What to Plant in December in California? 9 Important Considerations

December is a great time to plant in California, despite the cooler temperatures. With the right plants and preparation, you can have a thriving garden all winter long. Understanding California’s unique climate and choosing the right plants is key to knowing what to plant in December in California.

California’s winter planting season is different from other parts of the country. While many areas experience freezing temperatures and snow, California’s mild coastal climate allows for year-round planting.

However, the cooler temperatures and shorter days of winter require some adjustments to traditional gardening practices. By preparing your garden for winter planting and choosing the right plants, you can enjoy fresh produce and beautiful blooms throughout the winter months.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding California’s unique climate is key to successful winter planting.
• Choosing the right plants and preparing your garden for winter planting is crucial.
• With the right care and maintenance, a winter garden in California can thrive.

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Understanding California’s Winter Planting

Winter in California can be a great time to plant a garden. While the rest of the country is buried in snow, California’s mild winter temperatures make it possible to grow a wide variety of plants. However, it’s important to understand the unique conditions of California’s winter planting season to ensure success.

1. Winter in California

California’s winter season is typically from December through February. While the state experiences some cold temperatures during this time, it’s generally warmer than other parts of the country. Northern California tends to be cooler and wetter, while Southern California is warmer and drier.

2. Winter Gardening in California

Winter gardening in California can be a bit different than in other parts of the country. While many areas experience a dormant period during the winter, California’s mild temperatures mean that some plants continue to grow throughout the season.

This means that gardeners can plant a variety of cool-season crops, including lettuce, spinach, kale, and broccoli.

3. Best Plants to Grow in December

December is a great time to plant a winter garden in California. Some of the best plants to grow during this time include:

• Chard
• Kale
• Leeks
• Mustard Greens
• Green and Bulb Onions
• Flat-Leaf Parsley
• Radishes
• Savoy-Leaved Spinach

These vegetables thrive in the cooler temperatures and shorter days that are typical of the winter season. It’s also a good time to plant trees and shrubs, as they will have a few months to develop a strong root system before the spring growing season.

4. Tips for Winter Planting

When planting a winter garden in California, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind:

• Choose the right plants: Make sure to choose plants that are well-suited to California’s winter growing conditions.
• Plant at the right time: December is a great time to plant a winter garden, but make sure to check the planting calendar for your specific region to ensure success.
• Provide proper care: Even though California’s winter temperatures are mild, plants still need proper care to thrive. Make sure to water regularly and provide adequate sunlight.

By understanding California’s unique winter planting conditions and following these tips, gardeners can enjoy a bountiful harvest throughout the season.

Preparing Your Garden for December Planting

Before starting to plant in December, it is essential to prepare your garden beds properly. A well-prepared garden will help ensure that your plants grow healthy and strong. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Clear Out Old Plants

The first step is to clear out any old plants that are no longer producing. This will help make room for new plants and prevent disease from spreading. Remove all debris and weeds from the garden bed.

2. Add Compost and Mulch

Next, add compost and mulch to the soil. Compost is an excellent source of nutrients for plants, and mulch helps retain moisture in the soil. Spread a layer of compost over the garden bed and then add a layer of mulch on top.

3. Consider Horse Manure

If you have access to horse manure, consider adding it to the soil. Horse manure is an excellent source of nutrients and can help improve soil quality. Be sure to let the manure age for at least six months before adding it to the garden bed.

4. Check the Soil

Before planting, it is essential to check the soil’s pH level. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, you can adjust the pH level by adding lime or sulfur.

5. Protect Your Plants

Finally, protect your plants from the cold by using row covers or structures like cold frames or hoop houses. Row covers help insulate plants and protect them from frost. Structures like cold frames and hoop houses provide additional protection and can extend the growing season.

By following these tips, you can prepare your garden for December planting and ensure that your plants have the best chance of thriving.

Choosing the Right Plants

When it comes to planting in December in California, it’s essential to choose the right plants that are suitable for the climate and soil conditions. Some plants thrive in the cooler temperatures and shorter days that are typical of the winter season, while others may not do so well.

One option is to choose California natives, which are adapted to the state’s climate and require less water and maintenance. California fuchsia, for example, is a drought-tolerant plant that produces vibrant red and orange flowers in the winter months.

Citrus trees are also a popular choice for planting in December, as they thrive in the winter months. Mandarins and limes are two types of citrus that do particularly well in California’s climate.

