December: your home and garden checklist
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Guide written on 6 February 2024 by:
Sebastian, self-taught DIY-er, Exeter
Gardeners: take a well-earned rest
Of course, December can be a bit on the chilly side meaning you are limited in what you can do around the garden and vegetable patch. Make the most of your time off to keep on top of your garden hand and power tool maintenance, from checking handles to sharpening blades. Otherwise, there's still time to take care of your soil, plant bare root trees and prepare your cold-sensitive plants for the months ahead.
Time to fire up the chimney
Any long, quiet evening by the fireplace has to start with a bit of hard work with the chainsaw or axe! Anyone who missed the opportunity to process their wood in the autumn will have their work cut out for them now. So put on your best plaid shirt and get cracking! Make sure your chainsaw or log cutter is sharp and your wood is dry.
Don't get snowed in!
Did you know that as soon as the mercury in your car battery drops below 0°C, the battery loses about a third of its power? So it's no wonder if your old banger has trouble getting started in winter! When it comes to picking a snow shovel, remember there can be a huge difference in weight between tools. Choose wisely and save your energy for Christmas dinner! While the first snow and lowest temperatures get later and later every year, December is still winter. Don't get stuck out – invest in your snow removal tools now!
Keep cosy... and save some cash
By the time December comes around, the cold weather is officially here to stay. Making sure your home is well insulated and your heating system is up to scratch will help to keep bills down. Still feeling the chill? You can always invest in an extra heater to keep things toasty.
Don't fir-get the Christmas tree...
Worried about the carbon footprint of your Christmas tree? Don't know how to choose between a Noble fir or a Serbian spruce? Don't worry, we've done all the legwork to help you choose the perfect tree for your home. What's more, we'll tell you how to recycle your tree once Christmas is over!
Give the gift of practicality
We all know the drill when it comes to buying Christmas presents: books, chocolates, candles, clothes... But let's face it: most of us have a carpet that desperately needs cleaned or a shelf that's hanging off the wall. So why not shake things up this year with a more practical gift? Here are a few ideas to get you started!
Sleep off Christmas dinner in comfort
Over the festive season, all sleep rules go out the window. Nap after lunch? Sure. Nap before dinner? No problem! Considering in normal times we spend roughly one third of our lives sleeping or attempting to sleep, do yourself a favour and make sure you're sleeping in the most comfortable bed possible.
Santa Paws is coming to town...!
If you're not planning on giving your pup a Christmas present, the least you can do is give them a good chew to gnaw on! And while your cat is probably spending more time indoors, now is the perfect time to invest in a new litter tray. Meanwhile in the garden, robins, sparrow and other visiting birds can tuck into a nice dinner of seeds or snack on a fat ball.
Seeds
More information
Check out our monthly guides for tips and tricks on staying busy all year long!
Guide written by:
Sebastian, self-taught DIY-er, Exeter
Redo a roof with wooden beams? Check. Advise everybody in the DIY shop? Check. Redo bathroom plumbing? Check. If it doesn't work, try again! I'll do my best to advise you in your projects.
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