What to plant in December in Dubai

December is the calm centre of the planting season. Highs settle around 26°C, nights near 17°C, and rain becomes possible, about 16 mm in an average December. Roots grow steadily in these conditions, and anything planted now has three or four months of mild weather before the heat returns. Trees, palms, shrubs and climbers all go in, bedding fills gaps, and a final sowing of salad leaves, radishes, spring onions and herbs keeps the kitchen supplied into February.

It is also the month for light, formative pruning on trees such as Ghaf and Sidr, which builds a strong framework while growth is slow. Watch for cool-season pests, particularly aphids on soft new growth, and cut irrigation back as the nights lengthen. Pause the controller after rain. Winter colour planted in October is at its best now, and the garden is at its most usable, so make the most of it.