Introduction
December is a wonderful time to plant your vegetables and have them ready for the spring harvest. Say goodbye to store-bought produce and hello to freshly grown, flavorful vegetables that you can enjoy all summer long. In this article, we’ll explore 13 vegetables you can plant in December.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a cold-hardy vegetable that thrives in the cool temperatures of December. It’s packed with nutrients and can be harvested from March to May. Plant broccoli in well-drained soil and make sure to water consistently for optimal growth.
Can I plant broccoli outdoors in December?
Yes, you can plant broccoli outdoors in December. It’s recommended to start seeds indoors and then transplant them outside once they have sprouted. This will ensure that the seedlings are strong enough to survive the cooler temperatures outside.
Do I need to protect the plants from a freeze?
Broccoli can withstand light frosts, but it’s always a good idea to protect the plants from hard freezes. You can use a frost cloth or mulch around the base of the plant to provide insulation and prevent damage.
Carrots
Carrots are another hardy vegetable that can withstand cold temperatures. Plant them in loose, well-drained soil and make sure to water them consistently. You can harvest carrots in April or May.
Can I plant carrots outdoors in December?
Yes, you can plant carrots outdoors in December. However, it’s important to make sure that the ground is not frozen before planting. If the soil is too hard, it will be difficult for the seeds to germinate and grow. You can also start carrot seeds indoors and transplant them outside once they have sprouted.
Do Carrots need protection from frost?
No, carrots do not need protection from frost. In fact, some gardeners believe that a light frost can actually make carrots sweeter. However, if you’re expecting extended periods of freezing temperatures, it’s still a good idea to cover the plants with a frost cloth or mulch to protect them.
Kale
Kale is a powerhouse vegetable that can handle the cold temperatures of December. It’s packed with vitamins and nutrients and can be harvested from March to June. Plant kale in fertile, well-drained soil and water regularly for best results.
Can I plant kale outdoors in December?
Yes, you can plant kale outdoors in December. It’s recommended to start seeds indoors and then transplant them outside once they have sprouted. This will ensure that the seedlings are strong enough to survive the cooler temperatures outside.
Do I need to protect Kale from frost?
Kale is a hardy vegetable that can tolerate light frosts, but it’s always a good idea to protect the plants from hard freezes. You can use a frost cloth or mulch around the base of the plant to provide insulation and prevent damage. Additionally, kale can also be grown in containers which allows for easier protection during cold spells.
Spinach
Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be grown in containers or in the ground. It’s ideal for planting in December and can be harvested from March to June. Plant spinach in rich, well-drained soil and make sure to water consistently.
Can I plant Spinach seed outdoors in December?
Yes, spinach can be planted outdoors in December. It’s recommended to start seeds indoors and then transplant them outside once they have sprouted. This will ensure that the seedlings are strong enough to survive the cooler temperatures outside.
Do I need to protect Spinach from frost?
Spinach is a cold-hardy vegetable that can tolerate light frosts. However, it’s always a good idea to protect the plants from hard freezes. You can use a frost cloth or mulch around the base of the plant to provide insulation and prevent damage. Additionally, spinach can also be grown in containers which allows for easier protection during cold spells.
Cabbage (Any brassica)
Cabbage is a hardy vegetable that can handle cold temperatures and still produce a delicious harvest. It’s best to plant cabbage in December for an early spring crop. Make sure to plant in fertile, well-drained soil and water regularly.
Do I need to protect cabbage from frost?
Cabbage is a cold-tolerant vegetable but it’s always a good idea to protect it from hard freezes. You can use a frost cloth or mulch around the base of the plant to provide insulation and prevent damage. Cabbage can also be grown in containers for easier protection during colder weather.
Can I plant cabbage seed outdoors in December?
Yes, cabbage seeds can be planted outdoors in December. It’s recommended to start seeds indoors and then transplant them outside once they have sprouted. This will ensure that the seedlings are strong enough to withstand the colder temperatures outside.
Carrots
Carrots are a root vegetable that can be planted in December for an early spring harvest. They prefer loose, well-drained soil and consistent watering.
Can I plant carrot seeds outdoors in December?
Yes, you can plant carrot seeds outdoors in December. However, it’s important to make sure the soil is not frozen and that you have a layer of mulch or compost covering the seeds to keep them warm. Carrot seeds are also small and fragile, so be gentle when handling them and avoid overcrowding.
Do carrots need to be protected from frost?
Carrots are a hardy vegetables that can withstand light frosts, but they should be protected from hard freezes. Covering them with a frost cloth or mulching around the base of the plant can help protect them during colder weather. Carrots can also be grown in containers for easier protection.
What varieties of carrots grow well in cold weather?
Some varieties of carrots that do well in cold weather include “Nantes” and “Chantenay,” which are both known for their sweet flavor. Other options include “Bolero” and “Purple Haze,” which can also withstand colder temperatures. It’s always a good idea to check with your local gardening center or cooperative extension office to see what varieties are best suited for your specific climate.
Turnips
Turnips are root vegetables that can be planted in December for a late winter or early spring harvest. They thrive in cool temperatures and should be planted in well-drained soil with consistent watering. Harvest turnips when they are about the size of a golf ball.
Can I plant turnip seeds outdoors in December?
Yes, you can plant turnip seeds outdoors in December. Turnips are a cold-hardy crop that can be planted as long as the soil is not frozen. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist during germination and growth.
