December started out with some much-appreciated rain Hopefully everyone was able to take advantage and save some rainwater for future watering. While gardening slows down in many parts of the world North of the Equator this month, we Desert dwellers have the unique advantage to continue planting and harvesting all winter.
Trees
December is not a good time to plant any tropical trees. The soil is too cold to help get established roots and the plants go into shock. Wait for the warmer months. Also, prepare to protect any tropical you already have planted as the nights get colder and from any freezes, we may have. Shop tropical plant sales though, keep the plants in the pot and move to a warm location such as the garage when the nights get too cold.
This is an excellent time to plant deciduous trees such as apples, peaches, plums, figs, pomegranates, and mulberries. These trees will be going into dormancy, do not expect aerial growth, however over the winter root systems will start to get established.
Tree Planting Guide
See our tree planting guide for more info.
Indoor Seed Sowing
Mid to late December is a good time to start some of the spring seedlings. In particular, start those that require a long growing season.
- Peppers: Hot peppers can be more difficult to germinate and will require some patience. See our pepper planting guide.
- Tomatoes: Harvest tomatoes earlier, by planting seeds indoors in December. By the time they are planted in February, they will have some fruit set already, therefore allowing earlier harvests.
- Eggplant: Eggplants grow slower especially when it is cooler. Get a head start on growth and start seedlings in mid to end of December. Remember, eggplant can also be deciduous. With some winter protection, many times plants will come back and produce again when the weather warms up.
The veggie patch
Fall crops can still be planted right now. Don’t forget to succession sow as you start harvesting crops.
- Arugula: this time of year beautiful pickings of young arugula are perfect in fall salads. Continue to direct sow seeds all winter long.
- Asparagus: Asparagus crowns can still be planted out.
- Brassicas: The brassica family can still be direct sown or transplanted. This includes cauliflower, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, turnips, rutabaga, and kohlrabi.
- Celery: Celery can be direct sown or transplanted.
- Lettuce: Lettuce can still be direct sown this month and they can be transplanted into the garden. In addition, you can plant a variety of other salad greens right now. Try chickweed, mache, sorrel, and cress. December and January are perfect for planting mache, which only does well in the cooler weather.
- Mustard: Mustard is part of the brassica family and loves the current weather.
- Peas: Sow this garden staple all month as a good option for succession sowing. Soak seeds overnight before planting.
- Swiss Chard: Swiss chard can be direct sown or transplanted.
- Fenugreek: quick growing and ready for picking in a couple of weeks.
Root Veggies
- Carrots: Succession sow carrots by direct sowing. Keep seeds continuously moist until germination.
- Beets: Direct sow beets. If you do not care for the earthy flavor of red beets, try a yellow variety which has a much milder flavor.
- Radish: Radishes make good companions for carrots. Continue to succession sow all month.
- Salsify: Direct sown salsify seeds. Leaves and flowers of salsify are edible.
Herbs
- Chives: Onion chives are perfect for planting now either from seed or direct sowing.
- Cilantro: Soak cilantro overnight before planting in a very sunny spot.
- Dill: Dill also makes a fantastic brassica companion. Direct sow or transplant seedlings.
- Parsley: Transplant or direct sow parsley.
- Marjoram: a delicious alternative to oregano.
- Lovage: A fantastic herb to add to just about anything. It has a sophisticated flavor that lifts food. Easy to grow in the cooler months of winter and spring.
- Winter savory: Another pleasant fresh herb to add to heavier winter meals or liven up any dish. All herbs make great companion plants.
Flowers
- Calendula: Plant calendula now to overwinter. In very early spring they will bloom attracting many beneficial bugs.
- Nasturtium: Direct sow or transplant nasturtium seeds now. They are great as a brassica companion
- Bulbs: This is also the perfect time of year to plant out flowering bulbs. Daffodils, ranunculus, iris, and Muscari can be planted now. Paperwhites planted now will bloom over the holiday season.
- Violas: Sprinkle out seeds and keep them moist for a lovely display in January- April.
- Wildflowers: Wildflower seeds can still be sprinkled out. Hopefully, winter rains will help them germinate and bring spring color to your garden.