What to Plant in December in the US: By USDA Zone

Knowing what to plant in December in the US depends entirely on your USDA hardiness zone. While northern growers in zones 3 through 6 focus on indoor seed starting, winter sowing, and microgreen propagation, southern gardeners in zones 9 and 10 can direct-sow cool-season root crops and leafy greens. Understanding local frost dates allows you to balance winter protection with active cold-season cultivation.

December marks the start of meteorological winter across most of the United States. As daylight hours reach their annual minimum, the growth of outdoor plants slows dramatically. In northern regions, frozen soils and heavy snow cover halt outdoor planting entirely, shifting the focus of agripure growers to indoor systems and seed preparation.

Conversely, the southern tier of the country enters its most productive cool-season window. Lower temperatures and reduced insect pressure create ideal conditions for growing crops that bolt or suffer in summer heat. To plan your planting schedule accurately, refer to the frost dates tool to determine when your region experiences its typical winter freeze cycles.

By dividing your planting activities by hardiness zone, you can maximize your winter yield and prepare your soil for the upcoming spring season.

Zones 3 and 4: Northern tier and mountain regions

In the coldest regions of the US, outdoor soils are frozen solid in December. Active planting is restricted to indoor environments or specialized protective containers designed to sit in the snow until spring.

1. Indoor microgreens and sprouts

Because outdoor cultivation is impossible, indoor microgreens offer a fast way to produce fresh food. Sow seeds of broccoli, radish, mustard, and sunflower densely in shallow flats filled with seed-starting mix. Place the flats under LED grow lights or on a bright, south-facing windowsill. Harvest the greens using clean shears when the first true leaves appear, typically 10 to 14 days after sowing.

2. Winter sowing in milk jugs

For hardy perennials, native wildflowers, and cold-tolerant herbs, December is an excellent time to begin outdoor winter sowing. Using clean, translucent plastic milk jugs cut in half, add 3 inches of moist potting soil to the bottom half. Sow seeds of lavender, echinacea, or milkweed, then tape the jug back together, leaving the cap off for ventilation. Place the jugs outdoors in a spot exposed to rain and snow. This exposure subjects the seeds to natural stratification, which triggers healthy germination when temperatures rise in spring. For detailed instructions on this method, read our guide on winter sowing in milk jugs.

Zones 5 and 6: Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic

While outdoor soils in zones 5 and 6 are often frozen or wet, gardeners can take advantage of dormant periods to propagate woody plants and manage cold-hardy greens under glass or heavy mulch.

1. Hardwood cuttings and dormant propagation

December is the ideal time to collect hardwood cuttings from dormant deciduous plants. Species such as elderberry, grapevines, figs, and currants can be propagated from woody stems. Select healthy, pencil-thick stems from the current year's growth. Cut them into 6 to 10-inch segments, making a straight cut just below a node at the base and a slanted cut at the top. Insert the cuttings into pots filled with a well-draining sand and peat mix, or bury them in a protected outdoor trench. They will slowly form roots over winter and leaf out in spring. Learn more about this technique in our article on rooting hardwood cuttings.

2. Cold frame greens and herbs

If you established cold-hardy greens like spinach, claytonia, or mache in late autumn, December is a month for harvesting rather than sowing. Keep cold frames closed during freezing weather, opening them slightly only on sunny days when temperatures rise above freezing to prevent moisture buildup. If you have an unheated greenhouse, you can sow quick-growing radishes or mustard greens, though germination will be slow due to low light levels.

Zones 7 and 8: Upper South and Pacific Northwest

Gardeners in zones 7 and 8 experience mild winter conditions with occasional hard freezes. This climate allows for the planting of dormant woody crops and the continued cultivation of cold-hardy vegetables.

1. Bare-root fruit trees and shrubs

December begins the bare-root planting season in these zones. Because fruit trees are fully dormant, transplanting them now minimizes transplant shock and allows root systems to establish before spring bud break. Ensure you dig a wide planting hole, keeping the graft union at least 2 inches above the soil line to prevent rot. For step-by-step instructions on choosing and establishing these plants, consult our guide on planting bare-root fruit trees.

2. Garlic and overwintering greens

If you missed the autumn window, early December is your final opportunity to plant garlic cloves and shallots. Plant cloves pointed-end up, 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, in well-drained soil. Cover the bed with 4 inches of straw mulch to insulate the soil. You can also harvest winter-hardy greens that were planted in October. For tips on keeping these crops productive through the coldest months, refer to our article on overwintering garlic, spinach, and kale.

Zones 9 and 10: Gulf Coast, Southwest, Florida, and California

In these warm regions, December is a premier planting month. The summer heat is gone, and the risk of frost is low, making it the perfect time to establish a diverse vegetable garden.

1. Direct-sowing cool-season root crops

Direct-sow root crops directly into well-prepared garden beds. Carrots, radishes, beets, turnips, and parsnips thrive in the mild December temperatures. Keep the seedbeds consistently moist until germination, which may take longer than in spring due to cooler soil. Thin the seedlings early to ensure the roots have adequate space to expand.

2. Leafy greens and brassicas

Transplant or direct-sow leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard, collards, and head lettuce. You can also transplant young starts of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Because insect pests are less active during the winter, these brassicas face fewer pressures from caterpillars and aphids than they do during the autumn months.

3. Planting low-chill fruit trees

December is an excellent time to plant low-chill varieties of peaches, nectarines, plums, and apples. These varieties require fewer hours of winter temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit to produce fruit. Ensure the planting site receives full sun and has excellent drainage to prevent winter root rot.

Essential December gardening jobs across US zones

Regardless of your specific hardiness zone, completing these maintenance tasks in December helps protect your soil, plants, and tools for the coming year.

1. Mulching and soil insulation

Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as clean straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips, over empty garden beds and around the root zones of perennial plants. Mulch acts as an insulating blanket, stabilizing soil temperatures and preventing the freeze-thaw cycles that can heave shallow-rooted plants out of the ground.

2. Managing irrigation systems

In freezing zones, ensure all outdoor hoses are disconnected, drained, and stored indoors. Drain irrigation lines and blow out sprinkler systems to prevent pipes from bursting. In southern zones 9 and 10, continue to water winter crops, but reduce the frequency. Water early in the morning so the soil can dry slightly before cooler night temperatures arrive.

3. Cleaning and sharpening tools

Use the quiet winter weeks to clean, sharpen, and oil your garden tools. Remove dried soil with a wire brush, sharpen the edges of hoes and pruners with a mill file, and wipe metal surfaces with a light coating of mineral oil to prevent rust. Store your tools in a dry, protected shed or garage.