Winter Wonder Checklist: December Garden Tasks You Want to Do Now

December brings the shortest days of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. For most gardeners, this will be the quietest gardening month. While the garden sleeps, you can rest, reflect, and prepare for the coming year. Whether you’re tidying up before winter’s deep freeze or taking advantage of mild southern weather to grow cool-season crops, December offers meaningful tasks that keep your garden thriving year-round.

Gardening makes you more aware of the natural world around you. Here at Sow Right Seeds, we notice the cloudy days, and we pay attention to the temperature. 

We’re always growing something. In December, we have our hydroponic system running. While our outside garden is going to sleep, we make the most of our indoor growing options. We have lettuce, kale, herbs, and even strawberries growing in our hydroponic systems. This way, we always have fresh salad greens on hand.

And speaking of greens, microgreens are always in some stage of growing in our kitchen. With 15 varieties to choose from, we can choose from a range of flavors.

• Order seeds early. Popular varieties sell out quickly after the new year. Start building your seed list now, so you have everything ready for January planning.
  
  

• Map out crop rotations. Review this year’s garden notes and sketch next year’s layout to avoid pest and disease buildup.
  
  

• Evaluate garden tools and supplies. December is a great time to plan for upgrades or replacements before spring.
  
  

• Set up your seed-starting station. Test grow lights, sanitize trays, and ensure everything is ready for January/February sowing.
  

• Protect perennials and shrubs. Add an extra layer of mulch around tender perennials, roses, and newly planted trees to prevent frost heaving.
  
  

• Inspect indoor plants. Short days and dry air can stress houseplants—mist regularly and watch for spider mites or aphids.
  
  

• Finish raking leaves. If the ground isn’t frozen, add shredded leaves to garden beds as insulation and soil enrichment.
  
  

• Check cold frames. Vent on sunny days to prevent overheating.
  
  

• Protect wildlife. Keep bird feeders stocked and provide a reliable water source.

• Start microgreens. Fast-growing and perfect for winter, microgreens give you fresh greens in 10–14 days.
  
  

• Grow herbs under lights. Basil, parsley, chives, cilantro, and mint thrive indoors with supplemental lighting.
  

• Gather the last of your cold-hardy crops. Kale, collards, carrots, and Brussels sprouts may still be harvestable after frost.
  
  

• Dig parsnips after hard freezes. Their flavor improves in cold weather.
  
  

• Cut herbs from indoor plants as needed.
  

Our gardening friends in California, Texas, Florida, and other warm climates are taking advantage of cooler temperatures to grow some delicious vegetables. 

• Plan spring gardens. December is ideal for evaluating what worked this year and planning new beds or expansions.
  
  

• Order seeds early. Especially crucial for warm-climate gardeners, who may start seeds as early as January.
  
  

• Review irrigation systems. Check hoses and drip lines before the next growing season.
  

• Monitor for pests. Even in winter, aphids, leaf miners, and slugs remain active in mild climates.
  
  

• Refresh garden pathways and mulch. Replace weathered mulch around ornamentals and update gravel or stone pathways.
  
  

• Clean and sharpen tools. December maintenance prevents rust and prepares you for early planting next year.

• Cool-season vegetables. Continue planting lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, turnips, and onions.
  
  

• Herbs. Plant dill, parsley, cilantro, chervil, and chives.
  

• Cool-season greens. Lettuce, arugula, mustard greens, Asian greens, and spinach can be harvested throughout December.
  
  

• Root vegetables. Carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips are at peak sweetness in cooler weather.
  
  

• Herbs. Rosemary, parsley, sage, and cilantro continue to thrive.
  

• Journal your observations. Winter reflections help guide better decisions in spring.
  
  

• Check stored crops. Inspect onions, garlic, winter squash, and potatoes for signs of rot.
  
  

• Take soil samples (if the ground isn’t frozen) so you can amend beds appropriately before spring planting.
  
  

• Enjoy your garden’s rest. December isn’t just prep—it’s permission to slow down.