December in Georgia means planting crops that can withstand occasional frost while enjoying mild daytime temperatures. Finding the best vegetables to plant in december in georgia is key to a productive winter garden. The state’s USDA hardiness zones range from 6b in the north to 8b near the coast, so timing and variety selection matter a lot.
You don’t need a greenhouse or fancy equipment. Many leafy greens and root vegetables thrive when planted now. The soil is still workable in most areas, and cool-season crops actually taste better after a light frost. Let’s look at what you can put in the ground this month.
Best Vegetables To Plant In December In Georgia
This section covers the top performers for December planting. These vegetables are cold-hardy and mature before the deep winter chill sets in. Some can even survive snow if protected lightly.
Leafy Greens For Winter Harvests
Leafy greens are the easiest win for December planting. They grow fast and tolerate cold snaps well.
- Kale – Siberian and Winterbor varieties handle temps down to 10°F. Plant transplants for quicker harvests.
- Spinach – Bloomsdale and Space types are reliable. Sow seeds directly, they germinate in cool soil.
- Lettuce – Romaine and butterhead work best. Use row covers if a hard freeze is forecast.
- Collards – A Southern staple. Georgia Southern collards are bred for this climate.
- Swiss chard – Bright Lights variety adds color. It keeps producing until temperatures drop below 20°F.
These greens need about 4-6 hours of sun daily. Plant them in raised beds or containers for better drainage during winter rains.
Root Vegetables That Love Cold Soil
Root crops develop sweeter flavors when grown in cool weather. December planting gives them time to mature before spring.
- Carrots – Choose short varieties like Chantenay or Danvers. They mature in 60-70 days.
- Radishes – Cherry Belle and French Breakfast are ready in 25-30 days. Plant every two weeks for continuous harvest.
- Turnips – Purple Top White Globe is a classic. Both roots and greens are edible.
- Beets – Detroit Dark Red and Chioggia handle frost well. Soak seeds overnight for better germination.
- Onions – Plant sets of short-day varieties like Texas Super Sweet. They’ll overwinter and bulb in spring.
Loose, well-drained soil is critical for root crops. Remove rocks and clumps before planting to avoid forked roots.
Brassicas For A Spring Head Start
December is ideal for planting brassica transplants. They establish roots slowly during winter and explode in growth come March.
- Broccoli – Green Goliath and Waltham 29 are cold-tolerant. Space plants 18 inches apart.
- Cabbage – Early Jersey Wakefield forms small heads quickly. Protect from cabbage worms with floating row covers.
- Cauliflower – Snow Crown and Amazing work well. Blanch heads by tying leaves over them.
- Brussels sprouts – Long Island Improved produces best after a frost. They need 90-100 days to mature.
These plants benefit from a layer of mulch around the base. It keeps soil temperature stable and reduces weed competition.
Planting Tips For December Gardens
Success in December gardening depends on a few key practices. Follow these steps to give your vegetables the best start.
Soil Preparation
Test your soil pH first. Most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0. Add lime if needed, it takes months to work. Mix in 2-3 inches of compost to improve drainage and nutrients. Avoid fresh manure, it can burn tender roots.
Raised beds warm up faster in winter. If your soil is heavy clay, consider building 6-8 inch tall beds. They also prevent waterlogging during rainy periods.
Frost Protection Methods
Georgia’s December nights can dip below freezing. Use these techniques to protect young plants:
- Row covers – Lightweight fabric lets in light and water. It adds 4-6°F of protection.
- Mulch – Apply 3-4 inches of straw or shredded leaves around plants. It insulates roots.
- Cold frames – Simple wooden frames with glass or plastic tops. They create a mini greenhouse effect.
- Watering – Moist soil holds more heat than dry soil. Water in the morning so leaves dry before night.
Remove covers during warm days to prevent overheating. Monitor weather forecasts and act before a hard freeze.
Watering Schedule
December gardens need less water than summer ones. Check soil moisture 2 inches deep. If it feels dry, water deeply once a week. Overwatering can cause root rot in cool weather.
Drip irrigation works best. It delivers water directly to roots and keeps foliage dry. This reduces fungal diseases common in winter.
Regional Considerations For Georgia
Georgia spans multiple climate zones. What works in Atlanta may not suit Savannah. Adjust your planting based on your location.
North Georgia (Zones 6B-7a)
This area gets colder faster. December temperatures often drop into the 20s. Focus on the hardiest vegetables like kale, collards, and carrots. Use cold frames for tender greens. Plant in south-facing beds for maximum sun exposure.
Expect shorter growing windows. Choose varieties with the shortest days to maturity. Consider using black plastic mulch to warm soil slightly.
Central Georgia (Zones 7B-8a)
Milder winters allow more options. You can plant spinach, lettuce, and radishes with confidence. Broccoli and cabbage transplants do well here. Soil stays workable longer, so direct sowing is possible until mid-December.
