Rake up leaves on the lawn. Tie-in long whippy shoots of climbers and wall shrubs. Prune roses to prevent wind-rock. Now is the time to prune most deciduous trees, a lot of deciduous ornamental grasses can be left until the spring.
Prune grapevines after leaf fall, but before the end of December to avoid ‘bleeding’ of sap. Plant tulip bulbs now, once other spring bulbs are in, thereby lessening their chance of being infected by the fungal disease Tulip blight.
Keep overwintering brassicas covered with netting to prevent pigeon damage. Plant garlic cloves and shallots, (if not done last month). Lift and divide rhubarb crowns.
Start winter pruning apple and pear trees. Turves can still be lain now, providing the ground isn’t frozen but keep off lawns in wet weather to avoid compacting the soil.
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