What to plant in December in Tennessee
In Tennessee (TN), December sits about 17 weeks before the average last frost (April 10). The state averages 198 frost-free days a year (last frost April 10, first frost October 25; USDA zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a).
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 Tennessee frost dates (last frost Apr 10, first frost Oct 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in Tennessee.
Tennessee: 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 Tennessee
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Tennessee: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in December in Tennessee
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 Tennessee
- Order seed while stock is good. Tennessee's average last frost is April 10, so the first indoor sowings begin around January 16 - 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 Tennessee
Tennessee spans USDA zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. 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 Tennessee in December?
Very little is sown outdoors in Tennessee in December. Use the month to plan beds, order seed and prepare soil.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Tennessee in December?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Tennessee have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 13.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Tennessee in December?
For this year, yes - the lettuce windows in Tennessee have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 6.
When is the first frost in Tennessee?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 25 and the last spring frost around April 10. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Tennessee in December?
From plantings made on time: endive & escarole, fava bean (broad bean).
What to plant in December in other states
Dates are computed from Tennessee’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.