What to Plant in December in the USA

Meta Title: What to Plant in December: U.S. Zone Guide

Meta Description: Find what to plant in December by USDA zone, including vegetables, flowers, herbs, bulbs, indoor seeds, and winter protection tips.

Feature Image Prompt: Realistic December backyard garden in the United States with cool-season vegetables, winter flowers, bare-root plants, mulch, containers, and light frost.

Alt Text: U.S. December garden with winter vegetables, flowers, herbs, and protected planting beds

Caption: December planting depends on your climate, soil, and local frost dates.

Description: This guide shows U.S. gardeners what can be planted in December. It covers vegetables, herbs, flowers, bulbs, trees, indoor seeds, and winter protection.

Introduction

If you’re wondering what to plant in December, start with your USDA zone and local weather. December can be a productive growing month in warm states. It can also be a planning month in colder regions.

The biggest mistake is using one planting list for the entire country. This guide separates cold, mild, and warm conditions. You’ll also learn when to plant, when to start indoors, and when to wait.

Quick Answer

In December, warm U.S. regions can plant cool-season crops outdoors. Colder regions usually focus on indoor seed starting, dormant plants, protection, and spring planning.

TL;DR

• Check your zone and local frost dates first.
• Warm zones can grow winter vegetables outdoors.
• Cold zones may need indoor seed starting.
• Don’t work frozen or waterlogged soil.
• Dormant trees suit some December planting windows.
• Protect tender plants during hard freezes.

What to Plant in December by U.S. Climate

December planting changes dramatically across the United States. A mild coastal garden may still grow vegetables. A northern garden may have frozen soil.

Your USDA hardiness zone is useful, but it isn’t an exact planting calendar. Local frost dates, elevation, soil temperature, and weather can shift the best window.

Climate	December focus
Zones 3–5	Indoor starts, protection, planning
Zones 6–7	Protected growing and limited planting
Zone 8	Cool-season crops in suitable areas
Zones 9–10	Active winter vegetable gardening
Warm local climates	Vegetables, flowers, herbs, and some transplants

Current zone calendars support this broad pattern, with much more active December planting in Zones 9–10.

What to Plant in December in Zones 3–5

In Zones 3–5, outdoor December planting is often impractical. Frozen ground, snow, and short daylight can stop new plants from establishing.

That doesn’t mean the garden should be ignored. December is useful for indoor growing, seed planning, crop rotation, and protecting established plants.

• Start only seeds that fit your spring transplant schedule.
• Grow microgreens indoors for quick harvests.
• Test older seeds before spring.
• Review last season’s garden problems.
• Plan crop rotation before ordering seeds.
• Protect suitable perennials from severe cold.
• Check stored bulbs and garden supplies.
• Avoid digging frozen beds.

What to Plant in December in Zones 6–7

Zones 6–7 sit in a transition range. Some locations have workable soil, while others are already experiencing hard freezes.

Use local frost dates rather than assuming every garden in the zone has the same December window.

• Grow hardy greens under protection where suitable.
• Start selected long-season crops indoors.
• Use cold frames for winter growing.
• Avoid walking on saturated beds.
• Check local Extension planting calendars.
• Protect container roots during cold snaps.
• Harvest established winter crops.
• Prepare beds for early spring crops.

What to Plant in December in Zone 8

Zone 8 includes many different growing conditions. Parts of the South and West can support winter vegetables. Colder locations may need protection.

Kale, spinach, lettuce, and other cool-season crops can fit some December windows. Always check your local planting calendar first.

• Grow kale during suitable cool weather.
• Try spinach in mild locations.
• Plant lettuce when local temperatures allow.
• Sow radishes in workable soil.
• Consider carrots in suitable regions.
• Use row covers during cold snaps.
• Protect young transplants from frost.
• Stop planting when soil becomes saturated.

What to Plant in December in Zones 9–10

Zones 9–10 provide some of the strongest December planting opportunities. Many gardeners can grow a winter vegetable garden while northern gardens are dormant.

University Extension calendars support cool-season vegetables in warm regions, although exact crops vary by state and local climate.

