Read by Matilda Longbottom
Dear Gardeners,
December is here, and with it comes the season of gift-giving! In this special issue of Food Gardening Magazine, we’re excited to help you find unique, garden-inspired ways to share the joy of growing with friends and family. From crafty DIY gifts you can make straight from your garden’s bounty to carefully selected tools and treasures that any gardener would cherish, this issue is filled with gift ideas to make your holiday shopping easy and meaningful.
Whether you’re looking for handmade touches like edible treats and creative crafts or want to explore high-quality gardening tools and accessories, our gift guides offer something for every type of gardener. These carefully curated lists include ideas to delight new growers and seasoned green thumbs alike, ensuring that each gift you give is not only thoughtful but also practical. And, for those who ask the big question—what does a gardener really want?—we’ve got answers that will make any gardening friend’s eyes light up.
Of course, December is also a time to keep your garden going, and we have tips on what to plant this month in every zone, along with advice on keeping your plants thriving through winter’s chill. Our articles on overwintering and winter gardening will help you stay active in the garden, even as temperatures drop. Here’s what you’ll find:
- What to Plant in December in Zones 4-6: While these zones can’t plant outdoors, we’re talking hydroponics and microgreens!
- What to Plant in December in Zones 7-8: Perfect for transitional zones to keep your garden going.
- What to Plant in December in Zones 9-10: Ideas for warmer climates to enjoy a fruitful winter—literally.
- 9 Crafty Gifts You Can Make From Your Garden: Fun and unique DIY ideas for heartfelt, handmade gifts.
- 12 Edible Gift Ideas from Your Garden: Delight loved ones with homemade, garden-to-table treats.
- 5 Gift-Worthy Heirloom Gardening Tools: For the folks you really want to impress this year, tune into these heirlooms.
- 13 Gifts for Garden Lovers You Can Buy: Curated ideas for items you can buy for all the different types of green thumbs in your life.
- How to Keep Gardening in December: Tips to stay active and productive through winter.
- What Your Gardening Friends Really Want for Gifts: Get insights into what gardener’s actually want, not just the gimmicks ads will try to sell you!
In this issue, our Gardening Guide Close-Ups are packed with winter wisdom and problem-solving tips. Ever wondered how to overwinter your sage, why your avocado tree won’t fruit, or the best time to start your tomato seeds? We cover these topics and more, helping you master both familiar and new challenges.
- How Do I Overwinter My Sage Plant? Steps to keep sage thriving through winter.
- Why Won’t My Avocado Tree Fruit? Solutions to this common gardening conundrum.
- When to Start Your Tomato Seeds: Ensure perfect timing for next season’s crop.
- How to Grow the Most Flavorful Bell Peppers: Tips for boosting flavor in your garden.
- When to Toss Your Home-Grown Onions: Know when to keep, store, or let go of onions.
For your holiday table, we’ve gathered seasonal recipes to bring a taste of the garden to your celebrations. From a cozy Roasted Tomato-Basil Soup to the festive Quick Pickled Bell Peppers, our recipes this month are perfect for sharing. And don’t miss our comforting Butternut Squash, Sage, and Goat Cheese Lasagna or the Easy Onion Dinner Rolls—delicious additions to any holiday feast.
- Guacamole-Stuffed Chicken: A simple and delicious main course for spicing up the winter weather.
- Roasted Tomato-Basil Soup: Warming flavors perfect for the winter table, even better served with grilled cheese!
- Quick Pickled Bell Peppers: A bright, flavorful side or topping, or something you can put on the table for snacking as an app.
- Butternut Squash, Sage, and Goat Cheese Lasagna: A cozy, festive dish that brings out the flavor of butternut squash and sage.
- Easy Onion Dinner Rolls: A savory, soft roll for holiday gatherings.
And as you look forward to next year, we’re thrilled to share our 2025 Garden Planning Calendar! It’s our gift to you so that you can start having your dream garden in 2025, packed with monthly tips and reminders to keep every gardener organized and inspired.
Gold Members can explore our Gardening Kits tab for more resources:
Check them out now, and download your favorites!
As we close out the year, remember that giving gifts from the garden can be as much about sharing your joy and passion as it is about the gift itself. Whether you’re crafting something homemade, planning next year’s garden, or simply enjoying the slower pace of winter, we’re here to inspire and support you.
Happy gardening—and happy holidays!
Christy Page
Editor & Publisher
P.S. We’d love to know what you think of this gifting issue of Food Gardening Magazine! Please share your feedback in the comments below so we can keep bringing you the content you enjoy most.
