GardenAdvice Christmas 2025 Gardening Calendar
Growing early potatoes in containers
Christmas in the garden is a quieter moment, but it’s also a surprisingly useful time to set yourself up for a strong start in 2026. The GardenAdvice Christmas 2025 Gardening Calendar is designed as a practical check-in for the weeks around Christmas and into early January—focused on tidy, preventative work, weather-watching, and a few quick wins that make spring easier.
Even if the garden looks “done” for the year, winter jobs matter: protecting plants from cold snaps, keeping paths safe, checking stored crops, and planning what you’ll grow next. These are the tasks that prevent losses and help you hit the ground running when daylight returns.
Below you’ll find a calendar-style guide for the next few weeks, with links to GardenAdvice resources where available. Use it as a flexible plan—swap tasks around depending on your weather, soil conditions, and whether you garden in containers, borders, or an allotment.
GardenAdvice Christmas 2025 Gardening Calendar
The Christmas period is ideal for gentle maintenance rather than heavy digging, especially if the ground is wet or frozen. Focus on keeping structures secure, checking protections, and doing small jobs that reduce problems later—like removing slippery leaves from paths and keeping drainage channels clear.
It’s also a great time to inspect plants and borders after wind and rain. Stakes, ties, and supports often loosen in winter storms, and evergreen shrubs can suffer from wind-rock. A quick walk-round with secateurs, soft ties, and a torch can prevent damage that only becomes obvious in spring.
Finally, Christmas week is perfect for planning and record-keeping. Make notes on what performed well, what struggled, and which areas need attention (drainage, shade, pests). If you’re itching to do something outdoors but the weather is poor, cleaning pots, organising labels, and checking seed stocks are worthwhile winter “gardening” tasks.
Key Tasks for the Next Few Weeks
Week-by-week checklist (late Dec 2025 to mid Jan 2026)
Week 1: Christmas Week (22–28 December)
Clear slippery leaves from paths, patios, and lawns to prevent accidents and reduce lawn damage. See general lawn care and mowing guidance on GardenAdvice (lawns section). GardenAdvice.co.uk
Check for wind damage after storms. Firm in any loosened shrubs or trees and re-tie stakes and supports where needed.
Protect vulnerable plants before forecast frosts — use horticultural fleece, straw, or move pots into more sheltered positions.
Inspect stored crops such as onions, potatoes, and apples. Remove any rotting produce promptly.
Clean and tidy the garden: wash pots and trays, and disinfect greenhouse tools and staging if needed.
Useful reading:
🌿 GardenAdvice Home & Learning Hub – https://www.gardenadvice.co.uk/ GardenAdvice.co.uk
Week 2: Between Christmas and New Year (29 December–4 January)
Prune only where appropriate in winter — focus on dead or damaged wood. See Seasonal Garden Maintenance from GardenAdvice for pruning timing and tips. GardenAdvice.co.uk
Check compost bins and bays. Keep lids secure, balance materials, and prevent waterlogging.
Support garden birds by keeping feeders topped up and water sources ice-free.
Plan crop rotations and order seeds early using the GardenAdvice guides and plant information page. GardenAdvice.co.uk
Useful reading:
🌱 GardenAdvice Gardening Tips – https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-tips/ GardenAdvice.co.uk
Week 3: Early January (5–11 January)
Check lawns regularly. Stay off frozen grass to prevent damage, and if conditions are milder, brush away worm casts.
Inspect fences, gates, sheds, and greenhouse glazing after storms.
Look for early signs of pests:
- For vine weevil identification & control, see Vine Weevil Damage – Identification, Causes, and Control. GardenAdvice.co.uk
- For general pest info, you can also see GardenAdvice pest guides. GardenAdvice.co.uk
If soil is workable, apply a light mulch to borders.
Useful reading:
🌿 GardenAdvice Lawn Advice (general lawn topics) – https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/lawns/ GardenAdvice.co.uk
Week 4: Mid January (12–18 January)
Start chitting early potatoes in a cool, light place ahead of planting — use GardenAdvice vegetable planning guides when available. GardenAdvice.co.uk
In mild spells, tidy perennials carefully, cutting back only what has collapsed and leaving stems for wildlife.
Check houseplants and overwintering tender plants for pests — see GardenAdvice pest control and plant health pages. GardenAdvice.co.uk
Review your garden plans for the year ahead: think about moving shrubs, adding bulbs, and layout changes before growth begins.
Useful reading:
🌼 GardenAdvice Garden Advice Service & Guides – https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-advice/ GardenAdvice.co.uk
The GardenAdvice Christmas 2025 Gardening Calendar is all about staying one step ahead—protecting plants, keeping things safe and tidy, and doing just enough now to make spring simpler. Winter gardening isn’t about forcing progress; it’s about smart checks, gentle care, and good preparation. Keep an eye on the forecast, choose tasks that match your conditions, and use the quieter weeks to plan a garden that will thrive when the days begin to lengthen again.