• Plant leafy greens during the local planting window.
• Grow spinach in cool conditions.
• Sow radishes where temperatures remain suitable.
• Try carrots in well-prepared beds.
• Grow beets during appropriate winter conditions.
• Plant peas where local calendars recommend them.
• Transplant suitable brassicas.
• Protect tender crops from unexpected freezes.

Best Vegetables to Plant in December

The best December vegetables are usually cool-season crops. Warm areas offer the widest selection.

Spinach, kale, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, peas, and brassicas can all appear in December planting calendars. However, the correct method and timing vary by region.

• Spinach: Good choice for many cool winter gardens.
• Kale: Handles cool temperatures better than many crops.
• Lettuce: Works best during mild conditions.
• Radishes: Useful where soil remains workable.
• Carrots: Suitable for selected mild winter areas.
• Beets: Prefer cool growing conditions.
• Peas: Best in climates with an appropriate winter window.
• Broccoli: Often suited to mild winter gardens.
• Cabbage: Can work as a cool-season crop.
• Collards: Useful in many Southern winter gardens.

Herbs to Plant in December

Herbs offer flexible December options. Cold-climate gardeners can grow some indoors, while warm regions may continue outdoor herb gardening.

Parsley, cilantro, chives, thyme, rosemary, and oregano can fit different winter situations. Light and drainage become especially important indoors.

• Parsley: Suits cool conditions.
• Cilantro: Prefers cooler weather.
• Chives: Work well in containers.
• Rosemary: Needs strong light and good drainage.
• Thyme: Avoid constantly wet soil.
• Oregano: Can grow indoors with adequate light.
• Mint: Containers help control its spread.
• Sage: Can suit mild outdoor climates.

Flowers to Plant in December

December flowers depend heavily on winter temperature. Mild regions can use cool-season flowers for color. Cold regions should use protected containers or wait for spring.

Pansies, violas, snapdragons, calendula, and other cool-season flowers can fit suitable regional calendars.

• Pansies: Useful for cool-season color.
• Violas: Tolerate cool conditions well.
• Snapdragons: Suitable for many mild winter areas.
• Calendula: Can work in mild climates.
• Alyssum: Useful for suitable winter gardens.
• Primroses: Prefer cool, protected conditions.
• Choose varieties suited to your local winter.
• Protect tender flowers during hard freezes.

Bulbs, Trees, and Bare-Root Plants

December can be a good time for dormant planting when soil remains workable. Bare-root trees and shrubs are commonly handled while dormant.

Spring bulbs also depend on regional timing. Never force a planting job when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

• Plant dormant stock only when soil is workable.
• Keep bare roots from drying out.
• Follow the nursery’s planting depth.
• Check whether your bulb needs winter chilling.
• Avoid digging saturated soil.
• Water newly planted stock when conditions require it.
• Keep mulch away from trunks and crowns.
• Choose plants suited to your local climate.

Can You Plant Garlic in December?

Sometimes. Garlic timing varies considerably by region and garlic type.

University of Arizona guidance, for example, includes December garlic windows in some lower-elevation areas. That doesn’t mean December garlic planting works everywhere in the United States.

• Check your local garlic planting window first.
• Use healthy planting cloves.
• Choose a well-drained bed.
• Plant cloves with the pointed end upward.
• Avoid constantly wet soil.
• Add suitable winter mulch where needed.
• Expect later planting to affect establishment.
• Don’t treat December as a nationwide garlic deadline.

Seeds to Start Indoors in December

Indoor seed starting is most useful when a crop needs a long growing period. It also gives cold-climate gardeners a way to work during winter.

The goal isn’t to start everything early. Starting too soon can create oversized seedlings before outdoor conditions are suitable.

• Read the seed packet before starting.
• Calculate the expected transplant date.
• Use containers with drainage.
• Provide strong light.
• Keep seedlings evenly moist, not soaked.
• Give crowded seedlings more space.
• Maintain good airflow.
• Harden seedlings before transplanting outdoors.

