Winter Gardening Guide: December

Location: Georgia | Planting Zone: 8a/8b

December brings a quiet, peaceful stillness to the Georgia homestead. The frantic pace of summer harvests and autumn planting has fully given way to crisp, cold mornings, early sunsets, and if you are lucky enough to have a fireplace or wood burning stove, you'll smell woodsmoke in the evening air. While much of the country's garden beds are buried under snow and ice, Georgia homesteaders enjoy a unique advantage: a living winter pantry right outside our back doors.

December in Middle Georgia is a month of quiet maintenance, reflection, and celebration. We aren't planting new crops right now—the daylight hours are at their yearly minimum—but our garden beds remain filled with sweet, frost-hardy greens and sweet root vegetables. It is the ultimate season for winterizing tools, reviewing garden records, and savoring the quiet rewards of a year's worth of hard work.

Winter Garden Execution: Living off The Winter Pantry

With daylight hovering right around 10 hours or less, plant growth has stalled entirely. December is all about maintaining what we have in the ground and harvesting on demand.

• Sustaining the Greens: Established collards, kale, spinach, mustard greens, and Swiss chard hold beautifully through December's light freezes. Harvest outer leaves regularly to keep plants tidy.

  
  

• Root Storage in the Earth: Carrots, beets, turnips, and rutabagas sit safely protected beneath their leaf-mulch blankets, ready to be dug up for warm winter stews.

• Monitoring Garlic & Alliums: Garlic and shallots planted in October and November will have green shoots poking through the mulch. Their root systems are quietly anchoring deep into the cool earth.

Crops protected under heave frost cloth from snow and freezing temperatures

December Garden Maintenance: The "Rest & Restore" Strategy

While plant care is minimal, December offers the ideal downtime to winterize homestead infrastructure and protect beds against hard winter freezes.

1. Managing Deep Freezes

While Zone 8 winters are generally mild, December can occasionally bring hard freezes that drop temperatures into the lower 20s or teens.

• Covering Tender Crops: Keep heavy-duty frost cloth (1.5–2.0 oz grade) ready near salad greens and winter lettuce. Anchor edges securely with stones, bricks, or soil to trap radiant heat from the earth.

• Protecting Soil Microbes: Never leave garden soil bare over winter. Ensure all unplanted beds have a thick layer of leaf mold, clean wheat straw, or a growing cover crop to prevent erosion from heavy winter rains.

2. Winterizing Irrigation & Spigots

A single unexpected hard freeze can cause costly plumbing repairs if lines aren't properly secured.

• Drain All Lines: Double-check that all garden hoses are drained, coiled, and stored out of the weather. Ensure drip headers, back flow preventers, and timers are disconnected and stored indoors.

• Insulate Spigots: Check foam insulation covers on all exterior spigots and hydrants across the property.

3. Cleaning Up the Homestead

Take advantage of clear, cool days to tidy up around raised beds, clear fence lines, and organize the tool shed before spring arrives.

Garden Tools and Supplies: The December Toolkit

For December vegetable gardening in Georgia, focus on cold-hardy crop protection, soil testing, and indoor seed starting for late winter crops. Essential supplies include frost cloth and seed-starting trays to manage Georgia’s variable winter climate.

• Heavy-Duty Frost Cloth (Row Cover): Crucial protection during sudden dips into the low 20s.

• Tool Maintenance Kit: Steel wool, wire brushes, sharpening stones, mineral spirits, and boiled linseed oil for restoring hand tools.

• Garden Journal & Seed Catalogs: The most valuable December tools! Used for recording crop performance and planning spring bed layouts.

• Bypass pruners & Loppers: December is a prime time for pruning dormant deciduous trees, removing dead wood, and shaping woody ornamentals.

• Hand snips: For harvesting lingering cool-season herbs like parsley, cilantro, and rosemary.

• Leaf rake / Blower: To clear heavy layers of wet leaves off lawns and redistribute them as insulating mulch around perennial beds.

  
  

While gardening tools and supplies can indeed be costly, the investment pays off in the long run when they are properly cared for. By utilizing the downtime in December for organization, maintenance, planning, and education, you can set yourself up for a successful and productive gardening season ahead. Here are some tips on how to care for tools and supplies.

Tiller and Mower

• First things first, make sure your garden tiller is either completely empty of fuel or treated with a fuel stabilizer. It’s a small step that can make a big difference!

• Next up, take a look at the spark plugs. It’s a good idea to replace the oil and give the air filter a good clean while you’re at it.

• Finally, grab a pressure washer and give the underside of your mower’s deck a thorough clean. You’ll want to remove all that old grass and debris to keep things running smoothly.

Shovels, Hoes and Other Tools

• Thoroughly clean all tools with soap and water.

• Sharpen blades.

• Clean metal parts with steel wool, wipe dry and apply a light coat of household oil.

• To save time in the spring, sharpen tool edges.

