December often signals rest for much of the garden world, but in USDA Zone 8, the soil rarely sleeps for long. With relatively mild winters, workable ground, and only intermittent frosts, December remains a productive month for sowing seeds—especially if you garden with intention, succession planting, and season-extension methods.
I am still out here planting seeds on a weekly basis, and December has proven to be a surprisingly generous month. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what I am planting now, why it works in Zone 8, and how to approach winter sowing with confidence.
Understanding December Planting in Zone 8
Zone 8 typically experiences winter lows between 10–20°F, with many regions enjoying extended cool seasons rather than prolonged freezes. This allows for:
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Cold-hardy vegetables to germinate and establish slowly
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Herbs and flowers that benefit from cold stratification
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Long-season and perennial crops to be started or overwintered
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Strategic succession planting for early spring harvests
Using row covers, mulch, cold frames, or simply timing plantings between cold snaps makes December gardening both practical and rewarding.
Vegetables You Can Plant in December
Cool-Season Staples
These crops thrive in cool soil and often taste better after light frost:
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Beets – Direct sow; slow growth now, strong spring payoff
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Carrots – Excellent for winter sowing; sweeter roots
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Radishes – Fast growers for continual harvest
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Turnips – Reliable and cold tolerant
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Mustard Greens – Quick, spicy greens for winter harvest
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Collards – Extremely hardy and frost-sweetened
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Kale – A winter garden essential
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Spinach – Cold-hardy and perfect for overwintering
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Swiss Chard – Survives light frosts with protection
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Lettuce – Best with row cover or cold frame
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Mache (Corn Salad) – One of the most cold-tolerant greens available
Brassicas
Slow-growing now but well worth the wait:
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Broccoli
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Cabbage
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Cauliflower
These can be started from seed for early spring transplanting or direct sown in milder Zone 8 microclimates.
Alliums
December is ideal for establishing strong roots:
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Garlic – A prime planting month
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Onions – From seed or sets
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Leeks – Slow growers that overwinter well
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Chives – Hardy and dependable
Legumes
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Peas – Cool soil lovers; plant now for early spring harvest
Herbs to Plant in December
Many herbs appreciate cooler temperatures and establish strong root systems during winter:
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Parsley – Germinates slowly but thrives in cool weather
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Cilantro – Bolts less in winter planting
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Dill – Cold-tolerant and quick to germinate
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Fennel – Best started in cooler months
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Sage – Hardy perennial
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Oregano – Establishes well overwinter
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Holy Basil (Tulsi) – Start with protection or indoors
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Chamomile – Benefits from cold stratification
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Stevia – Best started protected or indoors
Flowers & Medicinal Plants
December sowing supports early blooms and strong plants:
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Calendula – Cold-hardy and medicinal
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Evening Primrose – Requires cold stratification
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Nasturtiums – Cool-weather friendly flowers
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Sunflowers – Can be winter sown for early spring starts
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Mixed Flowers – Many annuals benefit from winter sowing
Perennials & Fruit Seeds
Some plants need patience and cold exposure:
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Asparagus – Start from seed for long-term beds
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Rhubarb – Slow to establish, but worth it
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Cherries – Require cold stratification
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Mango – Best started indoors in warm conditions
Tips for Success When Planting in December
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Watch soil temperature, not the calendar
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Mulch heavily to regulate temperature and moisture
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Use row covers or cold frames for tender seedlings
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Plant in succession every 1–2 weeks
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Expect slow growth—winter roots build before spring shoots
Final Thoughts
Gardening in December in Zone 8 is about working with nature, not against it. While growth above ground may be modest, the real work happens below the soil surface. By continuing to plant now, you are setting the stage for earlier harvests, healthier plants, and a more abundant spring garden.
If your soil is workable and your climate allows it, do not let the calendar stop you. December is still planting season.
👉 Check out our videos on each plant and follow along as we continue planting straight through the winter season.