If gardening sparks your interest, this is worth noting. December brings a distinct climate and the best window to grow certain plants. By choosing the right species and preparing the soil, it becomes an excellent time to welcome new green additions to outdoor spaces. This season presents unique challenges and opportunities for growers in Canada and the United States, where frost patterns, light levels, and soil moisture shift markedly. Planning carefully now helps seedlings take root before the coldest days arrive, and it sets the stage for a thriving growing season when spring returns.
Below are four plant recommendations to consider planting this month:
Saffron, also known as the red gold, is a bulbous plant that blooms in winter. December offers the ideal window for sowing onions because they respond to a cold period that jumpstarts their growth. Saffron remains highly valuable in kitchen use and can serve as an elegant decorative element in the garden when the flowers appear and later in harvest. Planting saffron corms now can yield a striking late-winter to early-spring display and provide a distinctive harvest for culinary use. Gardeners in colder regions should choose well-drained soils and a sunny site to ensure the bulbs establish before the ground freezes. [Citation: Agriculture Canada, December planting guidance]
Viola tricolor, commonly called thoughts, are sturdy winter flowers that brighten the garden during the coldest months. Planting them in December sets up a spectrum of vibrant colors for spring. These blooms perform well in containers and in garden beds, and their tolerance to low temperatures makes them a reliable choice for the season. Thoughts seed quickly, tolerate light freezes, and reward gardeners with a long-lasting display that can bridge the gap between winter and spring beauty. For best results, space plants to promote air circulation and protect young transplants from harsh winds. [Citation: North American horticulture extension notes]
Parsley, known scientifically as Petroselinum crispum, makes a welcome addition to meals with fresh herbs. December is a practical time to sow parsley, as this herb thrives in cool conditions and can withstand winter temperatures, ensuring an early harvest as days lengthen in spring. Parsley benefits from rich, evenly moist soil and partial shade in areas with strong winter sun. Mulching lightly helps conserve moisture and protect roots, while brushing aside heavy snow ensures crowns stay accessible for harvesting. An early start in cool soils can yield a robust herb supply as spring transitions. [Citation: University extension herb planting guide]
Deciduous fruit trees such as apple, pear, and plum varieties benefit from a winter rest period. Dormancy during winter helps these trees develop stronger roots, laying a solid foundation before the warmth returns in spring. This rest period reduces disease pressure and supports balanced flowering in the next season. Gardeners should monitor soil moisture and avoid alternate freezing and thawing that can heave shallow roots. When spring arrives, pruned trees with established roots tend to establish more quickly and bear fruit more consistently. [Citation: Canadian climate horticulture notes]