Oregon’s December rains create ideal conditions for leafy greens that thrive in consistently moist soil. When you’re searching for the best vegetables to plant in december in oregon, you need crops that can handle cold temps and short days. December gardening here is about working with the weather, not against it.
Most gardeners think the growing season ends in fall. But in Oregon’s mild coastal and valley zones, December offers a real chance to plant. The key is choosing vegetables that actually want to be in the ground right now.
You can get a jump on spring or even harvest through winter. Let’s look at what works best for your Oregon garden this month.
Best Vegetables To Plant In December In Oregon
This list focuses on vegetables that tolerate frost, wet soil, and low light. These crops are proven winners for December planting across most of Oregon, from Portland to Eugene to the coast.
Leafy Greens That Love Cold Weather
Leafy greens are your best bet for December planting. They germinate in cool soil and keep growing slowly through winter.
- Kale – Siberian and Winterbor varieties handle frost well. Plant seeds or starts now for harvests in late winter.
- Spinach – Bloomsdale and Space varieties are cold-hardy. Sow seeds directly in well-drained beds.
- Mache (Corn Salad) – This green actually prefers cold weather. It germinates best when soil temps are below 60°F.
- Arugula – Quick to sprout and harvest. It adds peppery flavor to winter salads.
- Claytonia (Miner’s Lettuce) – A native green that thrives in Oregon’s winter wetness.
These greens don’t need much sun. They’ll grow slowly but steadily through December and January. You can start harvesting leaves in about 6-8 weeks.
Root Vegetables For Winter Beds
Root crops planted in December take longer to mature, but they store well in the ground. The cold actually makes them sweeter.
- Carrots – Choose short varieties like Chantenay or Nantes. They mature faster and handle heavy soil better.
- Turnips – Purple Top White Globe is reliable. Both roots and greens are edible.
- Radishes – Daikon and winter radishes grow slowly but get huge. They break up compacted soil too.
- Beets – Cold weather makes beets sweeter. Plant them in raised beds for better drainage.
Root vegetables need loose soil to grow straight. If your soil is heavy clay, consider building raised beds or adding compost before planting.
Alliums For Spring Harvests
December is the perfect time to plant garlic and onions in Oregon. These bulbs need a cold period to form properly.
- Garlic – Hardneck varieties like Music and German Extra Hardy do well. Plant cloves pointy side up, 2 inches deep.
- Onions – Plant onion sets or starts now for June harvests. Walla Walla sweets are a local favorite.
- Shallots – French Red and Gray shallots multiply underground. They store longer than onions.
- Leeks – Winter leek varieties like Bandit can stay in the ground all winter. Harvest as needed.
Plant alliums in full sun if possible. They need good drainage to prevent rot during wet months.
How To Prepare Your Oregon Garden For December Planting
December planting requires some extra prep. The soil is cold and wet, so you need to work smart.
Improve Soil Drainage
Oregon’s December rains can waterlog your garden. Raised beds are the easiest fix. They warm up faster and drain better than ground soil.
- Build beds at least 8 inches high
- Mix in 2-3 inches of compost
- Add coarse sand or perlite for drainage
- Cover beds with plastic or row cover before heavy rain
If you can’t build raised beds, try mounding soil into rows. This lifts roots above standing water.
Use Season Extenders
Cold frames, row covers, and cloches protect plants from frost and wind. They also warm the soil by a few degrees.
- Row covers – Lightweight fabric lets light and water through. It adds 2-4°F of frost protection.
- Cold frames – Glass or plastic boxes trap heat. They can extend your season by 4-6 weeks.
- Cloches – Plastic bottles or glass jars work for individual plants. Cut the bottom off and place over seedlings.
These tools are worth the investment. They let you plant earlier and harvest later.
Choose The Right Varieties
Not all vegetable varieties handle December planting. Look for words like “cold-hardy,” “winter,” or “frost-tolerant” on seed packets.
Local nurseries often carry varieties tested for Oregon’s climate. Ask what works in your specific zone. The Willamette Valley is different from the coast or high desert.
Zone-Specific Advice For December Planting In Oregon
Oregon has several climate zones. What works in Portland might fail in Bend or Astoria.
Western Oregon (Zones 8A-8b)
This includes Portland, Salem, Eugene, and the coast. Winters are mild but very wet. December temps average 35-45°F.
You can plant most leafy greens and root vegetables here. Garlic and onions do excellent. Use raised beds to manage drainage. Row covers help on cold nights.
