The Complete December Gardening Guide

The Complete December Gardening Guide what to do when there's not much to do Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:01:13 GMT https://carmeninthegarden.substack.com/p/the-complete-december-gardening-guide As the year winds down and winter settles in, December offers a moment to pause, reflect, and prepare for the seasons ahead. In Southern California, the mild climate keeps us gardening year-round, while those in colder regions may focus on winterizing and dreaming up plans for spring. December is the perfect month for tending to what’s still growing, planning next year’s garden, and embracing the cozy rhythms of winter. This guide will provide you with:

Garden Planning & Winter Tasks

Seeds to Sow

Flowering Bulbs

Transplants to Plant

Monthly Produce Guide

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Garden Planning & Winter Tasks While I usually prefer to stay in the moment—ignoring holiday ads in August and waiting until it feels right to put up my Christmas tree—gardening is the one area where planning ahead isn’t just acceptable; it’s essential. A thriving season starts with a little foresight and a lot of imagination. December might seem like the garden’s quietest month, but I’d argue it’s one of the most exhilarating. This is the time to dream big, dive into seed catalogs, spark ideas with a Pinterest board, and let your creativity take the lead. It’s when we turn daydreams into plans, craft wish lists, and envision the garden we’ll nurture in the year ahead. There’s something magical about laying the groundwork for what’s to come.

Here are some practical steps I’ll be taking to plan for the next season, along with essential tasks to set your garden up for success:

1. Reflect on This Year’s Garden Take a moment to review what worked and what didn’t in your garden this year. Was there a variety of tomato you loved? A patch of greens that didn’t thrive? Make note of successes and challenges to guide your plans for next year. Write down observations in a garden journal. Think about pest issues, watering habits, and plant spacing. Consider rotating crops to keep your soil healthy. Here are my reflections from last year:
2. Plan Your Spring Garden Start sketching your garden layout and researching what you want to grow. This is also a great time to dive into companion planting strategies to maximize your space and yields.

Some of my favorite seed companies are: Uprising Seeds, Siskiyou Seeds, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Johnny’s Seeds, High Mowing Seeds, Botanical Interests and my local nursery. Be sure to keep your seeds stored in a cool, dry place.

One of my favorite books to help understand companion planting better is Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden .

Here are other posts that will help you plan your Spring garden:

1. Order Bare Root Trees and Vines December is the time to plan for bare root fruit trees and vines, which are typically shipped in January or February. These are dormant plants that are more affordable and easier to establish than potted ones. I purchased most of my fruit trees from Trees of Antiquity and citrus trees from Four Winds Growers .
2. Winterize Your Garden Prepare your garden for the colder months to protect it and set yourself up for spring success:

Add mulch to protect soil and prevent erosion. Learn more about mulch here .

Prune dormant perennials and clean up any plant debris to reduce overwintering pests.

1. Compost Maintenance Your compost pile still needs attention in the winter! Turn it regularly and continue adding organic matter from your home and garden. Use a tarp or insulated cover to keep your pile warm and active. Add root vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, shredded cardboard boxes from holiday shopping, fallen leaves and garden clippings. Learn all about compost here:
2. Build or Buy Raised Beds and Structures With the slower pace of the winter season, now is the perfect time to tackle garden projects you’ve been putting off.

Build raised beds, cold frames, or a new compost bin.

Install trellises for climbing crops like beans or peas. (we did this just this past weekend!)

Seeds to Sow December may be a quieter month for direct sowing, but there are still opportunities to plant frost-tolerant crops in mild climates or start seeds indoors for a head start on spring.

Vegetables and Herbs Beets : Sow seeds ½ inch deep and 2-3 inches apart. Thin seedlings to ensure proper root development. Beets are frost-tolerant and offer both edible roots and greens.

Carrots : Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in loose, sandy soil free of rocks. Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart for optimal root growth.

Chives : Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and space closely. Chives prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Regular harvesting encourages growth.

Fava Beans : Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart. Excellent for fixing nitrogen in the soil, they produce buttery beans in early spring. Soak seeds for up to 12 hours before planting to improve germination. Planting around fruit trees can provide a nutrient boost - this is what I do!

Garlic : Plant cloves pointed side up, about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Mulch heavily to protect from frost and maintain soil warmth.

Lettuce : Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, spacing 6 inches apart. Lettuce thrives in cool weather and tolerates light frost. Harvest outer leaves to extend production.

Onions Sets : Space 4-6 inches apart in well-drained soil. These will overwinter and develop into strong plants come spring.

Peas : Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Peas thrive in cool weather and can overwinter in mild climates for an early spring harvest. Soak pea seeds for up to 12 hours before sowing to aid in germination.

Radishes : Sow seeds ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart. These quick-growing crops can still be planted in mild areas for a fast winter harvest.

Spinach : Sow seeds ½ inch deep and 6 inches apart. Spinach is frost-tolerant and can benefit from row covers in colder regions.

