December is the quietest month in the Zone 8 garden, and the best one for thinking. The beds are mostly empty, the days are at their shortest, and the garden asks very little of you: a bit of harvesting from hardy crops, some protection for tender plants, and the pleasant work of planning next year with the seed catalogues. December done well makes spring feel easy.
What December means in Zone 8
USDA Zone 8 runs through the southern United States, from parts of Texas, Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina to the Pacific Northwest coast and parts of California. Winters are mild, with average winter lows of 10 to 20°F, and the growing season is long, which gives Zone 8 gardeners one of the most forgiving calendars in the country.
The dates that matter most are the frost averages. The average last spring frost in Zone 8 is Mar 1–15, and the average first autumn frost is Nov 15–Dec 1. These are USDA zone averages drawn from NOAA frost records, not exact dates for any one garden. Always check your local extension service and the forecast before planting tender crops outside. Use our frost date calculator for your zone’s averages.
December in Zone 8 is mild enough that the garden never really stops: kale, collards, broccoli and carrots are all harvestable, and peas can still be sown in mild spells. Start onions from seed late in the month, and use the quiet weeks to plan next year's rotation.
December task list
- Harvest kale, leeks, brussels sprouts, parsnips and mulched carrots.
- Start onions and leeks from seed indoors late in the month.
- Plant bare-root trees and shrubs while dormant, if the ground is workable.
- Protect tender plants with fleece, mulch and cold frames.
- Clean and sharpen tools, and order seeds for next year.
- Check stored produce weekly and remove anything soft.
- Feed garden birds and plan crop rotation for spring.
What to start indoors in December
Start these under cover now, with strong light and steady moisture.
- Onions — matures in 90–120 days; hardy; soil pH 6.0–7.0.
- Leeks — matures in 90–120 days; hardy; soil pH 6.0–7.0.
- Hot peppers — matures in 70–90 days; tender; soil pH 6.0–6.8.
- Parsley — matures in 70–90 days; hardy; soil pH 6.0–7.0.
What to direct-sow in December
Sow these straight into prepared beds and water the seed row well.
- Peas — matures in 60–70 days; hardy; soil pH 6.0–7.5.
- Garlic — matures in 180–240 days; hardy; soil pH 6.0–7.0.
What to transplant in December
Nothing is transplanted outdoors in December in Zone 8: tender transplants would not survive, and hardy ones are better left until spring. Use the month to raise herbs and microgreens indoors instead.
What to harvest in December
Pick little and often: regular picking keeps beans, squash and cucumbers producing.
- Kale — hardy, matures in 50–65 days.
- Collard greens — frost-tolerant, matures in 60–80 days.
- Carrots — hardy, matures in 60–80 days.
- Leeks — hardy, matures in 90–120 days.
- Broccoli — frost-tolerant, matures in 60–85 days.
- Cauliflower — frost-tolerant, matures in 55–80 days.
- Spinach — hardy, matures in 40–50 days.
December planting at a glance
| Crop | What to do | Days to maturity | Cold tolerance | Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Start indoors | 90–120 | hardy | 4–6 in |
| Leeks | Start indoors | 90–120 | hardy | 6–8 in |
| Hot peppers | Start indoors | 70–90 | tender | 18–24 in |
| Parsley | Start indoors | 70–90 | hardy | 6–8 in |
| Peas | Direct sow | 60–70 | hardy | 2–3 in |
All figures are broad published ranges from standard horticultural references, and they vary by variety, soil and weather. Check your local extension service for advice on your own garden.
Soil, water and feeding in December
December soil should be left alone. Do not dig wet or frozen soil: it compacts and damages structure. If the ground is workable, you can still plant bare-root trees and shrubs, and you can spread compost on the surface for the worms. Otherwise, let the soil rest under its mulch until spring.
Frost and weather protection
December frost is normal in Zone 8, where the average first autumn frost is Nov 15–Dec 1 and the average last spring frost is Mar 1–15. Hard frosts can freeze the ground solid, so lift any roots you still want before that happens, and mulch what stays in the ground. Tender plants in pots should be under cover or wrapped in fleece. Check your local extension service for your county's frost averages, and keep an eye on the forecast: a mild December week is a gift, not a promise.
Pests and problems to watch
Pests are dormant in December, so use the month for prevention: clean up debris, wash pots and seed trays, and check stored onions, garlic and squash for rot. Pigeons may strip brassicas in hard weather, so net them if needed. A tidy December garden has far fewer problems in spring.
Frequently asked questions
Can I plant anything in December in Zone 8?
Very little outdoors: bare-root trees and shrubs while dormant, if the ground is workable. Indoors, start onions and leeks from seed late in the month, and grow microgreens on a windowsill.
What can I harvest in December in Zone 8?
Hardy crops: kale, leeks, brussels sprouts, parsnips and carrots kept under mulch. Harvest on mild days and lift roots before the ground freezes solid.
How do I protect plants from frost in December?
Mulch roots thickly, wrap tender plants in fleece, move pots under cover, and close cold frames at night. Water soil before a frost: moist soil holds heat better than dry soil.
When should I order seeds for next year?
December is ideal: the full range is in stock and you can plan calmly. Order for the plan, not the other way round, and start onions and leeks indoors late in the month.
For the full year, browse the planting calendar hub. Nearby months: November in Zone 8, December in Zone 7. Use the garden planner to work out exact dates for your own garden.