What to Plant in December in Texas: A Guide for Gardeners

What to Plant in December in Texas

The winter months can be a challenge for gardeners in Texas, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on growing your own food. With a little planning, you can still enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all winter long.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best vegetables, fruits, and herbs to plant in December in Texas. We’ll also give you tips on how to care for your plants and how to harvest them when they’re ready.

So if you’re looking for something to do to keep yourself busy during the winter months, why not give gardening a try? It’s a great way to get some exercise, fresh air, and satisfaction from growing your own food.

Vegetable	When to Plant	Notes
Arugula	December-February	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Broccoli	November-December	Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, and transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Cabbage	October-December	Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, and transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Carrots	November-December	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Cauliflower	November-December	Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, and transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Collard Greens	October-December	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Kale	October-December	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Lettuce	October-December	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Mustard Greens	October-December	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Onions	October-December	Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, and transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Peas	October-December	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Radishes	October-December	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Spinach	October-December	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Swiss Chard	October-December	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.

December is a great time to plant cold-hardy vegetables and herbs in Texas. The weather is cool, but not too cold, and there is plenty of sunlight. This makes it the perfect time to get your garden started for the new year.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best vegetables and herbs to plant in December in Texas. We will also provide tips on how to care for your plants and how to harvest them when they are ready.

Cold-Hardy Vegetables

The following vegetables are all cold-hardy and can be planted in December in Texas:

• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Onions
• Parsnips
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Turnips

These vegetables can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. They are all relatively easy to grow, and they will provide you with fresh produce throughout the winter months.

How to Plant Cold-Hardy Vegetables

To plant cold-hardy vegetables in December, you will need to:

1. Choose a planting location that receives full sun.
2. Prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of 12 inches.
3. Add compost or manure to the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
4. Make a 1-inch deep furrow in the soil.
5. Place the seeds in the furrow and cover them with soil.
6. Water the seeds well.

How to Care for Cold-Hardy Vegetables

Once your cold-hardy vegetables have been planted, you will need to:

• Water them regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and protect them from the cold.
• Watch for pests and diseases and treat them as needed.
• Harvest the vegetables when they are ripe.

Herbs

The following herbs are all cold-hardy and can be planted in December in Texas:

• Chives
• Dill
• Mint
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme

These herbs are all relatively easy to grow, and they will add flavor to your cooking throughout the winter months.

How to Plant Herbs

To plant herbs in December, you will need to:

1. Choose a planting location that receives full sun or partial shade.
2. Prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of 12 inches.
3. Add compost or manure to the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
4. Make a 1-inch deep furrow in the soil.
5. Place the seeds or seedlings in the furrow and cover them with soil.
6. Water the plants well.

How to Care for Herbs

Once your herbs have been planted, you will need to:

• Water them regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and protect them from the cold.
• Watch for pests and diseases and treat them as needed.
• Harvest the herbs when they are needed.

December is a great time to plant cold-hardy vegetables and herbs in Texas. The weather is cool, but not too cold, and there is plenty of sunlight. This makes it the perfect time to get your garden started for the new year.

By following the tips in this article, you can successfully grow a variety of vegetables and herbs in your Texas garden. So get started today and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all winter long!

Additional Tips

• When planting vegetables, it is important to choose varieties that are specifically suited for your climate. For example, choose cold-hardy varieties of vegetables for planting in December in Texas.
• When planting herbs, it is important to choose varieties that are also suited for your climate. For example, choose drought-tolerant varieties of herbs for planting in a dry climate.
• When caring for your plants, it is important to water them regularly, especially during dry spells. You may also need to fertilize your plants periodically.
• It is also important to watch for pests and diseases and treat them as needed.
• By following these tips, you can successfully grow a variety of vegetables and herbs in your Texas garden.

3. Flowers

Amaryllis

Amaryllis is a popular flowering bulb that is easy to grow in Texas. It blooms in late winter or early spring, and its flowers can range in color from white to red, pink, or purple. Amaryllis bulbs should be planted in the fall, and they will need to be protected from frost. Once the plants have finished blooming, the bulbs can be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.

Pansies

Pansies are another popular choice for winter gardens in Texas. They are available in a variety of colors and varieties, and they are relatively easy to grow. Pansies should be planted in the fall, and they will need to be protected from frost. Once the plants have finished blooming, the seeds can be collected and saved for next year.

