While December brings cold temperatures, seasoned gardeners know that this month can mark the start of a rewarding harvest or a vibrant garden in the spring. Choosing the right plants during this period will bring great satisfaction when spring arrives. Let’s explore which plants and flowers to cultivate in December and how to care for them to enjoy stunning results.
Plant Tulips for a Splash of Color
December is an ideal time to plant tulip bulbs. These should be placed at a depth approximately three times their height to protect them from freezing. After planting, cover the ground with a generous layer of compost or mulch to retain warmth and prevent frost. Tulips planted in December will bloom in spring, offering a vibrant display of color and beauty.
Christmas Roses – A Symbol of Elegance
Roses can even be planted around the Christmas holidays. Choose varieties that suit your garden: some will produce large, spectacular flowers, while others, like Hellebore argutifolius, will add an exotic touch with their small lime-green blooms. Roses planted in December will benefit from the natural moisture of the soil, allowing their roots to develop slowly over the winter.
Hyacinth Bulbs – The Fragrance of Spring
To enjoy a fresh scent and charming decor in your garden, plant hyacinth bulbs. They are resilient and adapt easily, needing only well-drained soil and a protective layer of compost. Hyacinths are known for their intense fragrance and vibrant flowers that will grace the garden at the start of spring.
Growing Vegetables in December
Garlic is one of the most popular vegetables to plant in late fall or early winter. Plant the garlic cloves about 5-7 cm deep, pointed end up, with 10-15 cm between each. Cover the ground with mulch for protection. By spring, garlic will sprout and grow quickly.
Peas can be sown in sheltered soils, even in winter. Sow them in seed trays or directly in the garden if the soil isn’t frozen. Apply a layer of mulch to protect the seeds from the cold. Expect an early harvest in spring with sweet and tender peas.
Spinach is a cold-resistant plant that thrives even at low temperatures. Sow seeds directly in the garden or seed trays, covering them lightly with soil. Spinach will germinate slowly but is tolerant of light frosts, providing fresh and healthy leaves in early spring.
Winter lettuce varieties like Winter Density or Lollo Rossa can be planted in greenhouses, plastic tunnels, or even in the garden with protected soil. Sow in pots or directly into the ground where they are safe from extreme frosts, giving you crunchy, fresh leaves before the warm temperatures arrive.
Kale is one of the hardiest vegetables, becoming even sweeter after being exposed to cold. Sow the seeds in the garden or trays, covering them well with soil, and protect young plants with a mulch layer. This will provide nutrient-rich leaves throughout the entire spring.
If the soil is not completely frozen, carrots can be sown for an early harvest. Plant the seeds about 1 cm deep, keeping 5-7 cm between them. Protect the soil with a thin layer of mulch for tender carrots ready to harvest in spring.
Winter radishes are perfect for December sowing. Plant seeds in trays or directly in the garden if the soil is well-drained. Ensure they have light and protection against severe frosts to enjoy a crunchy and tasty harvest at the beginning of spring.
Faba beans are cold-hardy legumes that can be planted in winter for an early harvest. Place seeds 5 cm deep with 15-20 cm between them. Faba beans adapt well to cold conditions, providing fresh beans by March or April.
Similar to garlic, spring onions can be planted from seeds or small bulbs. Plant bulbs in well-drained soil, spacing them 5 cm apart, and protect with a thin layer of compost for fresh, crisp onions ready for spring salads.
Add Color with Hardy Plants
To keep your garden lively even in the cold season, opt for plants such as:
Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium: Known for their resistance to low temperatures, these will bloom in vibrant colors, adding a touch of freshness to your garden. Pansies are perfect for adding bursts of color and are particularly hardy against the cold.
Useful Tips from Experienced Gardeners
Protect plants from frost by using mulch or compost to insulate the soil and roots. Choose the right location: Plants needing more warmth can be placed in pots and sheltered in greenhouses or enclosed terraces. Ensure moderate watering to keep the soil moist without excess, preventing bulbs or roots from rotting.
Why Plant in December?
Preparing your garden this month will allow you to enjoy a spring full of surprises. Flowers and vegetables planted now will develop better due to the specific germination and adaptation conditions offered by the cold soil. With a little planning, you will have a spectacular garden and a rich harvest. Invest time in winter gardening, and spring will reward you abundantly!
We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Do you have any favorite tips for winter planting? Share your comments below and join the conversation!