Winter Sowing in December

Winter sowing uses outdoor winter conditions to help certain hardy seeds experience natural cold. It can be useful for appropriate flowers, perennials, and other cold-tolerant plants.

It isn’t suitable for every crop. Choose seeds that tolerate this method and keep containers protected from excessive moisture.

• Choose seeds suited to winter sowing.
• Use containers with drainage.
• Keep containers outdoors where appropriate.
• Provide ventilation.
• Prevent containers from becoming waterlogged.
• Monitor them during warm spells.
• Watch for seedlings in spring.
• Follow crop-specific instructions when available.

Soil, Sunlight, and Watering in December

Winter soil needs careful handling. Digging frozen or saturated soil can damage its structure.

Shorter days also reduce available sunlight, especially in northern states. Choose bright locations for winter crops and indoor plants.

• Don’t work frozen soil.
• Don’t walk repeatedly on saturated beds.
• Choose the brightest suitable garden location.
• Check container drainage.
• Water according to actual soil moisture.
• Reduce unnecessary watering during cold weather.
• Use mulch where it helps moderate soil temperature.
• Check plants after unusual weather.

Protecting Plants From Frost

Frost protection is especially important when a warm period is followed by a sudden freeze. Young plants and tender crops need the most attention.

Use suitable covers and follow local recommendations. Do not leave protective materials in place longer than needed.

• Check the forecast before cold nights.
• Cover sensitive plants before damaging temperatures arrive.
• Use breathable frost protection.
• Protect container roots during severe cold.
• Remove covers when weather improves.
• Keep mulch away from plant crowns.
• Inspect plants after freezing weather.
• Delay major pruning of cold-damaged growth.

December Container Gardening

Containers are useful when garden beds are frozen, crowded, or unsuitable. They also let you move tender plants to protected areas.

Choose containers with drainage and match each plant to the available winter light.

• Grow herbs in sunny containers.
• Try lettuce or greens in mild areas.
• Use suitable potting mix.
• Make sure excess water can escape.
• Move tender pots before hard freezes.
• Avoid keeping containers constantly wet.
• Rotate indoor plants for balanced light.
• Check moisture more often in heated rooms.

Common December Planting Mistakes

The biggest mistake is treating December as one nationwide growing season. Current Extension guidance shows how strongly planting choices change between warm and cold regions.

A successful December garden depends more on timing than on the number of plants you put in the ground.

• Don’t use one planting calendar nationwide.
• Don’t plant frozen soil.
• Don’t work saturated soil.
• Don’t ignore local frost dates.
• Don’t assume your zone gives exact dates.
• Don’t start seeds indoors without a transplant plan.
• Don’t overwater dormant plants.
• Don’t expose tender plants to hard freezes.
• Don’t force warm-season crops into cold soil.
• Don’t confuse harvesting with new planting.

FAQs

What can I plant in December in the USA?

Warm regions can plant many cool-season vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Cold regions often focus on indoor starts, dormant plants, protection, and spring planning.

What vegetables can I plant in December?

Spinach, kale, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, peas, broccoli, and cabbage can fit December windows in suitable climates. Your local calendar determines which ones make sense.

Is December too late to plant a garden?

No, not everywhere. December can be an active growing month in warm climates, while colder regions may need to wait.

Can I plant garlic in December?

December garlic planting can work in some warmer regions. In colder areas, it may be too late for the best establishment.

Can I plant trees in December?

Dormant trees and shrubs can often be planted when the soil is workable. Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or saturated.

What seeds should I start indoors in December?

Start only crops that benefit from an early start in your region. Check the seed packet and count backward from your expected outdoor transplant date.

What should I do if my soil is frozen?

Leave it alone until conditions improve. Use the time for seed planning, tool care, indoor growing, and garden design.

Conclusion

Knowing what to plant in December starts with your climate, not a nationwide crop list. Warm regions can continue growing cool-season vegetables, while colder areas may gain more from indoor starts and winter preparation.

Before you plant, check your local frost dates, inspect the soil, and choose crops suited to your winter conditions. That small check can prevent a poorly timed planting and give your spring garden a better start.