What Can We Plant In The Vegetable Garden In December?

What Can We Plant In The Vegetable Garden In December?

December might seem like a quiet month in the garden, but it’s actually a perfect time to get a head start on your vegetable garden for the next year. The cold weather and frosty mornings can be discouraging, but there are several hardy vegetables that thrive when planted in winter. From broad beans to garlic and winter lettuce, planting in December ensures that you will have an early and robust harvest in the spring. By taking advantage of this planting season, you can keep your garden productive year-round and enjoy fresh produce even in the colder months.

Vegetables to Start Growing in the UK in December

Garlic:

• Garlic can still be planted directly into the ground in December. Varieties like ‘Solent Wight’ and ‘Purple Wight’ benefit from the cold period over winter, which helps to develop their bulbs. Plant the cloves pointy end up in well-drained soil.

Broad Beans:

• Broad beans can be sown directly outdoors in December. Varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ are hardy and will establish well over winter, providing an early harvest in spring. Sow in well-drained soil and support them as they grow.

Onions (Sets):

• Onion sets can still be planted in December for an early summer harvest. Varieties like ‘Radar’ and ‘Electric’ are well-suited for autumn planting. Plant the sets in well-drained soil, with the tips just showing above the soil surface.

Peas:

• Peas can be sown directly outdoors in December for an early spring harvest. Varieties like ‘Feltham First’ and ‘Meteor’ are hardy and can withstand the colder weather. Sow in well-drained soil and provide support as they grow.

Spring Cabbage:

• Spring cabbage can be sown in seed trays in December. Varieties like ‘April’ and ‘Durham Early’ will establish over winter and provide a harvest in early spring. Transplant the seedlings to their final positions when they are large enough to handle.

Spinach:

• Spinach can be sown directly into the ground in December. Varieties like ‘Perpetual Spinach’ and ‘Giant Winter’ thrive in cooler temperatures and will provide fresh leaves throughout winter and into early spring.

Winter Lettuce:

• Winter lettuce varieties can still be sown in December. Varieties like ‘Winter Density’ and ‘Arctic King’ are hardy and will provide fresh salad greens during the colder months. Sow under cloches or in a cold frame for best results.

Mizuna:

• Mizuna can be sown directly into the ground in December. This fast-growing leafy green is perfect for salads and stir-fries, and it thrives in the cooler temperatures of winter.

Mustard Greens:

• Mustard greens can be sown directly into the ground in December. Varieties like ‘Red Giant’ and ‘Green Wave’ grow quickly and provide a spicy kick to salads and cooked dishes.

Land Cress:

• Land cress can be sown directly into the ground in December. It is a hardy alternative to watercress and will provide peppery leaves throughout the winter months.

Claytonia (Miner’s Lettuce):

• Claytonia can be sown directly into the ground in December. This hardy leafy green will provide a continuous harvest of fresh leaves throughout the winter.

Corn Salad (Lamb’s Lettuce):

• Corn salad can be sown directly into the ground in December. It is very hardy and will provide fresh leaves for salads throughout the winter months.

Herbs (Parsley):

• Parsley can be sown directly outdoors in December. It is a hardy herb that can withstand the colder months and will provide fresh leaves for culinary use throughout the winter.

Radishes:

• Quick-growing radish varieties can be sown in early December. Varieties like ‘French Breakfast’ and ‘Scarlet Globe’ grow quickly and can be harvested in just a few weeks, making them ideal for a late-season crop.

Conclusion

Starting these vegetable seeds in December ensures that your garden remains productive as autumn transitions into winter. By sowing these hardy crops directly outdoors, you can take advantage of the cooler temperatures and prepare for a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the colder months. Ensure you provide the right conditions for each type of seed and monitor their growth for the best results. Enjoy a bountiful harvest from your garden during the winter season.

What Can We Plant In The Fruit Garden In December?

January is a pivotal month for setting up your fruit garden for success. While the weather outside may be cold and uninviting, this is the perfect time to plant a variety of hardy fruit plants and trees that can establish themselves before the growing season kicks into full gear. From berry bushes to fruit trees, these early plantings will give your garden a head start, ensuring a bountiful harvest in the months to come. This guide will walk you through the best fruit varieties to plant in January, providing tips and insights to help your fruit garden thrive.

Fruits to Start Growing in the UK in December

Strawberries:

• Strawberries can be planted in December using young plants or runners. Ensure they are in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Cambridge Favourite’ and ‘Honeoye’ will establish well and produce fruit the following year.

Raspberries:

• Raspberries can be planted as container-grown plants in December. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Autumn Bliss’ and ‘Glen Ample’ will establish well and provide fruit in the following year. Plant the canes about 45cm apart and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Blueberries:

• Blueberries can be planted in December, especially container-grown plants. These acid-loving plants thrive in ericaceous (acidic) soil. Varieties like ‘Patriot’ and ‘Bluecrop’ are well-suited for planting in December. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot and mulch with pine needles or bark to maintain soil acidity.

Blackberries:

• Blackberries can be planted as container-grown plants in December. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Loch Ness’ and ‘Triple Crown’ are good choices. Plant the canes about 1.5m apart and support them with a trellis or wires.

