December is a special time for gardeners in Zone 10A in Florida, where the cool season finally brings relief from the heat and humidity that often dominate the year.
While northern gardens lie dormant under a blanket of frost (and even snow!), our gardens are bursting with activity. This is the time to embrace the cool weather crops that thrive in northern summers but struggle in Florida’s intense heat.
December is your opportunity to enjoy a flourishing garden filled with vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
If you’ve been waiting to grow your favorite cool-weather crops, now is the time to get your hands in the soil. Let’s dig into what you can grow, plant, and tend to this month to make the most of this prime gardening season.
Cool-Season Vegetables to Plant in December
With milder temperatures and shorter days, December is the ideal time to plant many vegetables that thrive in cooler conditions. The following crops will flourish in Florida’s Zone 10A during this month:
Beets
Beets are a fantastic choice for cool-weather gardening. They are easy to grow and can be harvested in about 50-70 days, making them perfect for gardeners eager for quick results.
Beets prefer loose, well-drained soil to allow their roots to develop fully. One of the best things about growing beets is that you get two crops in one.
The roots are sweet and earthy, while the beet greens are tender and packed with nutrients.
Try planting them in rows or containers to save space, and make sure they get plenty of sunlight for the best results.
Broccoli and Cauliflower
Broccoli and cauliflower are hardy, nutrient-packed vegetables that thrive in the cooler months.
These cruciferous vegetables love the chilly air and will perform better when grown in the mild temperatures of December.
Start with transplants for a quicker harvest, as they can take 70-100 days to mature from seed. However, for those with patience, starting from seed allows for a longer growing season and a greater yield.
When planting broccoli or cauliflower, be sure to space them adequately, as they need room to grow large, dense heads. Keep an eye on these plants in early spring, as they can be sensitive to heat and may “bolt” if temperatures rise too quickly.
Cabbage and Collards
Cabbage and collards are two of the most dependable vegetables for cool-season gardens. Cabbage forms dense, leafy heads, while collards produce large, nutrient-rich leaves that are perfect for southern cooking.
These vegetables require fertile, well-drained soil, so adding compost or well-rotted manure can provide essential nutrients to help them thrive.
Regular watering is crucial to keep the soil evenly moist, but be careful not to overwater, as they can be susceptible to root rot.
Cabbage can take anywhere from 70-100 days to mature, while collards tend to grow quicker, often ready in about 60-80 days.
Carrots and Radishes
Carrots and radishes are excellent choices for new gardeners or those looking to fill small spaces in their gardens.
These root vegetables thrive in cooler temperatures and are quick to mature. Radishes, in particular, are known for their rapid growth, often ready to harvest in just 25-30 days.
Carrots, on the other hand, take a little longer (60-80 days), but their sweet, crunchy roots are well worth the wait.
These vegetables do best in deep, loose soil that allows the roots to grow freely. Radishes, being smaller, are great for planting in between other crops, while carrots need more space to develop.
They can also be grown in containers if you have limited garden space.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a unique and versatile vegetable that thrives in cooler weather.
This round, bulb-like vegetable is a member of the cabbage family but grows above ground, with edible stems and leaves. It’s quick to mature, typically in 50-60 days, making it a great addition to any cool-season garden.
Kohlrabi is highly adaptable and can be used in a variety of dishes—raw in salads, roasted, or even stir-fried.
It’s also a space-efficient vegetable, which makes it great for small garden plots or containers.
For a quick harvest, sow seeds in early December and enjoy fresh kohlrabi by late winter.
Leafy Greens
Cool-season leafy greens are a garden staple and a must-have for every winter garden. Varieties such as kale, mustard greens, and lettuce all thrive in the milder temperatures of December.
These vegetables are incredibly fast-growing, often ready to harvest in 30-60 days, and provide a continuous supply of fresh greens throughout the season.
Lettuce comes in a variety of types, from crisp heads like iceberg to tender, loose-leaf varieties.
