UK growing guide · Winter
What can I plant in December?
December is quiet in the vegetable garden, but it's a great time to protect crops, keep soil covered and plan ahead. In mild areas you can still plant garlic and shallots in well-drained ground, and simple tidy-up jobs now reduce winter problems.
Back to planting calendarWhat can you sow in December?
There is very little to sow outdoors in December, but you can still plant a few hardy crops in mild areas and focus on protection and soil care.
If the ground is frozen or waterlogged, wait. It's better to protect soil with mulch than to damage structure by working it in poor conditions.
Use spare time to clean and store canes and supports, and to plan next year's sowing schedule.
Vegetables to sow indoors or under cover
- Force chicory (dark, warm place)
- Garlic (modules if soil is wet)
Vegetables to sow or plant outdoors
- Garlic cloves (mild areas, well-drained)
- Shallots (mild areas)
- Protect brassicas (netting and fleece)
Tip: If hard frosts are forecast, cover stored root crops in trenches with cardboard so you can still access them.
Tips & common mistakes
December gardening tips and common mistakes
Winter gardening is about timing and protection. A few simple habits keep crops healthier and make next spring easier.
Planting into frozen or waterlogged ground
Wait for workable soil. If your garden stays wet, use raised beds or modules under cover for garlic.
Ignoring wind rock on tall brassicas
Brussels sprouts can loosen in wind. Stake or earth up leggy plants so roots stay firm.
Not protecting brassicas from pigeons
Pigeons are a major winter problem. Net crops and check covers after storms.
Overwatering dormant plants
Growth is slow in winter. Water only when needed, especially for greenhouse crops and containers.
Leaving debris and broken supports
Tidy beds and store canes to reduce pest habitat and start spring with good equipment.
Garden planning and task management features
Sproutly Gardening helps you organise your plants, plan tasks and set reminders so nothing is forgotten.
Record your sowings
Track garlic and winter crops so you know what’s in each bed.
Plan upcoming jobs
Schedule protection, tidy-up and storage checks.
Set reminders
Remember frost forecasts and netting checks after storms.
Review your progress
Note what winter protection worked best for your garden.
Ready to plan your December garden?
Keep winter simple and organised. Track protection and planning tasks in Sproutly Gardening.
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Gardening advice is provided as a general guide based on typical UK conditions. Weather soil and local climate can vary so always use your judgement and adjust timing as needed for your own garden.