Introduction
As the calendar turns to December, many gardeners might assume it’s time to hang up their trowels and wait for spring. But not so fast! December offers a unique opportunity to add some winter charm to your garden. In this article, we’ll explore what to plant in December, focusing on the delightful cyclamens. We’ll also delve into a selection of other plants, fruits and vegetables you can get started on this month. Plus, we’ll share some essential tips for preparing your freshly planted greens for the impending winter frost.
Five Plants to Consider for December Planting
Cyclamens
If you plant Cyclamens, their distinctive, butterfly-like blossoms and heart-shaped leaves, are a beacon of simplistic beauty during the winter months. These elegant plants are not only pleasing to the eye but also remarkably resilient in the cold. Their vibrant petals, which come in shades of pink, red, and white, stand out against the muted winter landscape, making cyclamens a must-have for December planting. Cyclamens are hardy, low-growing perennials that thrive in well-draining soil and partial shade, and they’ll reward your garden with bursts of colour throughout the season.
Winter Jasmine
With its sunny, yellow flowers, is a tough and vivacious addition to your garden. Its sweet, fragrant blossoms are a welcome contrast to the chilly weather, and they tend to bloom profusely during the winter months. This climbing shrub can be trained to cascade over trellises or walls, creating a vivid tapestry of golden blossoms that uplift your garden’s spirits.
Holly
An iconic evergreen that needs no introduction. With its glossy, deep green leaves and vibrant red berries, holly has become a timeless symbol of the holiday season. Planting holly in December not only adds to the festive atmosphere but also provides year-round interest. These tough shrubs are perfect for hedging, creating privacy, or simply enjoying the natural beauty they offer.
Witch Hazel
An enchanting addition to your winter garden, with its spidery, and fragrant blooms that bring an air of mystery to the chilly months. These deciduous shrubs burst into a profusion of ribbon-like petals in shades of yellow, orange, and red when most other plants are dormant. Witch hazel is cherished not only for its unique beauty but also for its natural medicinal properties, often used in skincare products.
Snowdrops
These five plant options, including cyclamens, offer a diverse range of colours, fragrances, and textures to enliven your garden during the winter months. Whether you’re drawn to the elegant simplicity of cyclamens, the golden allure of winter jasmine, the iconic holly, the mystical beauty of witch hazel, or the early bloom of snowdrops, your December garden can be a canvas of seasonal splendour. Head to the Contact Us page to find out more.
Five Fruits and Vegetables for December Planting
Garlic
Planting garlic in December sets the stage for a delightful culinary journey come late spring or early summer. Garlic, a kitchen staple and a natural flavour enhancer benefits from a winter chill, which helps develop its flavour. This versatile crop requires minimal maintenance and thrives in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. As the months pass, you’ll witness the transformation of your garlic bulbs into aromatic, pungent cloves that can be used in a wide array of dishes, adding depth and richness to your culinary creations.
Onions
Another winter crop that can be sown in December, promising future culinary delights. From pungent red onions to mild white onions, there’s a variety for every taste. Onions are exceptionally versatile in the kitchen, serving as a base for countless savoury dishes. They are also low-maintenance and can be grown from sets or seeds. Plant them in well-drained soil and provide ample sunlight for a bountiful harvest in the spring or early summer.
Spinach
December’s cool and frosty weather is the perfect setting for cultivating spinach, a nutrient-rich leafy green. Spinach is a prime choice for salads, smoothies, and cooked dishes, offering an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals. Sow the seeds directly into your garden bed, ensuring proper spacing and regular watering. With some protection from extreme cold, your spinach can thrive through the winter months and provide a fresh, homegrown alternative to store-bought greens. Spinach certainly is a healthy option to consider when wondering what to plant in December.
Kale
Another robust choice for winter planting, providing an abundance of nutrient-rich greens. Known for its hardiness and tolerance to cold weather, kale is an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants. It can withstand frost and even benefits from it, as cold temperatures enhance its flavour. Plant kale in well-drained soil, ensuring it receives adequate sunlight, and watch as it flourishes into lush, dark green leaves that can be harvested throughout the winter and beyond.
Carrots
Though it’s getting late in the year, you can still plant carrots in December to yield an early spring harvest. These versatile and sweet root vegetables are perfect for garden-to-table dishes, whether in salads, stews, or as a crunchy snack. Carrots thrive in loose, well-drained soil and require consistent moisture. To protect against frost, consider using mulch or row covers. By sowing carrot seeds now, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant, fresh carrots in the early spring, adding a burst of colour and flavour to your kitchen.
These five fruits and vegetables offer an array of flavours and culinary possibilities, making December planting a rewarding venture for any gardener. With some planning and care, you can enjoy a homegrown harvest that will infuse your dishes with a burst of fresh, seasonal goodness.
Preparing Your Plants for Winter Frost
As you plant your garden in December, it’s crucial to protect your greens from the upcoming winter frost. Here are three ways to ensure their survival:
Mulching
A fundamental practice for winter garden protection. By covering the base of your newly planted trees and shrubs with a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or compost, you create an insulating barrier that serves several crucial purposes. Mulch acts as a thermal blanket for the soil, reducing temperature fluctuations and preventing sudden freezes or thaws, which can be damaging to plant roots. It helps keep the soil temperature stable, especially crucial for perennials and shrubs, protecting the roots from extreme cold. Additionally, mulch suppresses weed growth, ensuring that your newly planted greens receive the nutrients and moisture they need without competition from unwanted plants.
Shelter
Another essential component of winter garden care. Erecting temporary windbreaks or positioning your greens near existing structures in your garden can provide valuable protection from the biting winds and harsh elements of winter. Wind protection is a primary benefit of sheltering. Windbreaks, including fences, trellises, or burlap screens, serve as barriers to reduce the impact of harsh winter winds on your plants. Strong winds can lead to desiccation, where plants lose moisture more rapidly than they can absorb it, resulting in damage or death. Furthermore, sheltered areas can create microclimates with slightly higher temperatures and reduced wind chill.
Row Covers
These offer an invaluable layer of defence for smaller plants and vulnerable vegetables during the winter months. These lightweight, breathable fabrics are positioned directly over your plants, delivering a dual-purpose protection. First and foremost, row covers excel at frost protection. They act as a shield against frost, creating a barrier that prevents direct contact between freezing air and your plants. In doing so, they effectively trap heat, forming a warmer microenvironment beneath them that helps safeguard your greens from the cold. Moreover, row covers serve as an additional line of defence against pests and insects. By covering your plants with row covers, you can reduce the risk of damage to your crops caused by unwanted critters. Protecting your plants is just as important as considering what to plant in December.
Conclusion
Gardening in December might seem unconventional, but with the right choices, it can yield a beautiful and productive garden come spring. Cyclamens, along with the other plant and vegetable options mentioned, can turn your winter garden into a haven of life and colour. Head to the Contact Us page to find out more.
Don’t forget to take the necessary steps to protect your plants from winter’s icy grip, and you’ll be rewarded with a thriving garden that defies the season. So, go ahead, embrace the December chill, and get your hands dirty – your garden will thank you for it. Happy planting!
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