• Raise plant pots onto feet to prevent waterlogged compost that can freeze during cold weather.
• Hungry pigeons love brassicas so protect your winter cabbage and kale with netting.
• December is the last chance before spring to destroy dormant insects and their eggs that overwinter on trees and fruit bushes. This will avoid problems when the growing season starts.
• Toughen up your lawn and keep moss growth under control over the winter months with an affordable quality lawn treatment. Remember to keep off the grass when it is frosty to help prevent damage.
• As plants die back take the opportunity to check your hard landscaping and repair paths and steps. Using aggregates to form a new path or revitalise an old one can be a cost effective way of giving a garden a makeover.
• Support Brussels sprouts planted in exposed beds with canes to prevent them falling in strong winter winds.
• If pruning larger fruit trees remember to seal cut branches to protect from damp, frost and harmful bacteria.
• If you are growing rhubarb then why not force your crop. Simply use a large pot to cover the plant for sweeter and tenderer stems.
• Make a regular check on greenhouses, scraping snow off the roof to avoid the weight breaking panes. Seal any broken panes with a suitable waterproof tape or flexible mastic to allow for expansion and contraction if they are going to be replaced.

Whatever 2022 has brought your way the Elixir Gardens team would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a wonderfully productive 2023.