The December Holiday Season and Your Garden.
December in Kenya is a season of joy, travel, and family gatherings. Many households plan Christmas trips to the coast, upcountry visits, or extended vacations abroad. But while you’re away, your garden still faces the challenges of hot weather, occasional rains, and pest activity.
Whether you own a lawn in Nairobi, a flower garden in Kiambu, a vegetable patch in Machakos, or potted plants on your balcony, leaving them unattended can lead to:
- Drying or wilting of plants.
- Overgrown grass and weeds.
- Pest or fungal infestations.
- Soil dehydration.
- Plant stress or death.
At Bestcare Gardeners Kenya, we help homeowners keep their gardens healthy and thriving even while they’re away. This December garden preparation checklist ensures peace of mind during your holiday.
Step 1: Deep Watering Before You Leave.
Watering is the foundation of garden survival. In December’s heat, plants lose moisture quickly.
Why deep watering matters:
- Moisture penetrates into the root zone.
- Plants stay hydrated longer.
- Soil maintains ideal moisture levels during hot days.
Pro Tips:
- Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
- Use a hose or watering can to soak soil thoroughly.
- For lawns, water until the soil is moist at least 15 cm deep.
👉 Bestcare Gardeners Kenya can install automatic drip irrigation systems or slow‑release watering bulbs, perfect for long trips.
Step 2: Apply a Thick Layer of Mulch.
Mulching is one of the most effective holiday garden care practices.
Benefits of mulching in December:
- Prevents rapid evaporation.
- Keeps soil cool.
- Suppresses weed growth.
- Reduces the need for frequent watering.
Best mulch options in Kenya:
- Grass cuttings.
- Wood chips.
- Bark.
- Compost.
- Dry leaves.
Apply a 5-8 cm layer around plant bases. Avoid piling mulch against stems to prevent rot.
Step 3: Remove Weeds and Unwanted Growth.
Weeds compete with plants for water and nutrients. If left unchecked, they spread aggressively during December rains.
Checklist:
- Pull weeds from the root.
- Edge pathways and flowerbeds.
- Remove invasive grass creeping into vegetable patches.
👉 Bestcare offers pre‑holiday weeding services to leave your garden spotless.
Step 4: Prune and Trim Overgrown Plants.
Pruning keeps plants healthy and manageable.
Benefits of pruning in December:
- Improves airflow.
- Reduces plant stress.
- Keeps shrubs, hedges, and climbers tidy.
- Prevents pests hiding in bushy areas.
Examples:
- Trim bougainvillea to prevent overgrowth.
- Cut back sukuma wiki (collard greens) to encourage fresh shoots.
- Shape hedges for neatness.
👉 Bestcare Gardeners Kenya provides professional pruning and trimming services before holidays.
Step 5: Mow and Manicure Your Lawn.
A well‑cut lawn survives holidays better.
Tips for pre‑holiday lawn care:
- Cut grass slightly higher than usual, longer blades protect roots from heat.
- Clear clippings and debris.
- Water the lawn deeply.
- Edge around walkways and flowerbeds.
👉 For longer trips, Bestcare offers scheduled lawn‑mowing and maintenance visits.
Step 6: Inspect for Pests and Diseases.
Hot December weather is ideal for pests.
Common Kenyan garden pests:
- Aphids on roses and sukuma wiki.
- Whiteflies on tomatoes.
- Caterpillars on cabbages.
- Mealy bugs on ornamentals.
Inspection checklist:
- Check leaves (top and underside).
- Look for holes, discoloration, sticky residue.
- Treat problems early with organic sprays (neem oil, garlic solution).
👉 Bestcare can perform a full garden health inspection and apply preventive treatments.
Step 7: Feed Your Plants with Fertilizer.
A light feeding strengthens plants before your trip.
Best options:
- Slow‑release fertilizers.
- Organic compost.
- Liquid seaweed fertilizers.
Avoid heavy chemical feeding, which can shock plants in hot weather.
Step 8: Set Up an Automatic or Manual Watering Plan.
If you’ll be away for more than a week, consistent watering is crucial.
Options include:
✔ Drip irrigation systems.
✔ Slow‑release watering bulbs.
✔ Clay pot (olla) irrigation.
✔ Weekly Bestcare gardener visits.
👉 Bestcare Gardeners Kenya specializes in irrigation setup and maintenance.
Step 9: Move Potted Plants to Cooler, Shaded Areas.
Pots dry out faster than garden beds.
Tips:
- Move pots under shade or verandas.
- Group them together to maintain humidity.
- Place trays beneath pots (avoid waterlogging).
- Indoor plants thrive with indirect light.
Step 10: Secure Your Garden from Damage.
Kenya’s December weather can bring sudden winds or heavy rains.
Secure:
- Patio furniture.
- Garden décor.
- Hanging plants.
- Trellises.
- Loose items that may blow away.
This prevents damage to both your garden and property.
Step 11: Arrange for a Garden Care Service.
For long holidays, professional care is the best solution.
Bestcare offers:
- Weekly or twice‑weekly garden check‑ins.
- Watering and irrigation management.
- Lawn mowing.
- Weeding.
- Pest control.
- Landscaping touch‑ups.
👉 You return to a thriving, well‑kept garden, not a disaster.
Why Choose Bestcare Gardeners Kenya?
With years of expertise across Nairobi and surrounding counties, we provide:
✔ Reliable, scheduled garden maintenance.
✔ Professional garden health checks.
✔ Christmas & holiday season garden packages.
✔ Trained and vetted gardeners.
✔ Affordable rates.
✔ Same‑day service on request.
Your garden is an investment, let us protect it while you enjoy your vacation.
Book a Holiday Garden Maintenance Service Today.
Don’t leave your garden at risk this festive season. Let Bestcare Gardeners Kenya keep it hydrated, healthy, and thriving.
Call / WhatsApp: 0725 548 383
Website: BestcareGardeners.co.ke
Email: info@bestcare.co.ke
Enjoy your holiday with peace of mind, your garden is in good hands.