December Planting Guide for Central Texas: Winter Crops That Thrive
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December Gardening in Central Texas
Winter care, protection, and planning for the year ahead
December is the quietest month in the Central Texas garden. Growth slows, planting opportunities are limited, and attention shifts toward protecting existing crops, maintaining garden beds, and planning for the coming year. While activity is reduced, what you do in December sets the tone for a successful spring.
Success this month comes from patience, observation, and preparation.
π± What Can You Do in December?
December gardening focuses on three main paths:
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Outdoor Sowing of a few cold-hardy crops
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Indoor Seed Starting for herbs and slow-growing plants
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Minimal Transplanting when conditions allow
Each path below helps you decide what makes sense during winter conditions.
πΏ Outdoor Sowing β December
Outdoor sowing is limited but possible for very hardy crops.
Good outdoor sowing choices:
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Spinach
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Fava beans
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Mustard greens
Tips for success:
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Plant during mild weather windows
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Use mulch or row cover for protection
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Avoid working wet or frozen soil
π Shop December Outdoor Sowing Seeds
π± Start Indoors β December
Indoor seed starting keeps the gardening rhythm going during winter.
Why start indoors now:
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Grow herbs for winter use
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Maintain momentum until spring
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Prepare slow-growing plants early
Common indoor starts this month:
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Herbs
Tips for success:
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Place seedlings near bright windows or grow lights
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Avoid overwatering in cooler conditions
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Ensure good airflow
π Start Seeds Indoors β December
πΌ Transplanting β December
Transplanting in December should be minimal and weather-dependent.
What can be transplanted:
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Very hardy greens (limited)
Transplanting tips:
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Choose mild, calm days
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Water well after planting
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Protect transplants from frost
π See December Transplant Options
π± What to Plant in December β Central Texas
December planting focuses on hardy crops and indoor growing.
πΏ Outdoor Sowing (December)
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Spinach
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Fava beans
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Mustard greens
π Shop December Outdoor Sowing Seeds
π± Start Indoors (December)
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Herbs
π Start Seeds Indoors β December
πΌ Transplanting (December)
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Very hardy greens (limited)
π See December Transplant Options
π οΈ December Garden Tasks (Worth Doing)
December is ideal for reflection and preparation.
Helpful tasks this month:
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Clean and organize tools
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Review what worked this year
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Plan next seasonβs garden layout
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Order seeds early
These quiet tasks save time and stress later.
π± New to Gardening?
December is a great time to learn without pressure.
Start with:
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Growing herbs indoors
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Planning your spring garden
Winter gardening builds confidence.
π View the Monthly Gardening Guides
πΏ Looking Ahead
January brings renewed planning and early planting opportunities. Gardens cared for in December will be better prepared to handle winter fluctuations and early spring growth.
December is about rest and readiness β slowing down to prepare for whatβs next.
π± Ready to Grow?
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π Shop December Outdoor Sowing Seeds
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π Shop December Indoor Seed Starting Seeds
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π View Monthly Gardening Guides