Think winter’s a time to hang up your gardening gloves? Think again! It might be odd, but there are many seeds to sow in December! It’s actually the perfect time to get a head start on next year’s harvest. From windowsill herbs to greenhouse vegetables, there’s a whole world of growing possibilities waiting for you.
Whether you’re craving fresh salad greens in January or dreaming of homegrown garlic by spring, December sowing can make it happen. With a bit of planning and the right protection from winter’s chill, you’ll be amazed at what you can grow during the coldest months of the year.
Hardy Kale
Looking for a winter garden superstar? You’ll love kale! This tough veggie laughs in the face of frost, surviving temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s not just hardy – it’ll keep providing fresh, nutrient-packed leaves right through winter and into early spring.
How to grow kale in full sun with rich, well-draining soil, spacing plants 12 inches apart. For the best results, shelter them from heavy rain and harsh weather. When the plants reach 4 to 6 inches tall, you’re ready to start harvesting these nutritious greens.
Weather Resilient Carrots
Want fresh carrots in early spring? These cold-hardy beauties are perfect for your winter garden! Plant them in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, and consider using grow under cloches to extend the growing season.
Keep an eye on them for 12 to 16 weeks after sowing – that’s when they’ll be ready for harvest. It’s a long wait, but there’s nothing quite like pulling your own sweet, crisp carrots from the winter soil!
Nutrient-Rich Spinach
Looking for a winter garden staple? Spinach is your answer! This versatile veggie thrives in cooler temperatures and you can grow it right on your windowsill. Whether you’re craving fresh salads or smoothie greens, spinach delivers year-round nutrition.
Start your seeds indoors on heating mats to speed up germination. Once they’re ready, move them to your polytunnel or cold frame. When the leaves reach about 5 inches, you’re all set to start harvesting – and they’ll keep coming back for more!
Poly Tunnel Radishes
Want a quick winter harvest? You’ll love growing winter growing vegetables in your polytunnel! These speedy vegetables are perfect for impatient gardeners, giving you fresh, crispy roots before the ground freezes.
Simply sow your seeds in protected polytunnel beds, and you’ll have crunchy radishes ready to harvest in just a few weeks. Keep an eye on them – when the roots reach 1 inch across, it’s time to pull these peppery gems and add them to your winter salads!
Asian Greens
Looking to add some exciting variety to your winter garden? Asian greens are your secret weapon! These cool-weather champions thrive when temperatures drop, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly they grow – many varieties are ready for harvest in just 45 days.
Give them well-drained soil and they’ll reward you with a bounty of fresh, flavorful leaves. Start harvesting when the plants reach your desired size, typically between 45 to 75 days after sowing. They’re perfect for stir-fries, salads, or steaming!
Leeks
Want a versatile veggie that’s perfect for winter planting? Leeks are your answer! Start these hardy plants indoors in December, and you’ll be rewarded with an early spring harvest. They’re incredibly patient growers, taking their time to develop those long, flavorful stems.
Simply sow your seeds indoors where it’s cozy, then transplant them outdoors when spring arrives. Space them 8 inches apart to give them plenty of room to grow. Trust me, your soups and stews will thank you later!
Parsley and Chives
Missing fresh herbs in winter? You can grow these hardy favorites right on your windowsill! Both parsley and chives are perfect indoor companions during the cold months, providing aromatic flavors for your growing winter vegetables right through the season.
Find a warm, well-lit spot indoors and sow your seeds in rich potting soil. Once you’ve got 5 to 10 main stems growing, start snipping what you need for your dishes. The best part? Come spring, these resilient herbs can move right into your outdoor garden!
Broccoli
Want a nutrient-packed powerhouse in your winter garden? Start your broccoli indoors this December! These cool-season champions will give you a delicious early spring harvest loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.
Simply sow your seeds indoors where it’s warm, then transplant them to your garden when spring arrives. Make sure to give them plenty of room – space plants 24 to 30 inches apart so they can develop those beautiful, tight heads. Your future stir-fries and salads will thank you!
Broad Beans
Looking for a protein-packed addition to your December planting schedule? Broad beans are perfect! They’re also one of the easiest veggies to grow for beginner gardeners. These cold-hardy champions can handle winter weather and will reward you with a delicious May harvest.
If you’re enjoying mild winter days, sow them directly in your garden. But if Jack Frost is being particularly fierce, start them in multi-celled trays indoors. Just remember to provide support as they grow – these ambitious climbers love to reach for the sky!
Onions
Want an early start on next year’s harvest? December is perfect for sowing onion seeds! These versatile kitchen staples need a long growing season, but they’ll reward your patience with flavorful bulbs you can store for months.
Start by sowing your seeds lightly in modules filled with moist compost. Keep them in a bright spot and maintain consistent moisture – they’ll be ready to transplant outdoors when spring warmth arrives. Now that’s planning ahead!
