December in the Florida garden is far from dormant—it's one of the most rewarding times to be outside. While much of the country is bundled up indoors, Florida gardeners can enjoy comfortable temperatures and a thriving winter garden. Here's your complete guide to making the most of this productive month.
Planting & Harvesting
This is prime time for cool-season vegetables. Plant lettuce (try 'Black Seeded Simpson' or 'Buttercrunch'), kale ('Lacinato' and 'Red Russian' thrive in Florida winters), broccoli ('Calabrese' for best results), cauliflower, and snap peas ('Sugar Ann' is a reliable variety). Many of these crops actually prefer the cooler temperatures and will produce abundantly through winter and early spring.
If you planted fall crops in October or November, you're likely harvesting now. Enjoy fresh tomatoes, peppers, and herbs while they're still producing. December is also perfect for starting seeds indoors for transplanting in late January—think tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant for your spring garden.
For detailed planting schedules and variety recommendations specific to Florida's unique climate zones, check out our 30+ Plants That Won't Let You Down - The Florida Grow List. It takes the guesswork out of what grows best in your area.
Lawn & Landscape Maintenance
Your warm-season lawn (St. Augustine, Bahia, or Zoysia) is dormant or semi-dormant, so hold off on fertilizing until March. Focus on removing fallen leaves and debris to prevent fungal diseases. This is an excellent time to edge beds, refresh mulch around trees and shrubs, and address any drainage issues you noticed during the rainy season.
Prune deciduous trees and shrubs while they're dormant—it's easier to see the structure and make clean cuts. However, wait on spring-flowering plants like azaleas and gardenias; pruning now removes next season's blooms. December is also ideal for transplanting established shrubs and trees since cooler temperatures reduce transplant shock.
Frost Preparation
Even in Florida, occasional cold snaps happen, especially in North and Central Florida. Keep frost cloth or old sheets handy to protect tender plants like basil, tropical herbs, and young seedlings. Avoid using plastic directly on plants—it can cause more damage than the cold itself.
Water plants thoroughly before a predicted freeze. Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil and releases it slowly overnight, providing a few extra degrees of protection. For potted plants, move them close to the house or under eaves where they'll benefit from radiant heat.
Planning Ahead
Use these comfortable days to plan your spring garden. Order seeds now while selection is best—many popular varieties sell out by February. Sketch out bed layouts, noting what grew where this year to practice crop rotation. December is perfect for building raised beds, installing drip irrigation, or improving soil with compost and organic matter.
Review what worked and what didn't this past year. Which varieties produced well? What pests were problematic? Use this information to make better choices for the coming season. Consider starting a garden journal if you haven't already—it's invaluable for tracking successes and learning from challenges.
If you're ready to transform your entire yard into a productive food garden, our guide Grow Food Not Lawns provides simple steps to turn any yard into a year-round garden—perfect winter reading while you plan your spring projects.
Pest & Disease Management
Cooler weather means fewer pests, but stay vigilant for aphids on tender greens and cabbage loopers on brassicas. Hand-picking works well for small infestations, or use organic solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap. Good air circulation and proper spacing help prevent fungal issues in the humid morning hours.
Enjoy the Season
Take time to simply enjoy your garden. The mild weather, lower humidity, and absence of summer pests make December one of the best months to be outside. Whether you're harvesting fresh greens for holiday meals, sipping morning coffee among the raised beds, or planning next season's projects, there's always something rewarding happening in the Florida winter garden.
Want the complete Florida gardening resource? Our Complete Florida Gardening Bundle includes everything you need to succeed year-round, from seasonal planting guides to troubleshooting tips for Florida's unique challenges.
What are you planting or harvesting in your December garden? Share your experiences in the comments below—we'd love to hear what's thriving in your Florida garden this month!
0 comments