Kale and mustard greens, with their rich, earthy flavors, are perfect for soups, stir-fries, and salads.
These greens grow best in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of sunlight, although they can tolerate some shade as well.
Beans
While beans are typically considered a warm-season crop, both pole and bush beans can still be planted in December, particularly in the mild temperatures of Zone 10A.
Beans love sunny spots and well-drained soil, and they’re a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for a reliable, easy-to-grow crop.
Bush beans mature quickly (typically in 50-60 days), making them a great choice for gardeners with limited space or a shorter growing season.
Pole beans take a little longer, but they can be trained to climb trellises, saving space while providing a continuous harvest of crisp, tender pods throughout the season.
Beans are also nitrogen fixers, which can help improve the soil’s health for future crops.
These cool-season crops are perfect for planting in December, allowing you to make the most of the milder temperatures and the lengthening days. They are all hardy vegetables that thrive in the cooler months, providing you with a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the winter.
Remember, each of these vegetables will benefit from regular watering, rich soil, and adequate space to grow. By planting them now, you’ll be able to harvest fresh, homegrown vegetables just in time for your winter meals.
Keep an eye out for upcoming posts looking deeper into how to grow specific vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and collards—these plants are true winter gems that deserve extra attention!
Herbs to Grow in December
Herbs are not only essential for adding fresh flavors to your meals, but they also bring beauty and fragrance to your garden. December’s cooler temperatures create the perfect growing conditions for many herbs, and it’s the ideal time to plant or continue growing them.
Here are a few herbs that thrive in December’s mild conditions:
Parsley
Parsley is a hardy biennial herb that flourishes in cool weather, making it an excellent choice for December planting. It adds a burst of flavor to soups, stews, salads, and sauces.
Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and its fresh, bright flavor can elevate any dish. This herb does well in well-drained soil with partial to full sunlight.
While parsley can be grown year-round in mild climates, it thrives in the cool, slower-growing months of winter.
It also makes a lovely companion plant in vegetable gardens, as its bright green leaves contrast nicely with the darker greens of leafy vegetables like kale and collards.
Cilantro
Cilantro, another cool-season favorite, is perfect for planting in December.
Unlike other herbs, cilantro bolts (goes to seed) quickly when the temperatures rise, so planting it in the cooler months ensures you can enjoy its fresh, zesty flavor before it begins to flower.
Cilantro is a versatile herb, great for adding to salsas, salads, curries, and even garnishing tacos and soups.
It grows best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil, with regular watering to keep the leaves fresh.
Cilantro benefits from some shade in the warmer months, so planting it now, when temperatures are lower, is ideal for a long harvest.
Thyme
Thyme is a hardy, drought-tolerant herb that does well in cooler months.
It is perfect for December planting, as it thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys full sunlight.
Thyme’s tiny, fragrant leaves are a great addition to a variety of dishes, from roasted meats to vegetable stews.
It’s also known for its medicinal properties, including being an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Thyme is a perennial, so once established, it can continue to thrive in your garden year-round, making it a valuable addition to your herb collection.
Be sure to trim it back regularly to encourage fresh growth, and it will reward you with an abundance of flavorful leaves.
Dill
Dill is another herb that flourishes in the cooler weather of December. Known for its feathery green leaves and distinct, tangy flavor, dill is an essential herb for pickling, as well as a great addition to fish, potatoes, and even salads.
It grows best in well-drained, sandy soil with full sunlight.
Dill’s fast growth rate makes it ideal for planting in December, and it can reach maturity in about 40-60 days, allowing for quick harvests.
Just be mindful that dill tends to bolt when temperatures warm, so be sure to harvest the leaves early to avoid the plant flowering too soon.
The seeds are also edible and can be used in cooking or saved for next season’s planting.
Oregano
Oregano is a robust perennial herb that thrives in cooler months like December. It prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil, making it perfect for planting now in Florida’s milder winter temperatures.
