What to plant in December in Minnesota
In Minnesota (MN), December sits about 20 weeks before the average last frost (May 6). The state averages 145 frost-free days a year (last frost May 6, first frost September 28; USDA zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a).
Almost nothing is due to be sown in December - it's a month for planning, ordering seed and looking after what's already growing.
Dates here come from Minnesota frost dates (last frost May 6, first frost Sep 28). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in Minnesota.
Minnesota: planting activity through the year
Planting dates for popular crops in Minnesota
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Minnesota: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in December in Minnesota
Usually mid-September to mid-October, so roots grow before the ground freezes. Tulips can go in as late as you can get them into the soil. (University of Minnesota Extension) ↗
A planning month: December garden jobs in Minnesota
- Order seed while stock is good. Minnesota's average last frost is May 6, so the first indoor sowings begin around February 11 - 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 Minnesota
Minnesota spans USDA zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a. 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 Minnesota in December?
Very little is sown outdoors in Minnesota in December. Use the month to plan beds, order seed and prepare soil.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Minnesota in December?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Minnesota have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 11.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Minnesota in December?
For this year, yes - the lettuce windows in Minnesota have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about April 1.
When is the first frost in Minnesota?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 28 and the last spring frost around May 6. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
When should I plant spring bulbs in Minnesota?
Usually mid-September to mid-October, so roots grow before the ground freezes. Tulips can go in as late as you can get them into the soil. (University of Minnesota Extension). See the bulb planting guide for depth and spacing.
What to plant in December in other states
Dates are computed from Minnesota’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.