Avocado trees are another option, as they can be planted in the winter months and will begin to bear fruit in a few years. However, they require well-draining soil and regular watering.

Deciduous fruit trees, such as apple and peach trees, can also be planted in the winter months. They require a period of dormancy during the winter, which is why planting in December is ideal.

Conifers, such as Norfolk Island pine, are another option for planting in December. They add a touch of greenery to the landscape and can be used as a living Christmas tree.

Toyon, also known as California holly, is a native shrub that produces bright red berries in the winter months. It’s a great choice for adding color to the landscape during the holiday season.

Finally, David Austin roses are a popular choice for planting in December. They produce beautiful blooms in a range of colors and are known for their fragrance.

Vegetables to Plant in December

December is a great time to plant vegetables in California. The state’s temperate climate allows for a variety of vegetables to be grown throughout the year. Here are some of the best vegetables to plant in December:

1. Lettuce

Lettuce is a great vegetable to plant in December in California. It is a cold-hardy plant that thrives in cooler fall months. Lettuce can grow even when there is snow or frost on the ground, making it perfect for planting in December. Popular varieties of lettuce to plant in December include Butterhead, Boston, and Loose Leaf.

2. Broccoli

Broccoli is another excellent vegetable to plant in December in California. It is a cool-season crop that can tolerate frost and cold temperatures. Broccoli can be planted in December and harvested in late winter or early spring. Some popular varieties of broccoli include Calabrese, Romanesco, and Purple Sprouting.

3. Carrots

Carrots are a root vegetable that can be planted in December in California. They prefer cooler temperatures and can be planted in the winter months. Carrots can take a long time to mature, so planting them in December can allow for a spring harvest. Popular varieties of carrots include Danvers, Nantes, and Chantenay.

4. Peas

Peas are a cool-season crop that can be planted in December in California. They prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate frost. Peas grow quickly and can be harvested in the early spring. Popular varieties of peas include Sugar Snap, Snow Pea, and English Pea.

5. Cabbage

Cabbage is a cool-season crop that can be planted in December in California. It prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate frost. Cabbage can be harvested in the late winter or early spring. Popular varieties of cabbage include Napa, Savoy, and Red Cabbage.

6. Beets

Beets are a root vegetable that can be planted in December in California. They prefer cooler temperatures and can be planted in the winter months. Beets can take a long time to mature, so planting them in December can allow for a spring harvest. Popular varieties of beets include Detroit Dark Red, Chioggia, and Golden Beet.

7. Garlic

Garlic is a bulb vegetable that can be planted in December in California. It prefers cooler temperatures and can be planted in the winter months. Garlic takes a long time to mature and can be harvested in the late spring or early summer. Popular varieties of garlic include California Early, Italian Late, and Spanish Roja.

8. Onions

Onions are a bulb vegetable that can be planted in December in California. They prefer cooler temperatures and can be planted in the winter months. Onions take a long time to mature and can be harvested in the late spring or early summer. Popular varieties of onions include Red Onion, White Onion, and Yellow Onion.

9. Kale and Collards

Kale and collards are cool-season crops that can be planted in December in California. They prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate frost. These leafy greens can be harvested throughout the winter months.

Popular varieties of kale include Lacinato, Red Russian, and Curly Kale. Popular varieties of collards include Georgia Southern, Vates, and Morris Heading.

Planting and Caring for Your December Garden

December is a great time to plant and care for your garden in California. The winter rains have arrived, and the soil is moist, making it an ideal time for planting. In this section, we will provide some tips and advice on how to plant and care for your December garden.

Planting

If you are planning to plant new trees, shrubs, or perennials, December is a great time to do so. The cooler weather and winter rains will help the plants establish their roots before the hot summer months. When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s root ball and amend the soil with compost.

If you are sowing seeds, make sure to choose varieties that are suitable for the winter months. Some good options include lettuce, spinach, kale, and carrots. You can also start seeds indoors and transplant them outside once they have germinated.

Caring for Your Garden

Mulching is an important aspect of caring for your garden in December. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. You can use a variety of materials for mulch, including leaves, straw, and wood chips.

Composting is another important aspect of caring for your garden. Compost adds nutrients to the soil and improves soil structure. You can create your own compost by collecting kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials.