Oregano’s bold, earthy flavor is essential in Mediterranean cooking and adds depth to tomato-based dishes, pasta sauces, and pizza.
Once established, oregano is incredibly hardy and can last for years, making it a great herb to plant in your garden once and enjoy for seasons to come.
Regular pruning will encourage fresh growth, and if you allow it to flower, oregano will attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.
These herbs—parsley, cilantro, thyme, dill, and oregano—are all perfect for planting in December, offering both culinary and aesthetic benefits to your garden.
They thrive in cooler temperatures and can be harvested continuously through the season, providing fresh flavors for your kitchen.
Plus, many of them are easy to grow and maintain, making them an ideal choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
Whether you’re adding them to soups, stews, or fresh salads, or simply enjoying their vibrant greenery in your garden, these herbs will make December a productive and flavorful month.
And remember, they’ll continue to grow throughout the cooler months, ensuring your garden stays full of fresh, homegrown ingredients all season long.
Flowers to Brighten Your Garden
A vegetable garden isn’t complete without a few beautiful blooms to attract pollinators, add color, and create visual interest.
December’s cooler temperatures offer the perfect conditions for planting hardy, cool-season flowers that will thrive and brighten your garden.
Here are some of my favorite options to consider adding to your garden this month:
Pansies
Pansies are one of the most popular winter flowers for Florida gardens, and for good reason. These cheerful, colorful blooms thrive in cool temperatures and can withstand light frosts, making them ideal for planting in December.
Pansies come in a wide range of colors, from bright yellows and reds to purples and whites, allowing you to create vibrant, eye-catching displays. These flowers are perfect for adding pops of color to your garden beds, pots, and hanging baskets.
Pansies are also great at attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help support the health of your vegetable garden.
They prefer well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight, and their low-maintenance nature makes them a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are another fantastic flower for December gardens. With their unique shape and variety of vibrant colors, snapdragons add texture and interest to any garden.
These flowers come in many shades, from soft pastels to bold, vibrant hues like red, orange, and pink.
Snapdragons thrive in the cool weather, making them perfect for planting now. Their tall, spiky blooms make them an excellent choice for the back of flower beds or as a striking focal point in containers.
Snapdragons also have a long bloom period, often lasting through the winter months and into spring, offering your garden beauty for months to come.
They are relatively easy to grow, preferring well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, and they do well in both cool and moderate climates, adding a touch of elegance to your garden.
Marigolds
Marigolds are an excellent flower to plant in December for a burst of color and for their practical benefits.
These hardy flowers bloom in shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a cheerful, sunny atmosphere in your garden.
Marigolds are particularly known for their ability to repel pests, making them a great companion plant for your vegetables.
Their strong scent can deter harmful insects like aphids, nematodes, and whiteflies, which can otherwise damage your crops.
Marigolds are relatively low-maintenance and grow well in full sunlight and well-drained soil.
Whether planted in garden beds or containers, marigolds brighten up any space, and their long-lasting blooms will keep your garden looking lively throughout the winter.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are another great flower choice for December planting, offering both beauty and practical benefits to your garden. They are one of my favorites!
These vibrant, trailing flowers come in shades of orange, red, yellow, and cream, adding a pop of color to your garden while attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Nasturtiums are not only visually stunning, but they are also edible. Both the leaves and flowers are peppery and can be used in salads, sandwiches, or as garnishes.
These flowers are also known for their pest-repellent properties, as they can help deter aphids, whiteflies, and other pests from your vegetables.
Nasturtiums thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soil, and their carefree nature makes them a perfect addition to any garden. They can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or as ground cover.
These flowers—pansies, snapdragons, marigolds, and nasturtiums—bring both beauty and functionality to your garden. Whether you’re looking to add vibrant color to your garden beds or attract beneficial pollinators, these hardy, cool-season flowers are the perfect way to brighten up your December garden.
