December Gardening Tips: Winter Crops & Flowers for SoCal
December in Southern California brings a unique blend of mild temperatures and occasional rain, creating opportunities for gardeners to maintain, enhance, and prepare their landscapes.
With its Mediterranean climate, this region offers the luxury of year-round gardening, and December is no exception.
Whether you’re tending to cool-season vegetables, planting vibrant winter flowers, or giving your garden some much-needed TLC, there’s plenty to do this month.
December is ideal for growing cool-season crops like leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs.
Kale, spinach, lettuce, and Swiss chard thrive in the mild weather, producing vibrant leaves perfect for salads and stir-fries.
Root vegetables such as carrots, radishes, and beets develop well in the cooler soil, providing a rewarding harvest in the coming weeks.
Herbs like cilantro, parsley, and chives also flourish in the cool season. These aromatic plants can be grown in garden beds or containers, adding fresh flavors to your holiday meals.
Remember to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, especially during dry spells between rain.
Winter doesn’t mean your garden has to look drab. Many flowers thrive in Southern California’s winter climate, bringing bursts of color to your landscape.
Consider planting pansies, violas, snapdragons, and stock for their cheerful hues and ability to withstand cooler temperatures.
Cyclamen and primroses are also excellent choices for adding elegance to shaded areas.
For a touch of holiday spirit, poinsettias can be planted in the ground in frost-free areas or used as potted decorations for patios and entryways.
These iconic plants add festive charm and require minimal maintenance when kept protected from extreme cold.
Avoid pruning frost-tender plants like bougainvillea or hibiscus until the danger of frost has passed.
This is also an excellent time to amend your soil. Add compost or organic matter to enrich the garden beds for future planting.
Soil testing can help you determine any nutrient deficiencies, allowing you to adjust accordingly. Southern California’s December garden is full of possibilities, offering a mix of maintenance and planting opportunities to keep gardeners busy and inspired.
With thoughtful care and a touch of creativity, your garden can thrive throughout the winter and beyond.
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About The Author
John Bagnasco has been in the gardening industry for over 50 years, starting with a horticulture degree from Michigan State University and following a stint at Frank’s Nursery and Crafts in Detroit.
After publishing his first book “Plants for the Home Vol. I” in 1976, he moved to California to become regional manager and buyer for the Nurseryland division of Sunbelt Nursery Group.
He then became the head buyer for Armstrong Garden Centers based in Glendora, California. John had a part-time affiliation with Creative Promotions for ten years before joining them full-time in October 2000 as a senior editor and radio personality for Garden Compass.
John has also taught horticulture classes at Palomar College and San Diego State University.
He is the host of the DVD “The Essential Guide to Roses,” which also features Bryan Main and Bruce and Sharon Asakawa.
His most recent book is “Planting Designs for Cacti and Succulents”.
Currently, John is a co-host on “Garden America,” an interactive live gardening show that additionally provides podcasts of the broadcasts accessible on all major platforms.
You can contact John here.