Give a Gift
Read by Matilda Longbottom
Dear Gardeners,
Welcome to the December 2025 issue of Food Gardening Magazine!
Here in the Northeast, December transforms the garden into something magical. Frost-kissed kale sparkles like it’s been dusted with powdered sugar, evergreen branches frame the sleeping beds, and the whole landscape feels like it’s holding its breath for something wonderful. This is the season when all our hard work comes full circle—when preserved tomatoes become sauce for a holiday dinner, when dried herbs get tied with ribbon and given as gifts, when the potatoes we dug in October become the star of a family feast.
This year, I’ve been thinking a lot about how the garden connects us—not just to the earth, but to each other. Every jar of homemade jam tells a story. Every bunch of dried lavender carries a memory of summer. Every dish made from our harvest is an act of love. The holidays remind us that gardening isn’t just about what we grow; it’s about who we share it with.
I’ve been busy in the kitchen, turning my garden’s gifts into holiday magic: cranberry sauce from berries I froze in November, rosemary wreaths from my perennial patch, and chamomile tea blends packaged in mason jars for neighbors and friends. My cold frame is still producing just enough fresh greens to make a salad feel like a small miracle on Christmas Eve. And in the quiet moments between the hustle, I’m curled up with seed catalogs and a cup of tea, already dreaming of spring—because hope is the gardener’s greatest gift.
Fresh Takes
December may feel like the end of the growing season in some zones, but in others, it’s prime time for cool-season planting or garden maintenance. We’ve created tailored guides to help you make the most of this transitional month:
- Celebrating the Holidays the American Way: A celebration of food, tradition and love
- A Dozen Holiday Delights: American Food Gardeners Share Their Bounty
- 10-Day Healthy Holiday Meal Planner: Garden-Fresh Joy for the Season
- What to Plant in December in Zones 4–6: Protect perennials, plan your spring garden, and start forcing bulbs indoors.
- What to Plant in December in Zones 7–8: Sow cool-season greens, garlic, and onions while the ground is still workable.
- What to Plant in December in Zones 9–10: Take advantage of mild weather to plant strawberries, lettuce, and root vegetables.
Plant Close-Ups
This month, we’re diving deep into the plants that carry us through winter and beyond–from companion planting strategies to fruit that defies the calendar:
- Wheat Companion Planting: Finding Your Grain’s Perfect Roommate: Discover which plants boost wheat health and yield.
- Different Types of Lettuce by Flavor: From buttery to bitter, find your perfect salad green.
- The Best Way to Plant Peas (and 3 of the Best Peas to Grow): Set yourself up for a spring harvest with proper planting techniques.
- The Many Seasons of Strawberries Across the U.S.: Learn how to grow strawberries year-round, no matter your zone.
- Your Year-Round Lemon Tree Care Calendar: Keep your citrus thriving through every season with this month-by-month guide.
Get Your Free 2026 Garden Planning Calendar
The new year is just around the corner, and we’re helping you start it off right! Our 2026 Garden Planning Calendar is packed with fun facts, gardening holidays, planting and harvest reminders for every zone, and seasonal tips to keep you on track all year long. Download yours today and make 2026 your best garden year yet.
Featured Videos
This month, our videos are all about celebrating the season’s bounty and spreading garden joy:
- 9 Crafty Gifts You Can Make From Your Garden: Turn dried herbs, seeds, and garden treasures into thoughtful handmade presents.
- 12 Edible Gift Ideas from Your Garden: Share the love with jams, infused oils, spice blends, and more.
- 5 Gift-Worthy Heirloom Gardening Tools: Discover timeless tools that any gardener would be thrilled to unwrap.
- 8 Recipes for a Garden-to-Table Holiday Dinner: Celebrate the season with dishes that showcase your harvest.
- How to Make Homemade Marshmallows with Chamomile: A sweet, floral twist on a holiday classic.
Comfort and Joy in a Potato
If December has a flavor, it’s the earthy, comforting warmth of potatoes. We’ve gathered our favorite potato recipes to celebrate cozy meals, family gatherings, and the simple pleasure of food that sticks to your ribs:
- The Ultimate Overnight Potato Frittata: A make-ahead breakfast or brunch star that feeds a crowd.
- A Delicious Hug of Potato Soup for Your Soul: Creamy, hearty, and perfect for cold winter nights.
- Brunch for Lunch: Ham and Cheese Potatoes: A satisfying midday meal that feels like a celebration.
- Loaded Chili Potato Casserole: Two comfort foods become one irresistible dish.
- Spud-tacular Instant Mashed Potatoes: A quick, garden-friendly side for busy holiday evenings.
Let the Season Inspire You
Don’t forget to download your 2026 Garden Planning Calendar! Gold Members can also explore our Gardening Kits tab for additional resources:
Check them out now, and download your favorites!
Whether you’re planting winter greens, crafting homemade gifts, or savoring the last of your stored harvest, December is about slowing down and appreciating the cycle. The garden may be quiet, but your connection to it doesn’t have to be. This is the season to gather around the table, share stories, and dream about what you’ll grow when the earth wakes up again.
Happy holidays and happy planning!
Warm regards,
Christy Page
Editor & Publisher
P.S. What’s your favorite way to keep the garden spirit alive in the winter months? Do you force bulbs, preserve your harvest, or lose yourself in seed catalogs? I’d love to hear how you stay connected to the garden when everything outside is frozen! Share your winter rituals in the comments below!
