December · Early winter

What to sow in December in Portland

7 crops are in their window this month in Portland — timed to your local frost dates.

Last frost≈ 23 Mar
First frost≈ 28 Oct
Frost-free daysFrom 23 Mar
December averages37°–46°F

Vegetables

3 in season
Celeriac
Start indoors · sow indoors early — celeriac takes months to bulk up
Opens 29 Dec
Celery
Start indoors · keep soil consistently moist for tender, mild stalks
Opens 29 Dec
Rhubarb
Plant crowns · stop picking by midsummer to let the plant recover
Closes 9 Dec

Herbs · nothing to sow this month

Fruit

4 in season
Blackberries
Plant canes · thornless varieties are easiest for small gardens
Closes 9 Dec
Currants
Plant canes · prune out canes older than three years each winter
Closes 9 Dec
Gooseberries
Plant canes · mind the thorns; pick slightly underripe for pies
Closes 9 Dec
Raspberries
Plant canes · ever-bearing types fruit the first autumn
Closes 9 Dec