What to plant in December in South Carolina
In South Carolina (SC), 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 7a, 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 South Carolina frost dates (last frost Mar 25, first frost Nov 5). For one crop in detail, see when to plant garlic, tomato or lettuce in South Carolina.
South Carolina: 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 South Carolina'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 South Carolina
Every crop has its own full-year dates for South Carolina: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in December in South Carolina
Daffodils in October or November. Other spring bulbs only once the soil at planting depth stays below 60°F. On the coast, most bulbs go in late December or early January. (Clemson Home & Garden Information Center) ↗
A planning month: December garden jobs in South Carolina
- Order seed while stock is good. South Carolina'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 South Carolina
South Carolina spans USDA zones 7a, 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina in December?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in South Carolina have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about January 28.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in South Carolina in December?
For this year, yes - the lettuce windows in South Carolina have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 18.
When is the first frost in South Carolina?
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 South Carolina?
Celeriac (Dec 31 – Jan 14).
When should I plant spring bulbs in South Carolina?
Daffodils in October or November. Other spring bulbs only once the soil at planting depth stays below 60°F. On the coast, most bulbs go in late December or early January. (Clemson Home & Garden Information Center). See the bulb planting guide for depth and spacing.
What to plant in December in other states
Dates are computed from South 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.