• Smooth wooden handles by sanding them with sand paper. Then coat handles in linseed oil or paint them to preserve the wood.

• Store all rakes with the teeth pointing down. Stepping on an exposed rake can be dangerous for children and adults.

Irrigation

• Drain irrigation lines and clean and inspect them for cracks before rolling them up. Store them out of the sun in a shed or garage.

• Connect hose ends to keep insects from hibernating in hoses.

• Do not hang hoses directly on a nail. The weight of the hose will create permanent kinks. Nail a coffee can or other round form on the wall, then roll the hose around the form.

• Inspect and lightly lubricate sprinkler heads.

• Clean and dry out the water timer.

Tomato Cages

• Clean off tomato cages and stack them out of the way.

• Repair any cages that have been damaged.

Featured Tool: Boiled Linseed Oil and Sharpening Stone December is tool maintenance month on the homestead. Cleaning off caked-on clay, sharpening hoe and shovel edges, and rubbing wooden handles down with boiled linseed oil prevents rust and splitting, ensuring your hand tools last a lifetime.

Seedlings and Pest Control During December

November in Zone 8 marks the transition to cooler temperatures, necessitating an adaptation of gardening strategies. As the weather cools, the focus shifts from planting to preparing for winter while still managing the remnants of autumn. This month emphasizes planting overwintering crops and ensuring that your garden can withstand the colder months. It is also an ideal time to plant garlic, both hardneck and softneck varieties, in well-prepared, mulched soil.

Planting Recommendations

• Plant garlic bulbs in rich, well-drained soil, ensuring they are covered with mulch for insulation.

• Direct-sow hardy greens such as kale, spinach, and arugula that can withstand cooler temperatures.

• Consider planting cover crops to improve soil health over winter.

  
  

Garden Preparation

• Mulch around newly planted bulbs and greens to protect them from frost.

• Clear out spent summer plants to prevent overwintering pests.

• Plan your spring garden layout while the weather is still manageable.

Direct Sowing vs. What to Hold

• Last Chance Direct Sowing (Early Nov): Spinach, Winter Radishes, Cover Crops (Winter Rye, Crimson Clover).

• Overwintering in Soil: Garlic, Shallots, Walking Onions, Established Brassicas, Swiss Chard, Carrots, Beets.

Pro-Tip: The Power of December Record Keeping Don't rely on memory for next spring! Take an hour during a quiet December afternoon to map out what was planted in each bed this past year. Rotating crop families (like moving Solanaceae/Tomatoes away from where they grew last season) prevents soil-borne diseases and pest cycles from building up in your Georgia soil.

December Pest Watch: The Winter Lull

Winter does not eliminate all garden pests. Insects can remain active during fall and winter, making weekly scouting important. Gardeners should inspect plants thoroughly, including the upper and lower surfaces of leaves, and address pest problems before they become severe.

• Cabbage Loopers: These pale green caterpillars move in a looping manner across leaves and create large, irregular holes in the leaves of collards, mustard greens, and cabbage.

• Aphids: These tiny, soft-bodied bugs like to hang out under leaves, where they suck up vital sap. This can cause the leaves to curl or turn yellow. Green peach aphids are pretty tough, too—they can easily handle cold winter weather.

• Cutworms: These fat caterpillars are most active at night. During the day, they hide just below the surface of the soil, munching away at the stems of young seedlings right at the soil line.

• Harlequin Cabbage Bugs: Related to stink bugs these bugs have a distinctive red-and-black shield-shaped. They pierce plant tissues on brassica crops, leaving behind white, cloudy spots and withered leaves.

• Slugs and Snails: While not insects, these mollusks thrive in damp, cool winter weather, chewing smooth holes in low-growing leafy greens and leaving slime trails behind.

  
  

Harvesting and Planning In December

In December, Georgia gardens harvest cool-season leafy greens, hearty root vegetables, cold-hardy brassicas, tree nuts, and regional citrus. The cooler temperatures of December create an ideal environment for a variety of crops that thrive in less intense sunlight and cooler soil conditions. During this month, gardeners can reap the benefits of their hard work throughout the year, as many plants reach their peak flavor and nutritional value in these cooler months.

• Cool-Season Leafy Greens

  Among the most popular cool-season leafy greens are kale, spinach, collard greens, and Swiss chard. These greens are not only packed with vitamins and minerals but also offer a robust flavor that can enhance a wide range of dishes. Kale, for instance, is known for its high levels of vitamins A, C, and K, while spinach is often praised for its iron content. The frost that can occur in December actually sweetens the flavor of these greens, making them even more appealing for winter salads and hearty soups.

  
  

• Hearty Root Vegetables

  In addition to leafy greens, December is a prime time for harvesting hearty root vegetables such as carrots, beets, turnips, and radishes. These vegetables are stored underground, where they are insulated from the cold, allowing them to develop rich flavors and textures. Carrots, for example, are especially sweet after a frost, and can be enjoyed roasted, in stews, or even juiced for a nutritious drink. Beets, with their earthy flavor, can add color and sweetness to salads or can be pickled for a tangy side dish.

