While northern friends are completely snowed in, December in zones 7-8 offers a few sneaky opportunities for the dedicated gardener. With average temperatures ranging from 45°F down to 25°F (7°C to -4°C), and soil that’s chilly but not permanently frozen, you can still scratch that gardening itch – even if you have to wear our thermal gloves to do it!

Sure, you’re not exactly in peak growing season, but your relatively mild winters mean you can still plant a few hardy crops and tend to winter gardens that would be impossible in colder zones. Plus, with proper protection like cold frames or row covers, you can push the boundaries of what’s possible in a December garden.

So, grab your warmest gardening gear and a thermos of something hot – let’s explore how to make the most of your mild-winter advantage and keep your gardens productive even as the year winds down.

What to Plant Outdoors in December

Rows of Garlic Plant Stalks Growing in a Home Vegetable Garden

1. Garlic and Shallots

December might seem late for planting garlic, but in your mild zones, you can still get away with it! While October-November is ideal, your warmer soil temperatures mean December-planted garlic can still establish roots before real winter hits. The key is getting them in before the ground freezes solid. For more information, watch my video on How to Plant Garlic.

Best varieties for late planting:

• Softneck types like ‘California Early’ and ‘Inchelium Red’
• Shorter-season varieties that mature quickly
• Early varieties of shallots like ‘French Gray’

Planting tips:

• Plant cloves 4-6 inches apart and 2-3 inches deep
• Add extra mulch for winter protection
• Choose the largest cloves for planting
• Water well until consistent winter rains arrive

Planting a bare root cherry tree

2. Bare-Root Trees and Shrubs

December’s cool, moist conditions make it perfect for establishing bare-root plants. The dormant period allows plants to focus on root development without the stress of supporting leaves or fruit. Plus, bare-root plants are often cheaper than container-grown options! To learn more, watch my video on How to Plant a Bare Root Apple Tree.

Good choices for December planting:

• Fruit trees (apples, pears, plums)
• Berry bushes (raspberries, blackberries)

The corn salad (Valerianella) plant

3. Cold-Hardy Salad Greens

With protection from row covers or cold frames, several greens can be planted in December for late winter/early spring harvest:

Best varieties for winter growing:

• Mâche (corn salad): Incredibly cold-hardy and sweet
• Spinach: Choose winter varieties like ‘Savoy’ or ‘Winter Bloomsdale’
• Arugula: Spicy leaves that actually sweeten in cold weather
• Asian greens like mizuna and tatsoi

Protected Growing Projects

A cold frame garden

Cold Frame Growing

A cold frame is like a mini greenhouse that can extend your growing season significantly. In zones 7-8, it can keep you harvesting fresh greens all winter long. Now’s the time to sow quick-growing crops inside your cold frame:

• Lettuce (choose cold-hardy varieties)
• Radishes (try winter varieties like ‘China Rose’)
• Scallions
• Baby carrots

Remember to ventilate your cold frame on sunny days – even in winter, it can get too hot inside!

Hoop House/Tunnel Projects

A DIY hop house garden bed

If you’ve got a hoop house or low tunnel set up, you’ve got even more growing options! If you don’t yet, watch my video on How to Build a DIY Hoop House for Raised Beds. Here are a few of the plants you can extend more deeply into the winter if you have one:

• Swiss chard
• Kale
• Chinese cabbage
• Hardy herbs like parsley and cilantro

Indoor Growing Opportunities

A winter windowsill garden

Winter Windowsill Garden

Take advantage of sunny windows to grow:

• Microgreens
• Fresh herbs
• Sprouts
• Lettuce and other leafy greens

The key to success is providing enough light and maintaining good air circulation to prevent mold.

Essential December Garden Tasks for Zones 7-8

Protection and Maintenance

Unlike your northern neighbors, your winter protection needs to be flexible. As you know, zones 7-8 can get warm spells followed by sudden freezes, so your plants need adaptable protection. Monitor weather forecasts closely and be ready to add or remove protection as needed.

• Check weather stripping and hinges on cold frames
• Monitor temperatures under protection on sunny days
• Adjust row covers and other protection as needed
• Keep an eye on soil moisture – winter can be deceptively dry

Soil Care and Improvement

December’s alternating freeze-thaw cycles actually help break down organic matter and improve soil structure. Take advantage of this natural process:

• Continue adding organic matter to empty beds
• Maintain winter cover crops
• Monitor winter mulch layers
• Test soil while you have time to amend it

Pruning and Maintenance

December is prime time for pruning in zones 7-8. Without leaves, it’s easier to see a plant’s structure and make good pruning decisions.

• Prune fruit trees for shape and production
• Cut back perennial herbs
• Remove dead or crossing branches
• Clean up fallen fruit and leaves

Planning and Preparation

Use December’s quieter pace to get organized:

• Order seeds for spring
• Clean and sharpen tools
• Organize your potting shed
• Plan crop rotations
• Review your garden journal
• Sketch out new garden designs

Special Care for Winter Crops

Any crops still growing need extra attention:

• Monitor for pests (yes, some remain active in your mild winters)
• Check soil moisture under protection
• Remove any yellowed or dead foliage
• Harvest regularly to encourage production

Remember, gardening in zones 7-8 doesn’t have to stop in December – it just requires a different approach. While you might not be planting tomatoes, you can still keep your gardens productive and prepare for an abundant spring.

What winter gardening projects are you tackling this December? Have any tips for keeping crops going through the cold months? Drop a comment below and share your mild-winter wisdom with fellow zone 7-8 gardeners!