What Vegetables Can You Plant in December?
December might seem like a quiet month for gardeners, but it’s actually a great time to plant certain vegetables, especially if you prepare carefully and adapt to your local climate. Whether you live in a mild climate or a colder region, there are options for growing vegetables in December to enjoy fresh produce or prepare for a strong start to your spring garden.
Vegetables to Plant in December
For Cool or Mild Climates (USDA Zones 8-10):
In regions with milder winters, December is an excellent time to plant hardy crops that can grow through cooler weather or overwinter.
- Garlic
- Plant garlic cloves in well-drained soil for a delicious summer harvest.
- Onions
- Sow onion sets or seeds for a strong early spring crop.
- Spinach
- Choose a cold-hardy variety and protect it with a cloche or row cover if frost threatens.
- Lettuce
- Winter-hardy lettuce varieties can be planted directly in the soil or under a cold frame.
- Kale
- Known for thriving in cold weather, kale can even withstand light frosts and taste sweeter as a result.
- Swiss Chard
- Plant this versatile vegetable directly into the soil or as seedlings.
- Peas
- Early peas can be sown in December to sprout and grow in early spring.
- Carrots
- Carrots grow well in cool soil; use a cloche or mulch to protect seeds.
- Beets
- These hardy root vegetables can grow through the winter with some frost protection.
- Radishes
- Perfect for quick winter harvesting, radishes thrive in cooler soil.
- Broad Beans (Fava Beans)
- A fantastic overwintering crop, broad beans establish themselves now for a spring harvest.
For Colder Climates (USDA Zones 4-7):
In colder regions, focus on overwintering crops or using season extenders to make the most of December planting.
- Garlic
- Plant garlic cloves before the ground freezes for a robust spring start.
- Shallots
- Like garlic, shallots thrive when planted in late fall or early winter.
- Onion Sets
- Look for winter-hardy onion varieties that will survive freezing temperatures.
- Winter Greens
- Spinach, kale, and mustard greens can grow well in cold frames or greenhouses.
- Mache (Corn Salad)
- A cold-hardy salad green that thrives in frosty weather.
- Asian Greens (Tatsoi, Mizuna)
- These fast-growing greens are great for low light and cold conditions.
- Parsley
- Slow-growing but hardy, parsley can survive the winter with protection.
For Indoor Planting or Greenhouses
If outdoor gardening is off the table, December is the perfect time to start vegetables indoors to get a jump on the growing season.
- Tomatoes
- Start seeds indoors to have healthy seedlings ready for transplanting in spring.
- Peppers
- These slow-growing plants benefit from an early indoor start.
- Herbs
- Parsley, cilantro, and basil grow well in indoor pots, offering fresh flavors through winter.
Tips for Successful December Planting
- Use Season Extenders
Cloches, row covers, and cold frames protect young plants from frost and help regulate temperature. - Prepare the Soil
Winter planting requires well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Add compost or organic matter to ensure a strong start. - Mulch for Warmth
Applying a layer of mulch around plants can insulate the soil and protect roots from freezing temperatures. - Water Sparingly
Plants need less water in winter, but it’s important to ensure the soil doesn’t completely dry out.
Why December Planting Matters
Planting in December isn’t just about growing vegetables during the winter—it’s also about setting your garden up for success in the coming months. Overwintering crops are often more resilient, produce earlier harvests, and can make better use of garden space. By taking the time to plant now, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce in the colder months and get a head start on spring gardening.
So, bundle up, prepare your tools, and get planting! Winter doesn’t mean you have to stop growing—it’s just a new season for creativity in the garden.