What to plant in December in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania (PA), December sits about 20 weeks before the average last frost (May 1). The state averages 162 frost-free days a year (last frost May 1, first frost October 10; USDA zones 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 Pennsylvania frost dates (last frost May 1, first frost Oct 10). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania: planting activity through the year
Planting dates for popular crops in Pennsylvania
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Pennsylvania: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in December in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania
- Order seed while stock is good. Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania spans USDA zones 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 Pennsylvania in December?
Very little is sown outdoors in Pennsylvania in December. Use the month to plan beds, order seed and prepare soil.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Pennsylvania in December?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Pennsylvania have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 6.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Pennsylvania in December?
For this year, yes - the lettuce windows in Pennsylvania have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 27.
When is the first frost in Pennsylvania?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 10 and the last spring frost around May 1. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania’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.