Which is the best crop to grow in December? Exploring Winter Gardening Options

The question of which crop is "best" to grow in December can be a bit tricky, as it heavily depends on your specific climate and location within the United States. December gardening isn't about planting heat-loving summer vegetables. Instead, it's about embracing the cooler temperatures and focusing on hardy crops that can either survive the cold, benefit from it, or be grown indoors. For most of the continental US, December marks a time for hardy overwintering crops, planting for early spring, or bringing the garden indoors.

Understanding Your Climate Zone

Before diving into specific crops, it's crucial to understand your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. This is the most important factor in determining what you can successfully grow. You can find your zone by searching online with your zip code. Generally, the further north you are, the more limited your outdoor December planting options will be, and indoor gardening becomes a more prominent focus.

Cool-Season Crops: The Winter Garden Stars

For those in milder climates (Zones 7 and warmer), December is an excellent time to plant or harvest a variety of robust cool-season vegetables. These crops are either quite frost-tolerant or can even improve in flavor after a touch of frost.

Spinach: This leafy green is a champion of the cold. Spinach thrives in cool weather and can often be harvested throughout the winter in milder regions, especially with a little protection like a cold frame or frost blanket. It germinates well even in cooler soil.
Kale: Another incredibly hardy leafy green, kale is known for its sweetness after a frost. You can sow seeds or plant seedlings in December in warmer zones. It’s remarkably resilient.
Swiss Chard: Similar to kale in its cold tolerance, Swiss chard offers vibrant colors and nutritious leaves. It can withstand light frosts and continues to produce in cooler temperatures.
Lettuce: Certain varieties of lettuce, particularly romaine and butterhead types, can be sown in December in milder climates. Success depends on the severity of your winter. Look for cold-hardy varieties.
Arugula: This peppery salad green grows quickly and appreciates cooler temperatures. It can be sown in December in regions without hard freezes.
Peas: In some of the warmer parts of the US (Zone 8 and up), you can sow sugar snap or snow peas in December for an early spring harvest. They need well-drained soil.
Carrots: While best sown earlier for a fall harvest, you can still sow carrot seeds in December in warmer zones. They may germinate slowly, but you'll get an early spring crop. Consider varieties that mature quickly.
Radishes: These fast-growing root vegetables can be sown in early December in many areas. They prefer cooler soil and will provide a quick harvest before the deep cold sets in.
Broccoli and Cabbage (Transplants): In Zone 7 and warmer, you can plant fall-sown transplants of broccoli and cabbage in December. These will overwinter and provide an early spring harvest.
Garlic: If you haven't already, December is a good time to plant garlic cloves in well-drained soil in milder climates. It needs a period of cold to develop properly.

Cold Frames and Row Covers: Extending the Season

Even in slightly colder climates, you can expand your December gardening possibilities by using protective structures. A cold frame, essentially a mini-greenhouse, or simple row covers can significantly raise the temperature around your plants, allowing you to grow or harvest crops that might otherwise not survive. These also protect against harsh winds and heavy precipitation.

Indoor Gardening: Bringing the Garden Inside

For those in colder climates or if you simply want fresh greens year-round, December is the perfect time to focus on indoor gardening. This is where you can truly have the "best" crops, as you control the environment.

Herbs: Basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, chives, and oregano are all excellent candidates for indoor growing. Place them on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.
Microgreens: These are young seedlings of vegetables and herbs harvested just days after sprouting. They are incredibly fast-growing and nutritious, making them ideal for indoor winter production. Think radish, broccoli, or mustard microgreens.
Leafy Greens: Spinach, lettuce, and arugula can also be grown indoors in containers with adequate light.
Scallions/Green Onions: You can easily regrow these from kitchen scraps in a glass of water or plant them in soil.

Preparing for Spring

While December might seem like a dormant month for many gardeners, it's also a prime time for planning and preparation for the upcoming spring growing season. This includes:

Ordering Seeds: Browse seed catalogs and order your seeds for spring planting. Many popular varieties sell out quickly.
Tool Maintenance: Clean, sharpen, and oil your garden tools.
Compost Management: Turn your compost pile and ensure it's actively breaking down organic matter.
Planning Your Layout: Start sketching out your garden beds for the spring, considering crop rotation and companion planting.

Summary: What's "Best" for You?

So, to definitively answer "Which is the best crop to grow in December?", it's about adapting to your environment and goals.

In milder climates (Zones 7+): Hardy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are excellent for overwintering or direct sowing. Root vegetables like carrots and radishes can also be sown for early spring.
In colder climates (Zones 6 and below): Focus on indoor gardening with herbs, microgreens, and leafy greens. For outdoor gardening, December is more about preparing for spring, ordering seeds, and perhaps protecting any late-season crops.

Regardless of your location, December gardening is a rewarding experience that can provide fresh produce and a connection to nature even during the coldest months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I protect my December garden from frost?

You can use frost blankets, cloches, or build cold frames. Covering plants with a layer of straw or mulch can also offer insulation against the cold. Ensure plants are well-watered before a frost, as moist soil retains heat better than dry soil.

Why are some crops sweeter after a frost?

When plants experience cold temperatures, they convert starches into sugars to act as a natural antifreeze. This process concentrates the sugars in the plant tissues, resulting in a sweeter taste for vegetables like kale and Brussels sprouts.

Why is my indoor herb garden not growing well?

The most common reasons are insufficient light and improper watering. Ensure your herbs receive at least 6-8 hours of bright light daily, either from a sunny window or grow lights. Avoid overwatering; allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

How do I prepare soil for December planting?

In regions where you can plant in December, ensure your soil is well-drained. Amend it with compost to improve fertility and structure. Avoid working with overly wet soil, as this can damage its structure.

Why should I order seeds in December for spring planting?

Ordering seeds in December allows you to access the widest selection of varieties before they sell out. It also gives you ample time to plan your garden layout and organize your planting schedule for the upcoming season.