Many beginner gardeners are told that their gardening has to come to a halt when December arrives. I was once one of those beginners, believing this myth, which kept me from making any progress in my garden during my first few winters.
It wasn’t until later that I discovered the truth — there’s actually plenty you can plant and grow in the month of December, and even in other colder months!
In this article, I’ll be sharing nine vegetables you can plant in December, so you can enjoy and preserve fresh, homegrown produce all winter long. Let’s get after it!
9 Best Vegetables to Plant in December
9) Shallots
Many people confuse shallots with smaller-sized onions, but the two are definitely not the same. You can say that shallots are somewhat closely related to onions — like a cousin maybe.
They thrive if planted in December because they naturally prefer cooler temperatures for optimal growth.
8) Collard Greens
This green, frost-tolerant vegetable thrives in the cool month of December.
It’s packed with good nutrients and matures rather quickly in about 8 to 10 weeks, providing fresh, tender leaves that can add a crunchy, peppery touch to your soups and stews.
7) Fennel
This vegetable is a true zero-waste wonder, as every part of it from the leaves and seeds to the bulb is edible and delicious.
It’s an incredibly versatile vegetable that can be planted in December because it has a preference for cooler weather and mild frosts.
6) Celery Root
Celery root is slightly different from the conventional celery we all know and love. This unique vegetable is certainly an acquired taste since it does taste a little like celery but also doesn’t; you’ll know when you try it.
This is actually the first vegetable I planted in my December garden and it gave me a great harvest that is now stored in my pantry.
5) Bok Choy
As you can see, there’s a common trend: most leafy greens thrive in cooler temperatures. Bok choy is a hardy, Asian green that is ideally planted around December.
It’s commonly used in salads, soups, and stir-fries to add a crunchy pepperiness that most love.
4) Kale
Kale is known to thrive in cooler weather months such as December. Not only is it frost-hardy but it also improves flavor and texture after undergoing mild frosts and cold snaps.
It’s a versatile green that can be used in a variety of different dishes but it only has one requirement: a location with full sun.
3) Carrots
Like kale, carrots prefer cooler temperatures and tend to improve their flavor upon exposure to frost. The longer carrots endure frost, the sweeter and more tender they become.
They prefer loose, well-draining soil and a slow, steady growth cycle that allows them to develop the best they can.
2) Beets
This vibrant vegetable can add great color and beauty to your December garden, especially when the temperature is still mild.
Though their roots grow slowly over the winter months, the sweeter, earthier harvest that results from exposure to mild frost will make the wait well worth it.
1) Peas
Certain pea varieties can thrive in December in regions with milder winters. This cool-weather crop establishes roots during the cooler months and begins to sprout as temperatures rise somewhere around early spring.
Final Words
Now that I look back, I’m glad I pushed past the idea that gardening stops in December.
To be honest, growing vegetables throughout winter has become one of my favorite parts of the season. All you need for this is to be willing to experiment with the right crops and not let the cold weather stop you.
Trust me, you’ll be amazed at the rewards when the harvests come in!
These winter vegetables do they need to be covered when frost is expected?
Hi Terry!
Great question! Many of these winter vegetables, like kale, collard greens, and carrots, can tolerate frost and even taste sweeter afterward. However, for more delicate ones like bok choy or fennel, covering them with a frost blanket during extreme cold can help protect them and ensure they thrive. 🌱❄️