Turnips : Sow seeds ½ inch deep and 3-4 inches apart. Turnips grow quickly, producing edible roots and nutritious greens.

Flowers Calendula : Sow seeds directly into the soil in mild climates. This frost-tolerant flower thrives in cool weather and brightens winter gardens.

Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) : Sow seeds directly into well-draining soil. These delicate blooms will appear in spring.

Pansies and Violas : Start seeds indoors or outdoors in frost-free areas. Hardy and colorful, these flowers bring cheer to winter landscapes.

Snapdragons : Sow seeds indoors or in a protected outdoor area. These cool-weather flowers will bloom in early spring.

Sweet Peas : Sow seeds directly into the soil about 1 inch deep. Sweet peas thrive in cool temperatures and will bloom in late winter or early spring.

Flowering Bulbs December is still a good time to plant bulbs in warmer climates, or in colder areas if the ground hasn’t frozen yet:

Daffodils: Plant bulbs 6 inches deep and spaced 4-6 inches apart. These flowers will bloom in early spring.

Tulips: Plant bulbs 4-6 inches deep with the pointed end up. Chill them for 6-8 weeks before planting in warmer climates.

Hyacinths: These fragrant flowers require chilling in warmer regions but can be planted outdoors in colder areas.

Ranunculus: In mild climates, plant ranunculus corms 2 inches deep with the claws facing downward.

Alliums: Plant bulbs 3-4 inches deep for beautiful, globe-shaped flowers in late spring.

Transplants to Plant If you live in a frost-free or mild region, December is an excellent time to set out transplants to keep your garden productive and colorful. Here’s a list of vegetables, herbs, and flowers to consider:

Vegetables and Herbs Brassicas (Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower) : Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Mulch to regulate soil temperature and protect roots from cold.

Herbs (Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary) : These cold-hardy herbs thrive in winter and enhance seasonal cooking. Space 6-12 inches apart in sunny areas.

Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Chard, Kale) : Space 6-12 inches apart. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage ongoing growth.

Strawberries : Plant everbearing varieties in frost-free areas for early spring berries. Mulch heavily to insulate and protect roots.

Flowers Cyclamen : Bright and showy, cyclamen thrives in containers or shaded garden spots.

Dusty Miller : With its striking silver foliage, dusty miller adds texture and complements colorful blooms. It’s also frost-tolerant.

Ornamental Kale and Cabbage : While not technically flowers, these plants feature vibrant, ruffled leaves that add beautiful structure to beds and borders.

Pansies and Violas : Perfect for pots, borders, or garden beds, these hardy blooms thrive in cool weather and offer cheerful color all winter.

Stock : This fragrant flower performs well in cooler temperatures, providing lovely blooms in late winter or early spring.

Monthly Produce Guide: What’s in Season December’s harvest celebrates hearty vegetables and citrus. Whether you’re harvesting from your garden or shopping locally at farmers markets, these seasonal ingredients are at their peak. Farmers markets are excellent for sourcing fresh, flavorful produce, and you can often learn preparation tips directly from growers. Supporting local farmers also ensures your ingredients are sustainably grown and regionally adapted.

Citrus Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines bring brightness to winter dishes. Their zest and juice add vibrancy to savory and sweet recipes alike.

Make a Citrus & Fennel Salad by pairing orange segments with thinly sliced fennel, olive oil, and flaky salt.

Prepare a quick Meyer Lemon Pasta with olive oil, lemon zest, and Parmesan for a bright, comforting meal.

For breakfast, layer grapefruit segments with yogurt , honey, and granola for a parfait.

Pomegranates Pomegranates add jewel-like seeds that deliver a burst of tart sweetness to salads, desserts, and even drinks.

Toss pomegranate seeds with spinach, feta, and balsamic dressing for a Spinach & Pomegranate Salad .

Make a versatile Pomegranate Syrup by reducing the juice with honey; drizzle over pancakes, yogurt, or roasted vegetables.

Sprinkle seeds as a garnish for holiday cocktails.

Root Vegetables Root vegetables such as carrots, beets, parsnips, and celery root offer earthy, comforting flavors ideal for winter cooking.

Roast them with olive oil and herbs for an easy, caramelized side dish.

Mash parsnips and celery root with butter and cream for a rich alternative to mashed potatoes.

Create a classic Beet & Goat Cheese Salad with roasted beets, arugula, and walnuts.

Greens Greens like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, bok choy, mustard greens, and collard greens thrive in December and bring a nutrient boost to any meal.

Sauté Swiss chard with garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon for a simple, flavorful side.

Make a hearty Winter Greens & White Bean Soup by simmering kale and spinach with broth and white beans.

Add chopped greens to stews or smoothies for extra vitamins and minerals.

Brassicas Brassicas such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are cold-weather powerhouses that add texture and flavor to winter cooking.

Roast Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze for a crispy, caramelized side.

Blend roasted cauliflower with vegetable broth and cream for a silky Cauliflower Soup .

Stir-fry broccoli with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a quick, healthy meal.

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