Just because it’s December doesn’t mean your gardening has to come to a halt. While the colder weather might make it seem like planting season is over, there are still plenty of plants that thrive during these cooler months.
From hardy greens to fragrant herbs, December can be the perfect time to grow something fresh, whether it’s in your garden or on a sunny windowsill indoors.
These 10 plants prove that winter doesn’t have to put a stop to your green thumb ambitions. They’re easy to grow, resilient, and a great way to keep your love for gardening alive—even when temperatures drop.
Kale
Braving the frost, kale is a resilient leafy green ideal for winter gardens. Its flavor intensifies with cold, adding a robust taste to your dishes.
Besides its culinary appeal, kale is packed with nutrients, offering a health boost during chilly months.
Plant it in well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Regular watering keeps it thriving, but ensure it doesn’t waterlog.
Even as temperatures drop, kale’s hardy nature ensures you’ll enjoy fresh greens through December and beyond.
Consider companion planting with onions to naturally deter pests and support healthier growth.
Brussels Sprouts
Standing tall and proud, Brussels sprouts are winter’s little gems. Perfect for roasting or steaming, they offer a rich, nutty flavor that complements any meal.
Their cold tolerance ensures they remain a staple in your garden throughout the season.
Position them in a sunny spot with fertile soil. Regular harvesting encourages continuous production, making them an enduring winter crop.
Mulching around the base retains soil moisture and warmth, essential for surviving cold nights. Their slow growth requires patience, but the reward is well worth the wait.
Spinach
Spinach is a fast-growing, nutrient-rich plant that flourishes in cooler weather. Its tender leaves are perfect for salads, soups, and smoothies, providing versatility in your kitchen.
Sow seeds directly into the garden, ensuring a location with partial shade and moist soil. Even as the ground cools, spinach’s rapid growth ensures a continuous supply of fresh greens.
Regular harvesting of outer leaves promotes new growth, ensuring you have a bountiful supply throughout the winter months. Stay mindful of spacing to prevent overcrowding, which can inhibit growth.
Garlic
Planted in the fall, garlic bulbs lie dormant until spring, but their greenery can emerge even in December. As they peek through the soil, they promise a flavorful harvest in the months to come.
Choose a well-drained, sunny spot for planting, ensuring cloves are spaced adequately. This spacing is crucial for bulb development.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Garlic acts as a natural pest repellent, making it an excellent companion plant. Its presence deters unwanted insects, providing protection for other crops in your winter garden.
Winter Lettuce
Winter lettuce varieties thrive in colder temperatures, offering crisp, fresh leaves when other greens retreat. Their adaptability makes them a favorite for winter salads and sandwiches.
Plant in a sheltered area with partial sun to protect from harsh winds. Regular watering is key, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Mulching can help retain moisture and insulate roots.
Harvest leaves as needed, allowing the plant to continue producing. This cut-and-come-again method ensures a long-lasting supply throughout the chilly season.
Carrots
Carrots are an underground treasure that sweetness intensifies as the temperature drops. They remain snug beneath the soil, unaffected by frost, and are ready to harvest on demand.
Ensure they are planted in loose, sandy soil to prevent deformities. Consistent watering supports their development, but it’s crucial to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Thin seedlings early to ensure robust growth, and consider cloche protection for extreme temperatures. Their sweet, crunchy flavor makes them a rewarding winter crop.
Parsley
Offering a burst of flavor, parsley thrives even in the chill of December. Its fresh, peppery taste enhances soups, stews, and garnishes, making it a versatile addition to your garden.
Plant in a sunny spot with fertile, well-draining soil. Regularly harvesting the outer leaves encourages continuous growth and prevents the plant from bolting.
Parsley adds visual appeal with its vibrant green leaves, contrasting beautifully against the winter backdrop. It’s a hardy herb that proves valuable year-round.
Radishes
Quick to mature, radishes provide a spicy crunch that livens up salads and dishes. Their rapid growth makes them perfect for winter planting, offering quick gratification.
Directly sow seeds in well-drained soil with sufficient sunlight. Their ability to grow rapidly even in cooler temperatures ensures a quick harvest.
Maintain consistent moisture levels for optimal growth, and thin them out to prevent overcrowding. Radishes are a delightful addition to any winter garden, both visually and gastronomically.
Broad Beans
Known for their hardiness, broad beans are an excellent choice for winter planting. They withstand cold weather and provide delicious pods perfect for soups and side dishes.
Plant seeds in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight exposure. Support their growth with stakes as they rise, ensuring stability against winter winds.
Broad beans enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, benefiting future crops. Regular harvesting of pods encourages more production, ensuring a steady supply throughout the season.
Thyme
Thyme is a resilient herb that perfumes the air with its earthy aroma, even in winter. Its culinary uses are extensive, adding depth to roasts and marinades.
Plant in well-draining soil with full sun exposure. It’s drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering once established, making it perfect for low-maintenance winter gardening.
Prune regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent woodiness. Thyme remains a steadfast herb, offering flavor and fragrance throughout the cold months.