What to plant in December in New York
In New York (NY), December sits about 20 weeks before the average last frost (May 1). The state averages 157 frost-free days a year (last frost May 1, first frost October 5; USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b).
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 New York frost dates (last frost May 1, first frost Oct 5). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in New York.
New York covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
New York: planting activity through the year
Planting dates for popular crops in New York
Every crop has its own full-year dates for New York: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in December in New York
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 New York
- Order seed while stock is good. New York's average last frost is May 1, so the first indoor sowings begin around February 6 - 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 New York
New York spans USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. 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 New York in December?
Very little is sown outdoors in New York in December. Use the month to plan beds, order seed and prepare soil.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in New York in December?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in New York have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 6.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in New York in December?
For this year, yes - the lettuce windows in New York have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 27.
When is the first frost in New York?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 5 and the last spring frost around May 1. New York covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What to plant in December in other states
Dates are computed from New York’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.