Plus, their pest-repellent qualities help keep harmful insects away from your vegetables, making them valuable companions for your edible plants.
Planting flowers alongside your vegetables not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also supports the overall health and productivity of your crops.
Tasks for the December Garden
Now that you know what plants are best to grow in your Zone 10A garden in December, let’s review the tasks you should be focused on this month.
December is not only a time for planting your favorite cool-season vegetables, but also for maintaining and preparing your garden for the coming months. Here are the key gardening tasks for December:
Prepare the Soil
Before planting your cool-season crops, it’s important to make sure your soil is healthy and ready for your plants. Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility.
Vegetables like beets, broccoli, cabbage, and leafy greens thrive in fertile, well-drained soil. Adding organic matter helps improve soil structure, providing better moisture retention and drainage.
If you haven’t already, this is also a great time to test your soil and make any necessary amendments. Healthy soil is the foundation for a successful garden, so take the time to ensure it’s in top condition.
And don’t forget about your containers! If you’re growing your vegetables in pots, be sure to refresh the soil with a good-quality potting mix or compost, especially if the soil has been used for a few seasons.
Containers dry out faster, so maintaining healthy soil is especially important for container-grown crops like lettuce, kale, and herbs.
Mulch for Weed Control and Moisture Retention
Mulching is one of the easiest ways to maintain your garden during cooler months.
Apply a thick layer of mulch around your vegetables, herbs, and flowers to suppress weed growth and conserve moisture.
Mulch helps to keep the soil temperature consistent, which is essential for cool-season crops like carrots, onions, and radishes. It also reduces the need for frequent watering by preventing moisture evaporation.
Organic mulches like straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves break down over time and improve soil health as well.
If you’re growing in containers, mulching the top layer can help reduce evaporation and keep the roots cool, especially if you live in an area with occasional warm spells.
Stay on Top of Watering
Even though the weather is cooler in December, your plants still need regular watering to thrive. Cool-season crops may require less water than in the summer, but consistent moisture is still essential for strong growth.
Check your garden frequently, especially after dry spells, to make sure your plants are getting the water they need. Be mindful of the moisture levels in your containers, as pots dry out much faster than in-ground gardens.
Water early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid evaporation and give your plants enough time to absorb the water.
Harvest Regularly
Frequent harvesting is key to encouraging your plants to keep producing.
For leafy greens like kale, collards, and lettuce, picking the outer leaves will allow the plant to continue producing new growth in the center.
Check your beans, herbs, and root vegetables like carrots and radishes regularly for optimal flavor and texture.
Harvesting often helps prevent the plants from bolting or becoming bitter, ensuring a continuous and productive harvest throughout the season.
For container plants, harvest carefully to avoid disturbing the roots. Keep your containers tidy and check the soil to make sure it’s not drying out too quickly from frequent picking.
Pest Management
Although December generally brings fewer pests, it’s important to stay vigilant. Aphids, caterpillars, and other insects may still find their way into your garden.
Keep an eye on your plants, especially the undersides of leaves and the stems, for any signs of pests. If you notice an infestation, consider using organic pest management methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Handpicking pests like caterpillars and aphids is another effective way to reduce their numbers. You can also introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, which help control aphid populations.
For container-grown plants, pests can be easier to spot, so inspect them often to prevent damage.
Plant Successively
To keep your garden productive throughout the cooler months, it’s a great idea to plant successively. This means sowing new seeds or transplanting young plants every couple of weeks.
By doing this, you’ll have a steady harvest of vegetables like radishes, lettuce, and kale over time, instead of having everything mature all at once.
This is especially important for fast-growing crops like radishes, which mature quickly, and for crops like beans that can provide multiple harvests. Planting successively ensures that you can enjoy fresh vegetables all season long.
For container gardening, this strategy also works well—plant a new crop in one container while continuing to harvest from another. This way, you always have fresh produce on hand, and your garden remains productive.
