December in the Garden
December is usually the quietest gardening month, with short days, low temperatures and soil that may be frozen, wet or both. Growth slows almost to a halt outdoors, but the garden still offers harvests of leeks, brassicas, parsnips and hardy salads. Use calm, dry spells for careful maintenance rather than forcing work. Planning, seed ordering and checking stored crops now lay the groundwork for a rewarding spring.
What to sow & plant in December
Plant bare-root fruit trees, bushes and hedging whenever the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Continue planting tulips in pots or borders if they are still to go in. In a greenhouse, cold frame or bright windowsill, sow pea shoots, mustard and cress, winter lettuce or a small batch of spinach for protected leaves. Force rhubarb by covering a dormant crown with a large pot or forcing container, excluding light while allowing airflow. Pot prepared hyacinth bulbs for indoor winter fragrance, keeping them cool at first.
Garden jobs for December
Harvest leeks, kale, Brussels sprouts, parsnips and winter cabbage as required; parsnips often taste sweeter after frost. Check stored potatoes, onions, apples and squashes weekly, removing anything soft or mouldy. Protect pots and tender evergreens from hard frost with fleece, and keep containers raised so excess water can drain. On dry, frost-free days, continue winter pruning apples and pears and repair damaged supports. Clean tools, organise seed packets, order seeds and plan crop rotation for the allotment or kitchen garden.
Northern England & Scotland
In cooler northern England and Scotland, frozen or snow-covered ground can halt outdoor planting for stretches. Prioritise protection: move vulnerable pots close to a wall, insulate greenhouse plants and keep stored crops safely frost-free. Harvest roots before soil freezes hard, or mulch rows heavily for easier lifting. Start seeds only under reliable cover, as low light and cold slow growth considerably.
Southern England
Milder southern gardens can often continue bare-root planting and winter pruning during suitable dry periods. Hardy salads in a greenhouse or polytunnel may still provide regular leaves, especially with fleece on cold nights. Parsnips and leeks can usually remain in the ground for gradual harvesting. Watch pots after heavy rain, as winter wet rather than severe cold is often the greater risk.
Gardening in December: frequently asked questions
What can I sow or plant in December in the UK?
Plant bare-root fruit trees, bushes and hedging whenever the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.
What garden jobs are there in December?
Harvest leeks, kale, Brussels sprouts, parsnips and winter cabbage as required; parsnips often taste sweeter after frost.
What is different in northern Britain in December?
In cooler northern England and Scotland, frozen or snow-covered ground can halt outdoor planting for stretches.
Timing varies with the season and your local conditions; the RHS or a local garden centre can advise. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.