December · Early winter

What to sow in December in Boston

5 crops are in their window this month in Boston — timed to your local frost dates.

Last frost≈ 18 Apr
First frost≈ 31 Oct
Frost-free daysFrom 18 Apr
December averages31°–44°F

Vegetables

1 in season
Rhubarb
Plant crowns · stop picking by midsummer to let the plant recover
Closes 12 Dec

Herbs · nothing to sow this month

Fruit

4 in season
Blackberries
Plant canes · thornless varieties are easiest for small gardens
Closes 12 Dec
Currants
Plant canes · prune out canes older than three years each winter
Closes 12 Dec
Gooseberries
Plant canes · mind the thorns; pick slightly underripe for pies
Closes 12 Dec
Raspberries
Plant canes · ever-bearing types fruit the first autumn
Closes 12 Dec