Gardening in December in Zone 7a offers opportunities to grow vegetables and herbs despite cold winters with temperatures from 0°F to 5°F (-18°C to -15°C). This guide explores strategies for planting winter crops, protecting overwintering plants, and preparing for spring, optimizing growth during the colder months.
Gardening in December presents challenges like cold weather, which can damage tender plants, and shorter daylight, which slows growth. The drop in soil temperature can inhibit seed germination and root growth. However, many vegetables can thrive in these conditions with proper care. Protection is crucial; tools like cold frames, hoop houses, row covers, and greenhouses trap heat and create a warmer microclimate, safeguarding plants from freezing temperatures, wind, and snow.
December is ideal for planting or harvesting cold-hardy vegetables. Garlic thrives when planted in zone 7a during this time, needing a cold period for bulb formation. Typically planted in late fall, garlic overwinters, sprouts in early spring, and is harvested in summer, requiring only well-drained soil and mulch for insulation. Onions are also suitable for December planting; sets or seedlings establish roots before freezing, remaining dormant until spring. The cold helps onions develop strong roots for a successful summer harvest.
December is ideal for planting or maintaining cold-hardy winter greens. Kale is frost-tolerant, growing slowly through winter and becoming sweeter after frost. Spinach and collard greens thrive with a cold frame or row cover. Swiss chard and mustard greens grow well in cold and can be harvested in early spring. Leeks, like onions, can be planted in winter, requiring minimal care and resulting in robust plants by spring. Carrots can be sown in December in a cold frame, allowing them to overwinter and be harvested in early spring.
Gardening in December in zone 7a involves planning, protection, and understanding cold-hardy vegetables like garlic, kale, and onions. Using cold frames, row covers, and mulch, gardeners can grow and harvest fresh produce in winter. With the right strategies, they can extend the growing season and ensure a successful spring harvest. Though challenging, winter gardening is a rewarding year-round activity.
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