What to Plant in December

Welcome to December in the low desert of Arizona. While cooler temperatures and occasional cold nights might slow down crop growth, this month still offers a wonderful opportunity to plant a variety of vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits. Whether you’re filling spaces from recent harvests or getting your garden started, getting these crops in the ground now will give you delicious spring harvests. Enjoy your garden this month.

To make your planning smoother, I’ve compiled all these planting lists into convenient perpetual calendars so you can see everything to plant each month and guides organized by crop. The calendars and guides have versions for vegetables, herbs & fruits, and another one for flowers. All of the guides and calendars are available in my shop. These resources are designed to help you garden with confidence here in the low desert of Arizona.

Check out my “Arizona Garden in December” blog post for the essential garden tasks to keep your plants thriving during the cooler months and prepare for spring. It includes a free printable checklist to help you stay on top of your gardening activities.

The low desert includes elevations below 3500 ft in the Southwest, such as the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.

Article Outline:

• December YouTube videos
• Vegetables, Herbs & Fruit to plant in the low desert in December
• Vegetable, herb, and fruit seeds to start indoors during December
• Flowers to plant in the low desert in December
• Flower seeds to start indoors in the low desert in December
• Gift ideas for the gardener to give and receive

December YouTube Videos

Vegetables, Herbs & Fruit to plant in Arizona in December

December is a great time to plant some cool-season crops outdoors. Growth might be a bit slower due to the cooler weather, so don’t worry if things seem to be taking their time. Check out the planting lists and fill any empty spots in your garden beds—you’ll be glad you did when harvest time comes around.

Also, December is the beginning of the window for starting warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers indoors. If you want to get a jump on the spring gardening season, now’s the perfect time to start those seeds. Our spring is pretty short, so having transplants ready to go will help ensure you get a good harvest before the heat sets in.

(Click the link to read “How to Grow” articles on my website.)

SEED, TRANSPLANT, OR BOTH? S = Seed T= Transplant

Perpetual Vegetable, Fruit & Herb Calendar shows you when to plant vegetables in the low desert of Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants. See it in my shop.

Vegetable, herb, and fruit seeds to start indoors during December

(Click the link for seed sources.)

Flowers to plant in Arizona in December

December is a perfect time to brighten up your garden with some flowers. If you have empty containers lying around, now’s the chance to fill them with colorful blooms. Containers are such an easy way to add more growing space and a splash of beauty to your garden. Plus, planting flowers will attract pollinators, and when spring rolls around and your garden is full of blossoms, you’ll be so glad you did.

(Click the link to read “How to Grow” articles on my website.)

SEED, TRANSPLANT, OR BOTH? S = Seed T= Transplant

Flower seeds to start indoors in the low desert in December

Consider starting some flower seeds indoors this month. It’s the beginning of the season for planting warm-weather flower seeds inside in the low desert of Arizona. Take a peek at what’s available and see if there’s anything you’d like to try. Starting seeds now gives them a head start, so they’ll be ready to move outdoors when things warm up.

(Click the link for seed sources.)

The Perpetual Annual Flower Planting Calendar, available in my shop, helps you learn when to plant flowers in the low desert of Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

Want more information about gardening in Arizona? This blog post shares 7 tips for  how to grow a vegetable garden in Arizona.

Gift ideas for the gardener to give and receive

Looking for the perfect gift for the gardener in your life—or maybe a treat for yourself? Our collection of gardening gift ideas and blog posts is brimming with inspiration to make this holiday season truly special. From practical tools to delightful homemade surprises, there’s something for every green thumb.

• Holiday Neighbor Gift: Wildflower Seed Packets: Spread some holiday cheer with homemade wildflower seed packets. It’s a simple, heartfelt way to share the beauty of gardening with your neighbors.
• Gifts That Will Make Any Gardener Happy: Not sure what to get? This list has something for every gardener, from handy tools to delightful accessories that’ll bring a smile to their face.
• Gardener’s Gift Guide: Garden Favorites: Discover my all-time favorite gardening goodies. These are the tried-and-true items I rely on to keep my garden thriving.
• 10 Gifts Every Gardener Will Love: Need some inspiration? Here are ten gifts that are sure to be a hit with any green thumb, whether they’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.
• Gardening Gift Ideas – Gifts for Gardeners: A comprehensive list packed with gift ideas to suit all budgets and gardening styles. There’s something here for everyone!
• Gifts from the Garden: Homemade Holiday Ideas: Add a personal touch to your gifts this year with homemade creations straight from your garden. Think handmade soap, herb bundles, and more.
• Gardener’s Gift Guide: Kitchen Edition: For those who love to cook what they grow, this guide features kitchen gadgets and tools that make the most of homegrown produce.
• Top Gifts for the Garden: Check out the latest and greatest in garden gifting. From innovative tools to charming decor, these picks will enhance any outdoor space.

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