Discover the Joy of Winter Gardening with These Cold-Hardy Crops That Will Thrive in Your December Garden

Ah, Vegetables and herbs in December! The month when most people are decking the halls, but us gardeners? We’re out there, trowel in hand, ready to deck our garden beds with a winter wonderland of veggies and herbs. Who needs therapy when you can bury your hands in cool, crisp soil and whisper sweet nothings to your seedlings? Let’s dive into the world of winter gardening and explore 20 vegetables and herbs you can plant this December.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” – Audrey Hepburn

Root Vegetables: The Underground Resistance

First up, let’s talk about the hardy souls that brave the cold beneath the soil. GARLIC leads the charge, but make sure you’re using the cold-hardening variety. Plant these cloves of goodness in early December, and they’ll reward you with a pungent harvest come summer[1].

Next, we have the allium alliance: BULBING ONIONS and SHALLOTS. These are best planted in the second half of December. They’re like the fashionably late guests at your garden party, but trust me, they’re worth the wait[2].

Don’t forget about LEEKS and BUNCHING ONIONS. These tall, slender vegetables add a touch of elegance to your winter garden and a delightful flavor to your soups[3].

CARROTS and PARSNIPS are the sweet underground treats of your winter garden. Plant them now, and by spring, you’ll have a rainbow of root vegetables to enjoy[1].

RADISHES are the impatient gardener’s best friend. These spicy little globes can be ready in as little as 3-4 weeks. Talk about instant gratification![1]

BEETS and TURNIPS round out our root vegetable lineup. These versatile veggies offer both tasty roots and nutritious greens[3].

Leafy Greens: The Frost-Defying Foliage

Red Lettuce

Now, let’s turn our attention to the leafy greens that laugh in the face of frost. MUSTARD GREENS, COLLARDS, and KALE (particularly the blue curled variety) are the tough guys of the winter garden. They’ll keep producing leaves even when the temperature drops[3].

SWISS CHARD adds a pop of color to your winter garden with its vibrant stems. It’s like nature’s own Christmas decoration![3]

ARUGULA brings a peppery punch to your winter salads. Plant it now, and you’ll be enjoying its zippy flavor in no time[5].

When it comes to LETTUCE, try the ‘NEW RED FIRE’ variety instead of romaine. It’s better suited for cooler temperatures. However, if you’re lucky enough to live in the southern part of the country, especially Florida, feel free to plant your romaine[5].

SPINACH is the Popeye-approved addition to your winter garden. It’s packed with nutrients and can withstand some seriously chilly temperatures[5].

“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.” – Alfred Austin

Herbs: The Aromatic Accents

No garden is complete without herbs, and December is a great time to plant some cold-hardy varieties. CILANTRO thrives in cooler weather, adding a fresh, citrusy flavor to your winter dishes[1].

PARSLEY, both flat-leaf and curly varieties, can withstand light frosts and will keep your meals bursting with flavor all winter long[1].

Last but not least, DILL. This feathery herb not only adds flavor to your dishes but also attracts beneficial insects to your garden. It’s like having your own little winter ecosystem![4]

“A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.” – Gertrude Jekyll

Remember, gardening is as much about the journey as it is about the harvest. Each seed you plant is a little act of hope, a belief in the future. So bundle up, grab your gardening gloves, and let’s make this December a month of growth, both in our gardens and in ourselves.

For more inspiration on winter gardening, check out this helpful YouTube video and to find more insights and inspiration click here.

Happy planting, fellow garden enthusiasts! May your December be merry, bright, and full of green thumbs.

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References
[1] https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/five-herbs-for-december/
[2] https://www.ufseeds.com/what-to-plant-in-december.html
[3] https://www.central-valley.com/grow-your-own-fall-and-winter-veggies-and-herbs
[4] https://grangettos.com/pages/december-gardening-tips
[5] https://savvygardening.com/herbs-to-grow-in-winter/