Gooseberries:

• Gooseberries can be planted as container-grown bushes in December. These hardy bushes thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Varieties like ‘Invicta’ and ‘Hinnonmaki Red’ will establish well. Space the plants about 1.2m apart and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Currants (Red, White, Black):

• Currants can be planted as container-grown bushes in December. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Ben Sarek’ (black), ‘Red Lake’ (red), and ‘Blanka’ (white) are excellent choices. Space the plants about 1.5m apart and mulch around the base.

Apples:

• Apple trees can be planted as container-grown trees in December. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Bramley’ and ‘Discovery’ are great choices for planting in December. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots and backfill with soil. Stake the tree to provide support and water well. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Pears:

• Pear trees can be planted as container-grown trees in December. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Conference’ and ‘Doyenne du Comice’ are excellent for planting in December. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree for support, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.

Plums:

• Plum trees can be planted as container-grown trees in December. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Victoria’ and ‘Opal’ are ideal for planting in December. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree for support, and water well. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Cherries:

• Cherry trees can be planted as container-grown trees in December. These trees prefer a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Stella’ and ‘Morello’ are good choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and control weeds.

Peaches:

• Peaches can be planted as container-grown trees in December. Select a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Peregrine’ and ‘Redhaven’ are suitable for planting in December. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water well. Mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and reduce weed growth.

Apricots:

• Apricot trees can be planted as container-grown trees in December. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Moorpark’ and ‘Goldcot’ are great choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Grapes:

• Grapevines can be planted as container-grown plants in December. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Pinot Noir’ are excellent choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots and provide a trellis or support system for the vines. Water well and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Figs:

• Fig trees can be planted as container-grown trees in December. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Brown Turkey’ and ‘Brunswick’ are ideal for planting in December. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and control weeds.

Conclusion

Starting your fruit plants in December can ensure a productive growing season for the following year. By planting container-grown varieties in sunny, well-drained locations, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious fruits. Make sure to provide the right conditions for each type of fruit and monitor their growth throughout the season. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a healthy and productive fruit garden.

What Can We Plant In The Flower Garden In December?

January is an exciting time for flower enthusiasts eager to get a jumpstart on the growing season. Despite the cold weather, there are several hardy flower varieties that can be sown now to ensure a vibrant and colorful garden in the coming months. Starting your flowers early indoors or in a greenhouse gives them the time they need to develop strong roots and prepare for blooming as soon as the warmer weather arrives. This guide will explore the best flowers to plant in January, offering tips and insights to help you cultivate a flourishing and beautiful flower garden.

Flowers to Start Growing in the UK in January

Sweet Peas:

• Sweet peas can be sown indoors in January for early blooms. Use pots or seed trays with a good quality seed compost. Keep them in a cool, bright spot like a greenhouse or cold frame. Pinch out the growing tips once they have a few leaves to encourage bushy growth.

Begonias:

• Begonia tubers can be started indoors in January. Plant the tubers in pots with the concave side up, just below the surface of the compost. Keep them in a warm, bright spot until the danger of frost has passed, then transplant them outdoors or into hanging baskets.

Geraniums (Pelargoniums):

• Geraniums can be started from seed indoors in January. Sow seeds in seed trays with seed compost and keep them in a warm, bright location. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and grow them on until they can be planted outside.

Delphiniums:

• Delphiniums can be sown indoors in January for planting out in spring. Sow seeds in trays or pots filled with seed compost and keep them in a cool, bright spot. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and grow them on until they are ready to plant outside.

Dianthus (Pinks):

• Dianthus can be sown indoors in January. Use seed trays filled with seed compost and keep them in a cool, bright spot. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. These flowers will add a splash of color and fragrance to your garden.

Aquilegia (Columbine):

• Aquilegia seeds can be sown indoors in January. Sow seeds in trays or pots filled with seed compost and keep them in a cool, bright spot. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on until they can be planted out.

Lobelia:

• Lobelia seeds can be sown indoors in January for summer blooms. Use seed trays with seed compost and keep them in a warm, bright spot. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or cell trays.

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum):

• Snapdragons can be started from seed indoors in January. Sow seeds in trays or pots with seed compost and keep them in a cool, bright spot. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on until they can be planted outside.

Pansies and Violas:

• Pansies and violas can be sown indoors in January. Use seed trays with seed compost and keep them in a cool, bright spot. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and grow them on until they can be planted outside.

Hollyhocks:

• Hollyhocks can be sown indoors in January. Use seed trays or pots with seed compost and keep them in a cool, bright spot. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on until they can be planted outside.

Echinacea (Coneflower):

• Echinacea seeds can be sown indoors in January. Use seed trays or pots with seed compost and keep them in a cool, bright spot. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on until they can be planted outside.

Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan):

• Rudbeckia seeds can be sown indoors in January. Use seed trays or pots with seed compost and keep them in a warm, bright spot. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on until they can be planted outside.

Gaillardia (Blanket Flower):

• Gaillardia can be started from seed indoors in January. Use seed trays or pots with seed compost and keep them in a warm, bright spot. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on until they can be planted outside.

Cosmos:

• Cosmos can be sown indoors in January for early blooms. Use seed trays or pots with seed compost and keep them in a warm, bright spot. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on until they can be planted outside.

Conclusion

Starting your flower seeds in January can give you a head start on the growing season and ensure a vibrant display of blooms in your garden. By sowing these hardy flowers indoors or under cover, you can enjoy a colorful garden earlier in the year. Make sure to provide the right conditions for each type of seed and monitor their progress as they grow.