December · Early winter

What to sow in December in Chicago

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

Last frost≈ 17 Apr
First frost≈ 30 Oct
Frost-free daysFrom 17 Apr
December averages28°–39°F

Vegetables

1 in season
Rhubarb
Plant crowns · stop picking by midsummer to let the plant recover
Closes 11 Dec

Herbs · nothing to sow this month

Fruit

4 in season
Blackberries
Plant canes · thornless varieties are easiest for small gardens
Closes 11 Dec
Currants
Plant canes · prune out canes older than three years each winter
Closes 11 Dec
Gooseberries
Plant canes · mind the thorns; pick slightly underripe for pies
Closes 11 Dec
Raspberries
Plant canes · ever-bearing types fruit the first autumn
Closes 11 Dec