If you’re a Houston-area gardener — or someone who wants to start gardening but feels overwhelmed — December might just surprise you.

While most of the country is packing away their garden tools, Houston is entering one of its easiest, most beginner-friendly growing seasons of the entire year.
Cool temperatures, fewer pests, and slower, steadier growth make winter gardening feel calm and manageable… even for busy families.

So in this guide, we’ll talk about:

• What you can plant in December in Houston
  
  
• What you can harvest from your garden right now
  
  
• Simple mistakes to avoid
  
  
• Tips for both beginners and seasoned gardeners
  
  

Let’s dig in. 🌱

🌿 Why December Is a Great Month to plant Your Garden

Winter gardening in warm climates like Houston (Zones 9A–9B) is magical.
You get:

✔ Cooler temperatures
✔ No mosquitoes
✔ Very few pests
✔ Less watering
✔ Plants that love the cold

For new gardeners, this season feels forgiving.
For seasoned gardeners, it’s a chance to reset and grow steady, abundant crops.

🥕 What to Plant in December in Houston

Here’s a simple, confidence-boosting list of veggies, herbs, roots, and flowers that thrive in our December weather.

🌿 Easy Herbs (Mostly from Seed)

These herbs love cool weather and are perfect for beginners:

• Cilantro*
  
  
• Dill*
  
  
• Chives or transplants*
  
  
• Parsley*
  
  
• Fennel*
  
  
• Mint or rosemary (best as transplants)
  
  

If you’re just starting out, cilantro and dill are winter superstars. They sprout easily and grow fast.

🥬 Leafy Greens (Winter’s Biggest Winners)

If you want fast, beautiful results — plant greens! They thrive in cold weather and grow continuously.

• Lettuce*
  
  
• Arugula*
  
  
• Swiss chard/transplants*
  
  
• Kale & bok choy/transplants*
  
  
• Mustard greens*
  
  
• Collard greens*
  
  

Arugula and lettuce grow especially quickly, giving new gardeners that first-garden thrill.

🥕 Root Vegetables (Plant From Seed)

Cold soil = sweet, crisp, delicious roots.

• Carrots*
  
  
• Beets/transplants*
  
  
• Turnips & kohlrabi*
  
  
• Radishes*
  
  
• Onion sets
  
  
• Garlic
  
  

Radishes are ready in just a few weeks — perfect for kids and beginners.
Garlic and onions planted now turn into big, beautiful bulbs by late spring.

🥦 Brassicas (Best as Transplants in December)

These cold-loving vegetables do best when planted as young plants (not seeds) this time of year:

• Broccoli
  
  
• Cauliflower
  
  
• Cabbage
  
  
• Brussels sprouts
  
  
• Kale & bok choy
  
  

If your dream is to grow your own broccoli… December is your month.

🌸 Bonus: Flowers to Brighten Your Garden

Winter gardens can be beautiful, too.

• Poppies*
  
  
• Pansies (transplants)
  
  

Pansies are the perfect “instant gratification” for families — bright, cheerful, and cold-hardy.

🥬 What You Can Harvest in December

If you’ve been gardening since fall, or even if you planted just recently, here’s what may be ready:

Leafy Greens

• Lettuce
  
  
• Arugula
  
  
• Mustard greens
  
  
• Swiss chard
  
  
• Kale (especially baby leaves)
  
  

Herbs

• Parsley
  
  
• Cilantro
  
  
• Dill
  
  
• Mint
  
  
• Chives
  
  

Root Vegetables

• Radishes
  
  
• Baby beets
  
  
• Turnips
  
  
• Kohlrabi
  
  

Bonus

Early fall plantings of tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants might still be producing. Let them keep going until a freeze arrives.

⚠️ Beginner Mistakes to Avoid in December

Even though winter gardening is easier, here are a few things to watch for:

1. Planting Summer Veggies

This is the #1 mistake I see.
No tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, basil, or peppers in December.
They will struggle or die in cold weather.

2. Overwatering

Cool soil stays moist longer.
Water only when the top inch feels dry.

3. Skipping Mulch

Mulch keeps roots warm, prevents weeds, and protects soil life.

4. Planting in Too Much Shade

Winter sunlight is softer.
Make sure your garden gets at least 4–6 hours of direct sun.

5. Not Protecting Plants on Freeze Nights

A simple frost cloth or old sheet can save your garden.

🌿 For My Seasoned Gardeners

If you’ve been gardening for years, December is the perfect time to:

• Succession plant greens every 2 weeks
  
  
• Try fast-maturing varieties (especially radishes & baby bok choy)
  
  
• Refresh your soil with compost + mulch
  
  
• Set up freeze protection now
  
  
• Review this year’s harvest and plan your micro-rotations for spring
  
  

December is where strong spring gardens are born.

💛 The Heart of Winter Gardening

Whether you're gardening for:

• family connection
  
  
• cultural traditions
  
  
• better food
  
  
• mental peace
  
  
• resilience and empowerment
  
  

…winter is the season that gives you spaciousness.
It slows your garden down just enough so you can breathe, learn, and fall in love with growing food.

🌱 Want Support on Your Gardening Journey?

Join my free Facebook community:
👉 Grow with Vibrant Rainbow Gardens

It’s a warm, welcoming space for new gardeners and busy families who want to grow food without overwhelm.

And if you want a simple starting point, grab my free guide:
✨ Top 10 Vegetables & Herbs to Grow With Your Family

Happy December gardening, Vibrant Gardeners! 💛🌿