Primroses

Primroses are a type of perennial that blooms in the spring. They are available in a variety of colors, and they are relatively easy to grow. Primroses should be planted in the fall, and they will need to be protected from frost. Once the plants have finished blooming, the seeds can be collected and saved for next year.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are a type of annual that blooms in the spring. They are available in a variety of colors, and they are relatively easy to grow. Snapdragons should be planted in the fall, and they will need to be protected from frost. Once the plants have finished blooming, the seeds can be collected and saved for next year.

Tulips

Tulips are a popular flowering bulb that is easy to grow in Texas. They bloom in the spring, and their flowers can range in color from white to red, pink, or purple. Tulips bulbs should be planted in the fall, and they will need to be protected from frost. Once the plants have finished blooming, the bulbs can be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.

4. Fruits

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a citrus fruit that is native to the Caribbean and South America. It is a cross between a pomelo and a sweet orange. Grapefruits are available in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and white. They are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Grapefruits can be eaten fresh, juiced, or used in cooking.

Oranges

Oranges are a citrus fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. They are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Oranges can be eaten fresh, juiced, or used in cooking.

Tangerines

Tangerines are a type of citrus fruit that is closely related to oranges. They are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Tangerines can be eaten fresh, juiced, or used in cooking.

Kumquats

Kumquats are a small, citrus fruit that is native to China. They are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Kumquats can be eaten fresh, juiced, or used in cooking.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates are a fruit that is native to the Middle East. They are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Pomegranates can be eaten fresh, juiced, or used in cooking.

What to Plant in December in Texas?

A. The best plants to grow in December in Texas are those that are cold-hardy and can tolerate the low temperatures. Some good options include:

• Vegetables: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, onions, peas, radishes, spinach, turnips
• Fruits: Grapes, oranges, pears, pomegranates, strawberries
• Flowers: Pansies, poinsettias, snapdragons, tulips

Q. What are the best gardening practices for December in Texas?

A. The best gardening practices for December in Texas include:

• Watering: Water plants deeply and infrequently to prevent the soil from freezing.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around plants to help insulate the roots and retain moisture.
• Protecting plants from the cold: Cover tender plants with frost cloth or straw to protect them from the cold.
• Staking plants: Stake tall plants to prevent them from falling over in the wind.

Q. What are some common gardening problems in December in Texas?

A. Some common gardening problems in December in Texas include:

• Frost damage: Tender plants can be damaged by frost, so it is important to protect them from the cold.
• Insects: Insects can be a problem in December, so it is important to monitor plants for signs of infestation and treat them as needed.
• Diseases: Diseases can also be a problem in December, so it is important to practice good garden sanitation and remove any diseased plants.

Q. How can I make the most of my garden in December in Texas?

A. There are a few things you can do to make the most of your garden in December in Texas:

• Grow cold-hardy plants: Choose plants that are well-suited to the cold weather.
• Water plants deeply and infrequently: This will help to prevent the soil from freezing.
• Mulch around plants: Mulch will help to insulate the roots and retain moisture.
• Protect plants from the cold: Cover tender plants with frost cloth or straw to protect them from the cold.
• Stake tall plants: Stake tall plants to prevent them from falling over in the wind.
• Monitor plants for pests and diseases: Insects and diseases can be a problem in December, so it is important to monitor plants for signs of infestation and treat them as needed.

Q. What are some tips for winter gardening in Texas?

A. Here are some tips for winter gardening in Texas:

• Start early: The best time to start winter gardening in Texas is in the fall. This will give your plants time to establish themselves before the cold weather arrives.
• Choose the right plants: Not all plants are suitable for winter gardening in Texas. Choose plants that are cold-hardy and can tolerate the low temperatures.
• Water your plants regularly: Water your plants deeply and infrequently to prevent the soil from freezing.
• Mulch around your plants: Mulch will help to insulate the roots and retain moisture.
• Protect your plants from the cold: Cover tender plants with frost cloth or straw to protect them from the cold.
• Stake tall plants: Stake tall plants to prevent them from falling over in the wind.
• Monitor your plants for pests and diseases: Insects and diseases can be a problem in winter, so it is important to monitor your plants for signs of infestation and treat them as needed.

  there are a variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs that can be planted in December in Texas. By choosing the right plants for your climate and growing conditions, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all winter long. Be sure to do your research before planting, and start early to give your plants the best chance of success.