant individually to see if it requires water and if so give it a little (eggcup full), but do not over-water. Remove any dropped or yellowing leaves that are on the compost or staging. Spray regularly with a fungicide and on bright, dry days, continue to open vents and the door. If the greenhouse is heated ensure that the glass is kept clean and maximum light is allowed to enter. Too much heat together with low light levels will cause plants to grow tall and spindly. Order catalogues from nurseries if you plan to add new varieties to your collection.
