What to plant in December in Washington

In Washington (WA), December sits about 18 weeks before the average last frost (April 20). The state averages 178 frost-free days a year (last frost April 20, first frost October 15; USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a).

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 Washington frost dates (last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 15). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in Washington.

A planning monthSow or plant: 0Start indoors: 0Harvesting: 0

Washington 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.

Washington: planting activity through the year

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Frost riskFrost-free: Apr 20 – Oct 15

Bars count the vegetables, herbs and fruit with a sowing or planting window in each month, from the state’s average frost dates. 0 have one in December; the busiest month is April (86).

Planting dates for popular crops in Washington

Every crop has its own full-year dates for Washington: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.

When to plant tomato in Washington →When to plant lettuce in Washington →When to plant garlic in Washington →When to plant bell pepper in Washington →When to plant carrot in Washington →When to plant onion in Washington →When to plant pea in Washington →When to plant spinach in Washington →Washington frost dates by zone →

Spring bulbs to plant in December in Washington

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.

Bulb planting guide by state, with depth and spacing →When to plant daffodils →When to plant tulips →

A planning month: December garden jobs in Washington

Order seed while stock is good. Washington's average last frost is April 20, so the first indoor sowings begin around January 26 - 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 Washington

Washington spans USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 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.

Zone	Last frost	First frost	Season
Zone 4	May 10	Sep 25	135 days
Zone 5	Apr 30	Oct 5	160 days
Zone 6	Apr 15	Oct 15	185 days
Zone 7	Apr 5	Oct 25	200 days
Zone 8	Mar 20	Nov 5	230 days
Zone 9	Feb 20	Nov 30	280 days

Questions gardeners ask

What vegetables can I plant in Washington in December?

Very little is sown outdoors in Washington in December. Use the month to plan beds, order seed and prepare soil.

Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Washington in December?

For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Washington have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 23.

Is it too late to plant lettuce in Washington in December?

For this year, yes - the lettuce windows in Washington have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 16.

When is the first frost in Washington?

The statewide average first fall frost is around October 15 and the last spring frost around April 20. Washington covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.

← November in Washington January in Washington →Full-year Washington planting calendar →Washington frost dates →

What to plant in December in other states

Oregon Alabama Arizona California Colorado Florida Georgia Illinois All states →

Dates are computed from Washington’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.