Weeds can be a problem in any garden, but they can be especially problematic in the winter months. Make sure to keep your garden free of weeds by pulling them out by hand or using a hoe.

If you live in an area that experiences cold temperatures, you may want to consider using row covers to protect your plants. Row covers can help to protect your plants from frost and cold temperatures.

Designing Your Winter Garden

When designing a winter garden in California, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the climate of your region and choose plants that can tolerate the cooler temperatures. Second, think about the layout and design of your garden to ensure it is both functional and visually appealing.

One popular design idea for a winter garden is to incorporate concrete curbing to create defined garden beds and pathways. This not only adds structure to the garden but also makes it easier to maintain and care for.

Another design element to consider is the use of raised garden beds. These can be particularly useful in areas with heavy rainfall, as they help to prevent waterlogging and soil compaction. Additionally, raised beds can be filled with a high-quality soil mix to provide optimal growing conditions for your winter crops.

When selecting plants for your winter garden, it’s important to choose those that can thrive in cooler temperatures. Some popular options include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, and spinach. These crops not only provide a source of fresh produce during the winter months but also add color and texture to your garden.

Finally, consider incorporating additional elements into your winter garden design, such as trellises, garden art, or outdoor lighting. These can add visual interest and create a welcoming atmosphere for you and your guests to enjoy.

Holiday Plants and Trees

December is a time of celebration and festivity, and what better way to add to the holiday cheer than by planting some festive plants and trees? Here are a few options that are perfect for the holiday season in California:

1. Christmas Trees

The most iconic holiday plant is, of course, the Christmas tree. While many people opt for cut trees that are discarded after the holiday season, a more sustainable and eco-friendly option is to get a living Christmas tree.

These trees come in pots and can be planted in your yard after the holidays. Blue spruce and Colorado blue spruce are popular options for living Christmas trees in California.

2. Conifers

If you’re looking for a more permanent addition to your garden, consider planting some conifers. These evergreen trees and shrubs are perfect for adding color and texture to your landscape year-round. Deodar cedar is a popular conifer in California, with its beautiful blue-green foliage and graceful, weeping branches.

3. Strawberries

While not a traditional holiday plant, strawberries are a great option for planting in December in California. They can be planted in pots or directly in the ground, and will produce fruit in the spring and summer. Plus, their bright red color is perfect for adding a festive touch to your garden photos.

Pruning and Maintenance Tips for December

December is a time for pruning and maintenance in the winter garden. It is important to keep an eye on the weather report and protect frost-tender plants when the temperature falls below 32 degrees. Here are a few tips for pruning and maintenance in December.

Pruning Tips

Pruning is an important part of maintaining a healthy garden. In December, it is a good time to prune non-flowering trees and shrubs while they are dormant. This includes fruit trees, such as apple, pear, and peach trees. Pruning helps to promote new growth and improve the overall shape and structure of the tree.

When pruning, it is important to use sharp, clean tools to make clean cuts. Make sure to remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and pests.

Maintenance Tips

In addition to pruning, there are a few maintenance tasks that should be done in December. This includes cleaning up garden beds and debris around fruit trees to prevent disease. It is also important to continue to rake up leaves for composting and to control pests and diseases.

If you have a winter garden, it is important to keep an eye on the soil moisture levels. Winter rains can help to keep the soil moist, but if there is a dry spell, it is important to water your plants. Make sure to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.

Conclusion

December is a great time to plant and grow a variety of vegetables and trees in California. With its temperate climate, California is one of the few states in which it is possible to plant and harvest crops throughout the year.

In December, Californians can plant beets, carrots, peas, lettuce, and other winter vegetables. These vegetables are perfect for growing in California’s mild winter climate. They can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. By planting these vegetables in December, they will be ready for harvest by February or March.

December is also an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs convert their energy to root growth during the colder months. Planting in the winter allows for a few months of root development.

Once spring arrives, the tree or shrub that was planted in the winter will already have a very established root system and be ready to take full advantage of the spring.

In addition to planting, December is also a time to maintain existing plants. It is important to water only if Santa Ana winds blow or if more than two weeks pass without rain.

Make sure that the soil is dry before turning on irrigation. Clip off dead brown branches that have accumulated beneath the healthy green growth on perennials and shrubs. Before winter storms do too much damage, prune pines, oaks, and other deciduous trees.

Frequently Asked Questions