• Cold-Hardy Brassicas

  Cold-hardy brassicas, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, are also ready for harvest in December. These vegetables are known for their resilience to cold weather, and they often taste better after exposure to frost. Broccoli can be harvested when the heads are firm and tight, while Brussels sprouts can be picked from the bottom up as they mature. Cabbage, with its crisp leaves, is perfect for making coleslaw or can be fermented into sauerkraut, providing a delicious and probiotic-rich addition to winter meals.

• Tree Nuts

  December is also the time to gather tree nuts, which are a nutritious and versatile food source. Pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts are commonly harvested in Georgia during this month. These nuts can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or used in a variety of recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes. Pecans, in particular, are a staple in Southern cooking and are often used in pies, salads, and as toppings for various dishes, adding a delightful crunch and rich flavor.

• Regional Citrus

  Finally, the citrus harvest is in full swing during December in Georgia. Varieties such as satsumas, tangerines, and navel oranges thrive in the state's climate and provide a burst of freshness during the winter months. These fruits are not only delicious but also packed with vitamin C, making them a perfect addition to the diet during cold and flu season. Freshly squeezed citrus juice can brighten up any dish or serve as a refreshing drink, while the zest can be used to add flavor to baked goods and marinades.

  
  

Fresh Harvest in December

• Greens: Collards, Kale, Mustard Greens, Spinach and Lettuce

• Root Crops: Carrots, Beets, Turnips, Radishes

• Cole Crops: Cabbage, Broccoli and cauliflower, Brussels sprouts

• Nuts: Pecans - December marks the final stretch of the main autumn pecan harvest.

• Citrus: Satsuma oranges and Meyer lemons

Preserving the December Bounty

As November rolls in, it's time to shift gears and focus on preserving the bounty of the fall harvest. With the chill in the air, there are still plenty of delicious ways to make sure those fresh flavors last well into the winter months.

Leafy Winter Greens & Brassicas

(Collard greens, kale, mustard greens, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts)

• Leave Them in the Ground (In-Ground Storage):

  • Crops like collard greens, kale, and Brussels sprouts handle freezing temperatures exceptionally well; in fact, a hard frost makes them sweeter.

  • Keep them alive in the garden and harvest the outer leaves as needed. If temperatures drop below 25°F, protect them temporarily using row covers or low tunnels.

• Blanching & Freezing:

  • This is the best option for long-term storage of abundant broccoli, greens, and chopped cabbage.

  • Chop the greens or florets, submerge them in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process, drain thoroughly, and pack into airtight freezer bags.

  
  

• Fermentation:

  • Turn December cabbage into sauerkraut or kimchi. Fermentation preserves the crunch and nutrients for months in the refrigerator or a cool pantry.

Root Vegetables

(Carrots, turnips, beets, radishes)

• The "Dirty" Cold Storage Method:

  
  

  • Avoid washing them. Washing adds moisture that can lead to rot. Instead, gently brush off any loose dirt.

  • Remove the green leafy tops by twisting or cutting them off, leaving about 1 inch of the stem. If left on, the greens will extract moisture from the root, causing it to shrivel.

  • Place the unwashed roots in boxes or crates with layers of damp sand or sawdust. Store these boxes in an unheated garage, basement, or mudroom where the temperature is between 35°F and 40°F.

• Pickling:

  • Beets, radishes, and turnips hold up beautifully to water-bath canning when preserved in a vinegar-based brine.

Critical Rules for Winter Preservation success

1. Never Store Damaged Produce: Only preserve flawless crops. Any vegetable with nicks, bruises, or insect damage should be eaten immediately, as rot spreads rapidly to healthy neighbors. [1]

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3. Separate Ethylene Producers: Keep any late-harvested apples away from your winter greens and root crops. Apples release ethylene gas, which accelerates decay and causes greens to yellow rapidly. [1]

Looking Ahead: January

December isn’t just for holiday cheer; it’s a key month for gardeners to prep for the next growing season! We’ll dive into some essential tasks like tool maintenace, reviewing your garden journal and ordering seeds. Additionally we will focus on soil health during these colder months in order to support soil microbes. By dedicating time to these activities you'll set the stage for a flourishing garden in spring!

The Last Word...

December in Georgia is a bountiful time for gardeners and food enthusiasts alike, as the harvest of cool-season leafy greens, hearty root vegetables, cold-hardy brassicas, tree nuts, and regional citrus offers a wealth of flavors and nutritional benefits. These seasonal ingredients not only contribute to a diverse and healthy diet but also allow for creative culinary exploration during the winter months.

This month also offers a much-needed period of rest for both the land and the homesteader. As you relish warm meals sourced from your own soil or relax comfortably on the sofa with seed catalogs for the next year, take pride in all that you achieved this year. Take this time to rest, recharge, and dream big for the upcoming spring!

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Homesteading!