What to plant in December in zone 10

Last chance in December

Eggplant (start seeds indoors, by Dec 5) · Parsley (start seeds indoors, by Dec 5) · Shallot (start seeds indoors, by Dec 5) · Bell Pepper (start seeds indoors, by Dec 12) · Chili Pepper (start seeds indoors, by Dec 12) · Ginger (start seeds indoors, by Dec 12) · Green Onion / Scallion (start seeds indoors, by Dec 12) · Mint (start seeds indoors, by Dec 12) · Oregano (start seeds indoors, by Dec 12) · Sage (start seeds indoors, by Dec 12) · Tarragon (start seeds indoors, by Dec 12) · Thyme (start seeds indoors, by Dec 12) · Turmeric (start seeds indoors, by Dec 12)

Sow or plant outdoors in December (13)

Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in December, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.

For fall and winter harvests (2)

Sowings counted back from zone 10's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.

Start seeds indoors in December (43)

Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.

Harvesting in December

First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.

After the first frost: December garden jobs in zone 10

1. The average first frost (December 15) has passed - pull frost-killed tender plants and compost the healthy ones; bin or burn anything that had blight or mildew.
2. Plant garlic now (Dec 26 – Jan 12): single cloves, pointy end up, 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, then mulch.
3. Leave cold-hardy roots (carrots, parsnips, leeks) in the ground under a thick mulch and dig them as needed.
4. Clean and oil tools, drain hoses, and note what worked this year while you still remember - it makes next year's plan far easier.

Questions gardeners ask