What to Sow in December: A Winter Gardener’s Guide
December might seem like the time to retreat indoors and forget about the garden, but in reality, (depending on the weather) it can be a wonderful month for quiet preparation in the bustle of Christmas preparations. While growth slows outdoors, there’s plenty to sow now to get a head start on spring or even enjoy fresh harvests through winter. From hardy vegetables to windowsill herbs and cold-loving flowers, here’s what we could plant this month to keep our gardening momentum going.
Vegetables to Sow in December
Several vegetables benefit from a winter start. Broad beans are one of my favourites, they’re reliable, hardy, and can withstand cold temperatures. I usually choose a variety like Aquadulce Claudia and either sow them directly in the garden if the soil isn’t frozen or start them in modules under cover.
Onions and garlic are another December essential for me. It has become something of a tradition in UK to sow onions indoors or in a greenhouse on Boxing Day, so they have plenty of time to develop before planting out in the spring. Garlic cloves appreciate the winter chill too, which helps them form strong, healthy bulbs by midsummer. Simply plant each clove in well-drained soil, pointy end up, and let the cold do the rest.
If like me you enjoy growing leafy greens, December still offers opportunities. Winter-hardy lettuce varieties—including ‘Winter Density’ and ‘Arctic King’—can be started in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame. Protect from frost and slugs when planting out. Lamb’s lettuce, or corn salad, is one of the hardiest winter greens and copes well even in colder areas. Meanwhile, mizuna grows quickly under cover and supplies a steady crop of fresh, peppery leaves throughout the season.
For the quickest harvests of all, microgreens are perfect. I grow them on a bright windowsill, and in just a couple of weeks, I can snip fresh sorrel, mustard, pak choi, pea shoots, or garlic chives straight into my salads or stir-fries. They’re a fast, flavour-packed way to bring life to winter meals.
Which Herbs do I grow on a Bright, Warm Windowsill?
I crave fresh flavour in winter, none better than herbs on a warm, sunny windowsill. Basil, dill, chives, mint, parsley or coriander all grow happily indoors during December. With a bit of light and warmth, they’ll provide fresh leaves through the winter months.
TIP : Planning ahead, these early herb sowings on the windowsill can also become strong seedlings for spring. As the days lengthen, select the healthiest plants, pot them on, and plant them out once the frost risk has passed.
What Hardy Flowers to Sow Now for Spring Colour?
Winter sowing isn’t just for edible crops. Many flowers require a period of cold to germinate well. December is the ideal time to sow hardy perennials and annuals like sweet peas, delphiniums, aquilegias, and larkspur. These seeds benefit from natural cold stratification: the exposure to winter temperatures that trigger spring germination.
Sow them in pots or trays and leave them in a cold greenhouse, cold frame, or sheltered outdoor area. By spring, the strong seedlings will be ready to fill the garden with colour.
Although it can be frustrating to lose all your seedlings to slugs or frost or watch the seeds drown in winter floods, equally it can be heartening to see those valiant little green shoots emerge. Trial a few seeds and see what springs up.www.justseed.com #growwithjustseed
