what to plant in december california

2 min read 04-12-2024

Meta Description: Discover the best plants to cultivate in your California garden this December! From cool-season veggies to vibrant flowers, this comprehensive guide helps you plan your winter garden successfully, no matter your region. We'll cover ideal planting times, soil preparation, and essential care tips for a bountiful harvest. Get ready to plant your December garden in California!

California's Diverse Climates: A Regional Approach

California's diverse geography means planting in December varies greatly depending on your location. Coastal areas enjoy mild temperatures, while inland valleys experience cooler nights and some frost. Mountain regions see significant snowfall. This guide offers general advice, but always check your local frost dates and microclimate.

Coastal California (December Planting)

Coastal regions boast a Mediterranean climate, ideal for planting cool-season crops. December offers ample time for these plants to establish roots before spring.

Vegetables:

Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and chard thrive in cooler weather. Direct sow seeds or transplant seedlings.
Root Vegetables: Plant carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips for a spring harvest.
Garlic: Plant garlic cloves now for a summer harvest.

Flowers:

Pansies: These cheerful blooms tolerate cool temperatures and add color to your winter garden.
Violas: Similar to pansies, violas are hardy and provide long-lasting color.
California Poppies: While these are typically spring bloomers, starting seeds now in the coastal region ensures a vibrant display.

Inland Valleys (December Planting)

Inland valleys experience more temperature fluctuations, including potential frost. Choose frost-tolerant varieties and consider using protective covers if necessary.

Vegetables:

Broccoli: Plant broccoli seedlings for a spring harvest. Choose varieties known for cold hardiness.
Cauliflower: Similar to broccoli, cauliflower thrives in cooler weather.
Fava Beans: These cool-season legumes are relatively frost-tolerant.

Flowers:

Sweet Peas: These fragrant climbers can tolerate light frost and add beauty to your garden.
Calendula: These cheerful flowers are known for their hardiness and ability to bloom in cooler temperatures.
Snapdragons: These vibrant blooms add color to the winter garden.

Mountain Regions (December Planting)

High-altitude areas experience cold temperatures and potential snow. Focus on hardy plants or wait until spring for most planting.

Vegetables: Limited options exist in December. Consider planting hardy root vegetables if the ground isn't frozen.

Flowers: Choose cold-hardy varieties or wait until spring.

Preparing Your Soil for December Planting

Regardless of your location, proper soil preparation is key to success.

Amend the Soil: Improve soil drainage and fertility by adding compost or other organic matter.
Test the Soil pH: Adjust pH as needed using lime or sulfur. Most vegetables prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
Water Thoroughly: Water the soil deeply before planting to help seeds germinate and seedlings establish.

Essential Care Tips for Your December Garden

Watering: Water deeply and less frequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Pest and Disease Control: Monitor plants regularly for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action as needed.

What to Plant in December: A Quick Reference Guide

Region	Vegetables	Flowers
Coastal	Lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots	Pansies, violas, poppies
Inland Valleys	Broccoli, cauliflower, fava beans	Sweet peas, calendula, snapdragons
Mountain Regions	Limited options	Limited options

Conclusion

Planting in December in California offers a chance to extend your gardening season and enjoy fresh produce and vibrant blooms throughout the winter months. By choosing the right plants for your region and following proper care techniques, you can ensure a bountiful harvest and a beautiful winter garden. Remember to always check your local frost dates and adjust your planting schedule accordingly. Happy gardening!