Reflect on the Season, Dream About the Next
December is the garden's rest period — and the gardener's chance to reflect on lessons learned and plan improvements for the year ahead.
What December means
December is the garden's dormant month in most temperate climates, but the gardener's mind stays active. This is the time to review the season's journal notes, evaluate what grew well and what struggled, and begin sketching next year's layout. Seed catalogs arrive in late December and early January — browsing them with a cup of coffee is one of gardening's greatest pleasures. Forced bulbs (paperwhites, amaryllis, hyacinths) bring living greenery indoors when the outdoor garden is bare. Tool maintenance, greenhouse cleaning, and cold-frame monitoring round out the practical tasks. For those in milder climates, December is still a planting month for bare-root trees and cool-season vegetables under protection.
December tasks
08- 01 Review your garden journal and note successes, failures, and variety performance for future reference
- 02 Browse seed catalogs and place orders early — heirloom and specialty varieties sell out fast
- 03 Force paperwhites, amaryllis, and hyacinth bulbs indoors for winter color and fragrance
- 04 Monitor cold frames and row covers, venting on sunny days above 40°F to prevent overheating
- 05 Check stored tubers (dahlias, cannas, gladiolus) monthly for rot or desiccation
- 06 Clean and organize the greenhouse or potting shed during the off-season lull
- 07 Test soil pH and order amendments (lime, sulfur, compost) in advance of spring application
- 08 Gift garden-related items to fellow gardeners — seeds, tools, books, and gift cards to nurseries
Plants to start in December
06- Paperwhites (force indoors in pebbles and water)
- Amaryllis (force indoors in a pot)
- Hyacinths (force indoors after cold treatment)
- Bare-root trees (in mild zones where ground is workable)
- Winter lettuce (under cold frame or row cover)
- Microgreens (grow indoors on a windowsill)
Design tips for December
04- 01 Create a "wish list" mood board of garden designs, materials, and plants you want to incorporate next year
- 02 Evaluate winter views from every window — the plants and structures you see now are your garden's true backbone
- 03 Sketch at least three alternative layouts for areas you want to redesign, then let them sit for a few weeks before deciding
- 04 Consider the garden as a year-round space: plan for winter-blooming plants (witch hazel, wintersweet, hellebores) near paths and entryways
Render this month's plan on your real yard
Upload a photo and Arden previews how the december additions land before you dig.
Frequently Asked Questions
01 Is there anything to plant in December?
In zones 7–10, bare-root trees, cool-season vegetables under cover, and garlic can still go in. Everywhere else, force bulbs indoors (paperwhites, amaryllis) and grow microgreens on a windowsill. December is primarily a planning and maintenance month.
02 How do I plan next year's garden in December?
Review your garden journal for what worked and what did not. Sketch new layouts on graph paper. Browse seed catalogs and make a wish list, then edit it to fit your space and time. Order seeds in December for the widest selection.
03 How do I force bulbs indoors for winter flowers?
Paperwhites are the easiest: set bulbs on pebbles in a shallow dish, add water to the base of the bulbs, and place in a bright spot. They bloom in 4–6 weeks. Amaryllis need a pot with soil, bright light, and warmth. Hyacinths require 10–12 weeks of cold treatment (35–45°F) before forcing.