Do turnips need to be protected from frost?
Turnips are considered hardy vegetables and can tolerate light frosts, but they should be protected from hard freezes. Frost cloths or mulching can help protect turnips during colder weather. Turnips are also a great option for container gardening, allowing for easier protection during colder months. Additionally, some varieties of turnips such as “Purple Top White Globe” and “Scarlet Queen” are specifically bred to withstand colder temperatures.
Beets
Beets are another root vegetable that can be planted in December for an early spring crop. They prefer cool temperatures and should be planted in well-drained soil with regular watering. Beets can be harvested when they reach the desired size, usually around 2-3 inches in diameter.
Can I plant beet seeds outside in December?
Yes, you can plant beet seeds outside in December. Similar to turnips, beets are a cold-hardy crop that can tolerate cool temperatures as long as the soil is not frozen. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist during germination and growth.
Do beets need to be protected from frost?
Like turnips, beets are hardy vegetables that can withstand light frosts. However, they should be protected from hard freezes with the use of frost cloths or mulching. Beets can also be grown in containers for easier protection during colder weather. Some popular varieties of beets include “Detroit Dark Red” and “Golden Beet.” Overall, both turnips and beets are great options for a winter garden.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is another cool-season vegetable that can be planted in December for an early spring harvest. It’s best to start cauliflower from transplants and plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly and harvest when the heads are firm and white.
Can I plant cauliflower seeds outdoors in December?
In most regions, it’s best to start cauliflower from transplants rather than seeds in December. However, if you live in a mild climate and have a longer growing season, starting cauliflower from seeds may be possible. Just make sure to protect the young plants from any potential hard freezes.
Do I need to protect cauliflower from frost?
Yes, cauliflower should be protected from frost and freezing temperatures. Use frost cloths or mulching to protect the plants during colder weather. Some popular varieties of cauliflower include “Snowball” and “Purple Head.” With proper care, you can enjoy a delicious harvest of cauliflower in early spring.
Onions
Onions are a staple in many dishes and can be planted in December for an early summer harvest. They prefer well-drained soil and consistent watering. Onions can be harvested when the tops start to turn yellow and fall over.
Can I plant onion seeds outdoor in December?
In most regions, it’s best to start onions from transplants rather than seeds in December. However, if you live in a mild climate and have a longer growing season, starting onion seeds may be possible. Just make sure to provide them with enough protection from the cold weather.
Do I need to protect onions from frost?
Yes, onions should also be protected from frost and freezing temperatures. Mulching can help insulate the soil and protect the onion bulbs from cold weather. Some popular varieties of onions include “Yellow Sweet Spanish” and “Red Creole.” With proper care, you can add a fresh touch of flavor to your summer dishes with homegrown onions.
Garlic
Garlic is another popular crop that can be planted in December for a summer harvest. It prefers well-drained soil and consistent watering, similar to onions. Garlic can be harvested when the tops begin to die back and turn brown.
Can I plant garlic seeds in December?
Garlic is typically planted from individual cloves rather than seeds. In most regions, it’s best to plant garlic in October or November for a summer harvest. However, if you live in a mild climate, planting garlic in December may still be possible. Just make sure to provide them with enough protection from the cold weather.
Peas
Peas are cool-season vegetables that can be planted in December for an early spring harvest. They do well in rich, well-drained soil and should be watered regularly. Peas can be harvested when the pods are plump and full.
Can I plant pea seeds outside in December?
In most regions, it’s best to start pea seeds indoors in December and transplant them outdoors when the weather warms up. However, if you live in a mild climate and have a longer growing season, planting peas directly into the ground may be possible. Just make sure to protect them from any potential hard freezes.
Do I need to mulch my pea plants?
Yes, mulching can help protect your pea plants from cold temperatures and keep the soil moist. You can use straw, leaves, or compost as a mulch for your peas. Just make sure to remove the mulch once the weather warms up and the plants start to grow. This will allow for better air circulation and prevent any potential diseases. So if you are planning to grow peas in December, make sure to provide them with enough protection from the cold and keep an eye on the weather forecast. With proper care, you can still have a successful harvest of cool-season vegetables even during the winter months.
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Radishes
Radishes are quick-growing root vegetables that can be planted in December for an early spring harvest. They do well in cool temperatures and should be planted in well-drained soil with regular watering. Radishes can be harvested when they reach the desired size, usually around 1 inch in diameter.
Can I plant radish seeds outdoors in December?
Yes, you can plant radish seeds directly into the ground in December if you have a mild climate with a longer growing season. Otherwise, it’s best to start them indoors and transplant them outdoors when the weather warms up. Radishes are also great for planting in containers or raised beds.
Other Winter Hardy Vegetables
Cilantro, dill and parsley also do well planted in December for a spring harvest. These herbs prefer well-drained soil and regular watering. They can be harvested when the leaves reach full size.
Spinach and most lettuce greens can also do well planted in December for an early spring harvest. These leafy greens prefer cooler temperatures and well-drained soil with consistent watering. They can be harvested when the leaves are fully grown.
Conclusion
By planning ahead and planting these vegetables in December, you can ensure a bountiful early spring harvest. Plus, the cooler temperatures during this time of year can help prevent pests and diseases from attacking your plants. So don’t wait until spring to start gardening – get started in December for a head start on your homegrown produce! And remember, many other vegetables can also be planted in December, so do some research and see what works best for your climate and growing conditions.