Top 6 Vegetables to Plant in December
Planting vegetables in December is one of the last things you would consider doing, purely because of the cold and frosty weather. However, with a bit of planning and some adequate protection, there are still several vegetables that can thrive during the winter months, leaving you with a plentiful vegetable patch to harvest in early spring. In this article, we will list the top vegetables to plant this December.
1) Garlic
December is the perfect time to plant garlic. The cloves have time to establish roots before the harshest weather arrives. Choose a well-draining, sunny spot in your garden and plant each clove about 2 inches deep. Otherwise, keep them inside a greenhouse and water well. Homegrown garlic is incredibly flavourful and a versatile ingredient used in many dishes.
2) Onion
Like garlic, onions can also be planted in December. Choose seeds, instead of sets, and plant them in pots indoors or undercover to aid sprouting. These hardy vegetables will grow slowly during the winter months and be ready for harvest in late spring or early summer. Homegrown onions tend to have a longer shelf life than those bought from supermarkets, ensuring you have a fresh supply for months.
3) Broad Beans
Sow broad beans in December for harvest in early spring. In mild regions, plant them directly in the ground as broad beans should sprout within a few weeks, then stop growing and become dormant until the temperature rises again in the spring. While broad beans can tolerate the cold temperatures, they can be sown in between cloches or multi-cell trays inside a greenhouse or on a windowsill.
4) Peas
Peas, especially earlier varieties, can be sown outdoors from February to June. If you want to grow peas during the winter, consider starting them off in a greenhouse, under a fleece covering, in a cold frame or on a sunny windowsill. Once the temperatures rise in the spring, they can be moved directly outdoors to be harvested and you can even make mushy peas.
5) Lettuce
Generally, lettuce is grown in the spring, however, there are some species of lettuce that are more hardy and specifically bred for the colder weather such as winter gem and arctic king. We recommend planting in pots in an unheated greenhouse or a cold frame for a fresh supply of crispy leaves.
6) Kale
Incredibly hardy and have the ability to withstand cold temperatures, cold-resistant varieties of kale such as winterbor or siberian are ideal to grow in December. Plant directly in well-drained soil or into containers, use cloches or a cold frame for protection. For the best results, plant them half an inch deep and 3 inches apart.
Garden Maintenance in Oxfordshire
By planting cold-resistant vegetables in the winter and protecting them from the harsh and frosty weather, you can make the most out of your garden and enjoy a supply of freshly homegrown produce in the following spring.
If you are looking to transform your garden before the winter hits, now is the perfect time to speak to the gardening experts from Abingdon’s Complete Garden Services. Whether you need your lawn or hedges professionally cut, your garden refreshed with turfing, your plants bedded or pruned, or even unsightly weeds removed, our garden maintenance services are exactly what you need. Get in touch with us today by calling 0123 553 3193, we will be happy to discuss your gardening needs and provide you with a free quotation.