Garlic
Looking to add some homegrown flavor to your kitchen? December’s the perfect time to plant vital seeds like garlic! These aromatic bulbs are surprisingly easy to grow and will reward you with a spring harvest that’s packed with flavor.
Pop one clove per cell in well-draining soil, then keep your trays cozy in a greenhouse until spring arrives. It’s that simple! For the best results, give each set 4 to 6 inches of space to develop those plump, flavorful cloves.
Lettuce
Want fresh, crisp salad greens in winter? ‘Winter Gem’ lettuce varieties are your answer! These cold-hardy champions are specially bred to thrive in low temperatures, making them perfect for your unheated greenhouse or cold frame.
Simply sow your seeds in pots filled with rich compost, place them in your protected growing space, and wait for those tender leaves to emerge. When they reach your desired size, start harvesting – you’ll have fresh, homegrown lettuce even when frost covers the ground!
Lamb’s Lettuce (Corn Salad)
Craving fresh salad greens in winter? Lamb’s lettuce is your perfect greenhouse companion! This traditional winter crop grows surprisingly fast in unheated spaces, adding a delicate, nutty flavor to your winter meals.
Simply sow your seeds in the greenhouse and watch them thrive. Within just a few weeks, you’ll be harvesting tender leaves for your salads. It’s one of the easiest winter crops you can grow, and the fresh, crisp leaves are absolutely worth the minimal effort!
Mustard Greens
Want to add some zippy flavor to your winter garden? Mustard greens are your perfect match! These speedy growers thrive in cool weather and can be ready for your plate in as little as 20 days – talk about instant gratification!
Give them a cozy home in well-drained soil, and they’ll reward you with spicy, nutrient-rich leaves perfect for winter growing vegetables. When the leaves reach your desired size, start harvesting – they’ll keep producing more for continuous winter feasts!
Chili Peppers
Want homegrown heat next year? Start your chili peppers indoors this December! They’re a favorite for gardeners wanting to grow a prismatic garden! These spicy favorites need a long growing season to develop their full fiery potential, but with a little patience, you’ll be harvesting your own hot peppers by late spring.
Find a toasty spot or use a heated propagator to get those seeds sprouting. Keep them well-fed with balanced nutrients, and they’ll reward you with plenty of pods perfect for adding zing to your favorite dishes!
Fava Beans
Want an early protein boost from your garden? How to grow winter vegetables like fava beans are your December planting hero! These cold-hardy champions can handle winter’s chill and will reward you with a delicious May harvest.
For chilly areas, start them snug in pots indoors. If you’re blessed with milder weather, sow them directly in your garden beds. Either way, remember to give them sturdy support as they grow – these vigorous climbers love reaching skyward!
Turnips
Looking for a quick-growing root vegetable for your winter garden? Turnips are your answer! These vitamin-packed veggies take just 70 days from seed to harvest, making them perfect for December growing winter growing vegetables.
Simply sow your seeds half an inch deep, spacing them an inch apart in your garden beds. Keep the soil consistently moist and ensure they get plenty of sunlight. Before you know it, you’ll be pulling fresh, crisp turnips from your winter garden!
Cauliflower
Want an impressive addition to your winter garden? Start cauliflower indoors this December! These cool-season beauties will give you vitamin-rich heads perfect for roasting, mashing, or adding to your favorite dishes come spring.
Start your seeds in a warm indoor spot, then move them to your garden when spring’s warmth arrives. Just make sure they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily – these sun-loving plants need plenty of light to develop those beautiful, tight white heads!
Cabbage
Want a versatile winter vegetable that’s packed with nutrients? Cabbage is your perfect December companion! These hardy plants thrive in cool weather and will reward you with crisp, flavorful heads in about 70 days.
Start your seeds indoors where it’s warm, then transplant them to your winter kale and collards garden when spring arrives. Just make sure they get plenty of sunshine – at least 6 hours daily will keep these leafy champions happy and growing strong!
Mint
Craving fresh herbs in winter? Mint is your perfect indoor companion! This hardy herb grows happily on your windowsill, providing aromatic leaves for your teas, desserts, and savory dishes all season long.
Find a bright spot where temperatures stay around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and sow your seeds thinly across moist compost. Before you know it, you’ll have fragrant mint leaves ready for harvesting – and come spring, these robust plants can join your outdoor garden!
Ready to Start Your Winter Growing Adventure?
December gardening isn’t just about planning for spring – it’s about keeping your green thumb active all year round. From hardy kale that laughs at frost to quick-growing radishes that’ll be ready before winter’s end, there’s something incredibly satisfying about growing your own food while the rest of the garden sleeps.
So grab those seed packets and get sowing! Whether you’re working with a windowsill, greenhouse, or protected garden bed, these December-friendly crops will keep you connected to the growing season long after autumn’s final harvest. Your future self (and kitchen) will thank you for starting these seeds now.