Eastern Oregon (Zones 5B-6b)
Bend, Pendleton, and Baker City have colder winters. December temps often drop below freezing at night.
Stick with the most cold-hardy crops: kale, spinach, mache, and garlic. Use cold frames or unheated greenhouses. Plant in protected spots near south-facing walls.
Southern Oregon (Zones 7A-8a)
Medford and Ashland have warmer winters than eastern Oregon. December temps range from 30-45°F.
You can plant a wider range of vegetables here. Try carrots, beets, turnips, and alliums. Use row covers for frost protection on clear nights.
Step-By-Step Guide To Planting Vegetables In December
Follow these steps for success with December planting in Oregon.
- Check your soil – It should be moist but not soggy. Squeeze a handful; if water drips out, wait a few days.
- Clear the bed – Remove old plants and weeds. Add 2 inches of compost and mix in.
- Sow seeds or plant starts – Follow depth and spacing on the packet. For garlic, plant cloves 4-6 inches apart.
- Water in – Use a gentle spray to settle soil around seeds. Don’t overwater; rain will do the rest.
- Cover with mulch – Straw, leaves, or wood chips insulate soil and suppress weeds.
- Protect from frost – Add row covers or cloches if temps drop below 25°F.
- Wait and watch – Seeds may take 2-3 weeks to sprout in cold soil. Be patient.
Check your garden weekly. Remove weeds and look for pests like slugs. They love wet December weather.
Common Mistakes When Planting Vegetables In December
Avoid these errors to keep your winter garden healthy.
- Planting too deep – Cold soil slows germination. Plant seeds slightly shallower than summer recommendations.
- Overwatering – December rain provides enough moisture. Only water if there’s a dry spell of 5+ days.
- Skipping drainage – Wet feet kill roots. Always improve drainage before planting.
- Choosing wrong varieties – Summer tomatoes and peppers won’t survive. Stick with cold-hardy crops.
- Ignoring microclimates – Your yard has warmer and colder spots. Plant tender crops near the house or a wall.
Learn from these mistakes. Your garden will thank you.
Harvesting Your December-Planted Vegetables
Most December-planted crops take longer to mature. But the wait is worth it.
When To Harvest Leafy Greens
Pick outer leaves when they’re 3-4 inches tall. Leave the center to keep growing. This “cut-and-come-again” method gives you multiple harvests.
Kale and spinach can be harvested through winter if protected. Mache and claytonia self-seed and come back year after year.
When To Harvest Root Vegetables
Carrots and beets planted in December are ready in late winter or early spring. Pull them when they’re finger-sized for best flavor.
Turnips and radishes can be harvested earlier. Check size by gently brushing soil away from the top.
When To Harvest Alliums
Garlic planted in December is ready in July or August. Onions take 6-8 months from planting. Leeks can be harvested from late winter through spring.
Alliums tell you when they’re ready. Garlic scapes curl and onions flop over. Harvest when tops start yellowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant tomatoes in December in Oregon?
No. Tomatoes need warm soil and long days. They won’t survive Oregon’s December cold. Wait until May to plant tomatoes.
What vegetables grow fastest in December?
Mache, arugula, and radishes are fastest. They can be harvested in 4-6 weeks from planting. Spinach and kale take 6-8 weeks.
Do I need to water December-planted vegetables?
Rarely. Oregon’s December rains provide enough moisture. Only water if you have a dry spell of more than a week. Check soil moisture before watering.
Can I plant vegetables in December in eastern Oregon?
Yes, but with more protection. Use cold frames or unheated greenhouses. Stick with the most cold-hardy crops like kale, garlic, and mache.
What is the best vegetable to plant in December for beginners?
Garlic is the easiest. Plant cloves in well-drained soil, cover with mulch, and wait. It requires almost no care and produces reliably.
Final Tips For December Gardening In Oregon
December gardening in Oregon is about patience and preparation. The soil is cold, the days are short, and the rain is constant. But with the right vegetables and techniques, you can keep your garden productive all winter.
Start small. Plant a few beds with kale, garlic, and spinach. Add row covers and see what works in your microclimate. Every year you’ll learn more about what thrives in your specific spot.
Remember that December-planted vegetables often taste better than summer crops. The cold converts starches to sugars, making roots sweeter and greens more tender. You’ll be rewarded with fresh food from your own garden when most people are buying bland supermarket produce.
So grab your seeds, prepare your beds, and get planting. Oregon’s December weather is perfect for the right vegetables. Your winter garden awaits.