Watch for warm spells that can trigger premature bolting in some greens. Plant bolt-resistant varieties like Salad Bowl lettuce.
South Georgia (Zones 8B-9a)
Coastal areas rarely see hard freezes. December is prime time for planting. You can grow almost all cool-season vegetables. Even some warm-season crops like tomatoes might survive if protected.
Focus on succession planting. Harvest radishes and lettuce quickly, then replant the same beds. Use shade cloth if daytime temps exceed 75°F, which can stress cool-season plants.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make errors in December. Here are pitfalls to sidestep.
- Planting too late – Seeds need time to germinate before deep cold. Check your first frost date and count backward.
- Overcrowding – Winter plants need space for air circulation. Thin seedlings to recommended spacing.
- Skipping soil prep – Cold soil is less forgiving. Always amend with compost before planting.
- Ignoring pests – Aphids and cabbage worms remain active in mild winters. Inspect plants weekly.
- Using wrong varieties – Not all vegetables labeled “cold-hardy” perform well in Georgia. Stick to regional recommendations.
Learn from these mistakes to improve your success rate. Keep a garden journal to track what works in your specific microclimate.
Harvesting Your December Garden
Knowing when to harvest is as important as planting. Winter vegetables often taste best after a frost.
Leafy Greens
Harvest outer leaves of kale and collards when they reach 6-8 inches. Leave the inner rosette to keep producing. Cut spinach at the base when leaves are full-sized. Lettuce can be harvested as whole heads or as cut-and-come-again.
Swiss chard stems are edible too. Harvest stalks when they are 8-10 inches tall. The plant will regrow for multiple harvests.
Root Vegetables
Pull carrots when they are about 1 inch in diameter at the top. Radishes are ready when roots are 1 inch across. Turnips should be harvested at 2-3 inches for best flavor. Beets are sweetest when 2 inches in diameter.
Store root vegetables in a cool, dark place after harvest. Remove tops to prevent moisture loss. They keep for weeks in a root cellar or refrigerator.
Brassicas
Cut broccoli heads when buds are tight and dark green. Side shoots will form after the main head is removed. Harvest cabbage when heads feel firm. Cut at the base, leaving outer leaves for possible secondary growth.
Cauliflower heads should be harvested when they are 6-8 inches across. Keep them covered until harvest to maintain white color. Brussels sprouts are ready when sprouts are firm and 1-2 inches in diameter. Pick from the bottom of the stalk upward.
Extending The Season
With a little effort, you can harvest fresh vegetables well into January and February. Here are advanced techniques.
Using Hoop Houses
Simple hoop houses made from PVC pipes and greenhouse plastic can extend your season by 4-6 weeks. They are inexpensive and easy to build. Ventilate on warm days to prevent overheating.
Place hoops over raised beds. Secure plastic with sandbags or bricks. Open ends during sunny afternoons. Close them before nightfall to trap heat.
Cold Frames
Cold frames are low boxes with glass or plastic lids. They sit directly on the ground. You can plant directly in the soil inside them. They provide 10-15°F of protection.
Build a cold frame from old windows or lumber. Angle the lid toward the south for maximum light. Prop it open on warm days to prevent overheating.
Mulching Deeply
Apply 6-8 inches of straw or hay over root crops. This insulates the soil and prevents freezing. You can harvest through the mulch even when snow is on the ground.
Use leaves shredded with a lawn mower. They decompose slowly and add organic matter. Avoid using whole leaves, they mat down and block water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions about December planting in Georgia.
Can I plant tomatoes in December in Georgia?
Tomatoes are warm-season plants. They cannot survive frost. Wait until March or April for planting. Use cold frames if you want to try an early start.
What vegetables grow fastest in December?
Radishes are the quickest, ready in 25-30 days. Leaf lettuce and spinach follow at 40-50 days. These are great for impatient gardeners.
Do I need to fertilize winter vegetables?
Yes, but lightly. Use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at half strength. Apply once at planting and again after 4 weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote leafy growth vulnerable to frost.
Can I plant garlic in December in Georgia?
Garlic is best planted in October or November. December is late but possible if soil is not frozen. Use softneck varieties for milder winters. Plant cloves 4 inches deep and mulch heavily.
How do I protect vegetables from deer in winter?
Deer are more active in winter when food is scarce. Use 8-foot tall fencing or deer netting. Apply repellents like garlic spray or predator urine. Rotate repellents to prevent habituation.
Final Thoughts On December Planting
December gardening in Georgia is rewarding with the right choices. Focus on cold-hardy vegetables like kale, carrots, and broccoli. Prepare your soil well and protect plants from frost. Adjust your methods based on your region’s climate.
Start small if you are new to winter gardening. A few beds of greens and roots can provide fresh produce through the holidays. Expand next year as you learn what works in your garden.
Remember that even if some plants fail, you gain valuable experience. Georgia’s mild winters offer a unique opportunity to garden year-round. Take advantage of it and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting in December.