Tips for Success in Zone 10A
Plan Ahead
Now is an excellent time to get those larger garden projects done before the busy growing season kicks into full gear. Cooler weather makes it easier to work in the garden without the oppressive summer heat.
Whether you’re adding new garden beds, building structures, or planning for future planting seasons, take advantage of the mild December temperatures to tackle these tasks.
For example, I’m developing a new garden bed near my mini barn. This bed will be filled with pollinator plants, many of which will be Florida natives, to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to my garden.
Having this bed nearby will not only beautify the area but also support the ecosystem by providing food and habitat for pollinators. Plus, I’m planning to use the space to experiment with companion planting for my vegetables, creating a diverse and productive garden.
In addition to the new garden bed, I’m also building a new ramp for the mini barn. The old one had decayed and fell apart, and this past season without a ramp was a challenge.
Having a sturdy ramp will make it easier to store garden tools, supplies, and even harvests from the garden, all while improving accessibility. It’s one of those practical, “why didn’t I do this sooner?” projects that will make a big difference in the long run.
By planning and tackling these projects now, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother growing season and create an even more enjoyable garden space.
Whether it’s adding new flower beds, improving infrastructure, or installing new equipment, December is the perfect month to get started.
Prepare for Future Planting Seasons
While December is a great time to plant cool-season crops, it’s also a good month to think ahead to the upcoming growing seasons. Consider taking stock of your garden’s strengths and weaknesses, and make a list of what worked well this year and what didn’t.
Maybe there are areas where you need better soil amendments, or perhaps you want to experiment with new vegetable varieties or gardening techniques. The end of the year is the perfect time for reflection and planning.
Starting a garden journal or updating your current one is another excellent way to keep track of your progress. Record planting dates, growth patterns, and any challenges you face. This will be an invaluable resource in future years as you continue to grow and learn in your garden.
Final Thoughts on December Gardening in Zone 10A
December is a wonderful time for gardeners in Florida’s Zone 10A to get the most out of their cool-season crops. Whether you’re planting vegetables like beets, broccoli, carrots, and leafy greens, or adding herbs and flowers to your garden, this is the time to enjoy the rewards of your hard work.
With cooler temperatures and plenty of sunlight, you can create a thriving garden that will provide fresh produce and a burst of color throughout the season.
So, get out there and plant your favorites this month—your garden will thank you with bountiful harvests and vibrant blooms that will make this December one to remember! Happy gardening!
Weekly Bonus Content
Each week, I’ll include links to other articles I’ve written that relate to this topic, so you can explore more helpful tips and ideas. You’ll also find affiliate links for Amazon or Botanical Interests to help you find the tools and seeds you need.
In Between We Garden participates in several affiliate marketing programs. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the maintenance of the blog and allow us to continue creating content for our readers.
To make your gardening journey even more rewarding, I’ll share a freebie each week, whether it’s a printable guide, checklist, or another resource to keep you inspired.
Finally, I’ll list the resources I used to create this blog for those who want to dig deeper.
Other Articles I’ve Written
- A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Vegetables Indoors (has information on growing lettuce, spinach, carrots, radishes and onions)
- Zinnias: Versatile and Easy to Grow in Florida
Affiliate Links
Botanical Interests: Fall Vegetable Garden Gift Set (seeds for beets, carrots, radishes, kale, lettuce)
Book suggestions from Amazon:
- 2025 Wild Floridian Garden Planner
- Gardening In Southern Florida: A Record-Keeping Journal for Successful Farming in Zone 10
- Wild Florida Garden Planner: Week-by-Week Journal and Logbook
Weekly Freebie
from Botanical Interests, Garden Journal eBook
Additional Resources
- Sow True Seed, Zone 10 – Monthly Garden Calendar: Chores and Planting Guide
- Tree Amigos Growers, December Planting Guide
- University of Florida IFAS Extension’s web page, Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide