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Get Ahead This Winter: Plants You Can Grow in December
December doesn't mean your gardening days are over. For eco-conscious homeowners and modern homesteaders, this month offers a fantastic opportunity to plant a variety of vegetables, fruits, and flowers that can still flourish amid the chill. By taking advantage of December's milder days, you can earn a head start on the growing season, leading to earlier harvests, healthier plants, and a more sustainable practice for your garden.
Why Planting in December Matters
As temperatures cool and winter settles in, it's easy to assume your garden is done for the year. However, planting in December can be immensely beneficial. Not only does this productive approach reduce empty beds during winter, but it also helps to retain soil nutrients and prevent erosion caused by winter rains. Additionally, early planting allows hardy varieties to establish roots that will be ready to burst into growth when spring finally arrives. This proactive gardening practice paves the way for a bountiful summer garden.
Vegetables You Can Sow Now for Spring Harvests
Many vegetables are resilient enough to be sown in the ground or started in a greenhouse during December. Here are a few notable options:
Broad Beans: An excellent choice for winter planting, broad beans will germinate before winter settles in. They can be sown directly outdoors under mild conditions or started indoors until temperatures warm up.
Onions: This classic vegetable can be planted on Boxing Day. Start onion seeds indoors and transition them outdoors come spring for a robust yield.
Garlic: Plant garlic cloves in well-drained soil to enjoy a hearty crop come summer. If conditions allow, you can plant in mild regions now to get a jump on growth.
Lettuce and Corn Salad: Varieties especially bred for cold tolerance like 'Winter Gem' lettuces thrive in cooler temperatures. These can be sown in pots in a greenhouse or cold frame for fresh winter salads.
Brassicas: The Hardiest Candidates
Brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale, are champions of the cold weather garden. These crops can withstand frost and will establish themselves before spring warms their growing environment. When planted in December, they offer one of the fastest rewards, as their growth will explode once the temperatures start to rise. Utilizing protective covers can help these plants flourish even in the harshest conditions.
Fruits and Shrubs: Expanding Your December Planting
Beyond vegetables, consider planting hardy fruits like blackberries and gooseberries, and ornamental bushes such as skimmia and acer. The colder months provide a chance to establish these plants before the vibrant spring growth, ensuring that they will thrive and contribute beauty and fruit to your garden.
Maximizing Your Winter Gardens: Practical Tips
Effective gardening even in winter requires strategic planning. Here are a few actionable insights to maximize your winter planting:
Utilize a cold frame or greenhouse: These structures can protect delicate seedlings from frost while they establish roots.
Ensure soil is workable: Gardening in workable soil allows for more options for planting during winter. Loose plant material is ideal.
Choose frost-hardy varieties: Selecting plants that can survive lower temperatures is crucial to success during colder months.
Gardening for Sustainable Living
As more homeowners embrace eco-friendly gardening, December planting presents a responsible choice. By cultivating your own vegetables and fruits, you contribute to energy-efficient practices and reduce reliance on commercially produced goods. Incorporating garden composting and natural landscaping painlessly aligns your gardening efforts with a commitment to sustainability.
Conclusion: Start Your Green Journey Today
As you prepare for winter, don't forget that your garden can still be productive. Take advantage of the opportunity to plant now, which will reward you with lush greenery and bountiful harvests come spring. Start planning your December plantings today and become a proactive eco-conscious gardener!
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