What to plant in December in Alabama
In Alabama (AL), December sits about 14 weeks before the average last frost (March 25). The state averages 225 frost-free days a year (last frost March 25, first frost November 5; USDA zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a).
2 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including garlic - and 1 of those windows close during December.
Dates here come from Alabama frost dates (last frost Mar 25, first frost Nov 5). For one crop in detail, see when to plant garlic, tomato or lettuce in Alabama.
Alabama: planting activity through the year
Last chance in December
Garlic (plant in fall (after first frost), by Dec 3)
For fall and winter harvests (1)
Sowings counted back from Alabama's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic | Plant in fall (after first frost) | Nov 16 – Dec 3 | Last chance - ends Dec 3 |
Start seeds indoors in December (1)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celeriac | Start seeds indoors | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Opens Dec 31 |
Harvesting in December
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in Alabama
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Alabama: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in December in Alabama
Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus are planted in fall, once the soil has cooled and before it freezes. The exact window depends on the state, so our bulb guide quotes what each extension service says.
A planning month: December garden jobs in Alabama
- Order seed while stock is good. Alabama's average last frost is March 25, so the first indoor sowings begin around December 31 - see starting seeds indoors.
- Sketch this year's beds and move each crop family to a new spot - the garden planner and the crop rotation guide make it quick.
- Test old seed: roll ten seeds in a damp paper towel for a week. If fewer than seven sprout, sow thicker or buy fresh.
- If the ground isn't frozen, spread compost now so it's worked in by spring, and send off a soil test - December is when labs are quiet.
USDA zone chart for Alabama
Alabama spans USDA zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Alabama in December?
2 crops have a window in December: garlic, celeriac. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Alabama in December?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Alabama have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about January 28.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Alabama in December?
For this year, yes - the lettuce windows in Alabama have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 18.
When is the first frost in Alabama?
The statewide average first fall frost is around November 5 and the last spring frost around March 25. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in December in Alabama?
Celeriac (Dec 31 – Jan 14).
What to plant in December in other states
Dates are computed from Alabama’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.