What to plant in December in North Carolina
In North Carolina (NC), December sits about 16 weeks before the average last frost (April 5). The state averages 203 frost-free days a year (last frost April 5, first frost October 25; USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b).
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 North Carolina frost dates (last frost Apr 5, first frost Oct 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in North Carolina.
North Carolina 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.
North Carolina: planting activity through the year
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 North Carolina
Every crop has its own full-year dates for North Carolina: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in December in North Carolina
Plant in fall to build roots and meet the cold requirement, which ranges from six to 20 weeks depending on species or cultivar. Wait until the soil at planting depth is below 60°F. (NC State Extension) ↗
A planning month: December garden jobs in North Carolina
- Order seed while stock is good. North Carolina's average last frost is April 5, so the first indoor sowings begin around January 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 North Carolina
North Carolina spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. 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 North Carolina in December?
Very little is sown outdoors in North Carolina in December. Use the month to plan beds, order seed and prepare soil.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in North Carolina in December?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in North Carolina have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 8.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in North Carolina in December?
For this year, yes - the lettuce windows in North Carolina have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 1.
When is the first frost in North Carolina?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 25 and the last spring frost around April 5. North Carolina covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in North Carolina in December?
From plantings made on time: endive & escarole, fava bean (broad bean).
When should I plant spring bulbs in North Carolina?
Plant in fall to build roots and meet the cold requirement, which ranges from six to 20 weeks depending on species or cultivar. Wait until the soil at planting depth is below 60°F. (NC State Extension). See the bulb planting guide for depth and spacing.
What to plant in December in other states
Dates are computed from North Carolina’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.