December · Early winter

What to sow in December in Houston

12 crops are in their window this month in Houston — timed to your local frost dates.

Last frost≈ 5 Mar
First frost≈ 15 Nov
Frost-free daysFrom 5 Mar
December averages50°–68°F

Vegetables

3 in season
Celeriac
Start indoors · sow indoors early — celeriac takes months to bulk up
Closes 25 Dec
Celery
Start indoors · keep soil consistently moist for tender, mild stalks
Closes 25 Dec
Rhubarb
Plant crowns · stop picking by midsummer to let the plant recover
Closes 27 Dec

Herbs

5 in season
Chives
Start indoors · perennial clumps, snip leaves for repeat harvests
Opens 25 Dec
Lemongrass
Start indoors · pot it up in fall and bring indoors before frost
Opens 25 Dec
Oregano
Start indoors · slow from seed, keep soil warm to germinate
Opens 25 Dec
Parsley
Start indoors · slow to sprout, soak seeds overnight first
Opens 25 Dec
Thyme
Start indoors · needs warmth and light to germinate, be patient
Opens 25 Dec

Fruit

4 in season
Blackberries
Plant canes · thornless varieties are easiest for small gardens
Closes 27 Dec
Currants
Plant canes · prune out canes older than three years each winter
Closes 27 Dec
Gooseberries
Plant canes · mind the thorns; pick slightly underripe for pies
Closes 27 Dec
Raspberries
Plant canes · ever-bearing types fruit the first autumn
Closes 27 Dec