Top 12 Winter Vegetables for Zone 8 Gardening in December

BY PENNY B.

Alright, y'all. Winter is settling in and many gardeners in the area (USDA planting zone 7 and 8) may believe it's time to pack away their gardening tools until spring. However, December presents an excellent opportunity to plant a variety of cool-season vegetables that thrive in the mild winter temperatures of this zone. With average minimum temperatures ranging from 10°F to 20°F, zone 8 allows for a unique selection of hardy crops that can withstand light frosts and provide fresh produce throughout the winter months. Yes, please!


In this post, we will explore the top 12 vegetables you can plant this December, each offering its own unique flavors and nutritional benefits. From leafy greens that add vibrancy to your meals to root vegetables that store well through the colder months, these crops not only keep your garden productive but also enhance your culinary adventures during the holiday season.


Let’s dive into the details of each crop, including their nutritional value, growing conditions, and tips for successful planting.

1. Arugula
(Eruca sativa)

• Nutritional Value: High in vitamins A and K, folate, and antioxidants.

• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade; well-drained soil; moderate watering.

• Planting Tips: Sow seeds directly into the soil about ¼ inch deep; space seeds 1 inch apart.

• Harvest Information: Ready to harvest in about 30 days; pick leaves regularly to encourage growth.

• Companion Planting: Grows well with radishes and tomatoes.

WArugula, also known as rocket, is a peppery, nutty green that adds a delightful kick to salads and sandwiches. This fast-growing crop is perfect for impatient gardeners looking for quick results in their winter garden.rite your text here...

2. Mustard Greens
(Brassica juncea)

Mustard greens bring a spicy, tangy flavor to your winter dishes. These hardy greens are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to grow, making them a perfect addition to any Zone 8 winter garden.

• Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K; contains glucosinolates which may have cancer-fighting properties.

• Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun; prefers rich, well-draining soil; keep soil consistently moist.

• Planting Tips: Sow seeds directly into the ground about ½ inch deep; thin seedlings to allow for proper spacing.

• Harvest Information: Baby greens can be harvested in as little as 30 days; mature leaves take about 60 days.

• Companion Planting: Pairs well with peas and beans.

3. Collard Greens
Brassica oleracea var. viridis)

A staple in Southern cuisine, collard greens are remarkably cold-tolerant and packed with nutrients. Their large, robust leaves make them a striking addition to any winter garden landscape.

• Nutritional Value: Excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K; high in calcium and fiber.

• Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; fertile, well-draining soil; regular watering.

• Planting Tips: Space plants 18 inches apart; sow seeds about ½ inch deep.

• Harvest Information: Leaves can be harvested in about 60 days; best when young and tender.

• Companion Planting: Grows well with beans and corn.

4. Turnips
(Brassica rapa)

Turnips are versatile root vegetables that offer both edible roots and greens. Their ability to withstand cold temperatures makes them an excellent choice for Zone 8 winter gardens.

• Nutritional Value: Good source of vitamin C and fiber; low in calories.

• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun; well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; moderate watering.

• Planting Tips: Sow seeds directly into the ground about ½ inch deep; thin seedlings to allow for growth.

• Harvest Information: Harvest roots when they are about the size of a golf ball (around 60 days).

• Companion Planting: Can be planted alongside radishes and peas.

5. Radishes
(Raphanus sativus)

Radishes are the sprinters of the vegetable world, offering quick results for eager gardeners. Their crisp texture and peppery flavor make them a refreshing addition to winter salads and crudités platters.

• Nutritional Value: Low-calorie root vegetable high in vitamin C and antioxidants.

• Growing Conditions: Full sun preferred; loose, well-draining soil; keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

• Planting Tips: Sow seeds directly into the ground about ½ inch deep; space seeds about an inch apart.

• Harvest Information: Quick-growing crop ready for harvest in just 25 days.

• Companion Planting: Benefits from being planted near cucumbers and lettuce.

6. Chard
(Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla)

With its vibrant stems and large, textured leaves, chard brings both beauty and nutrition to your winter garden. This hardy green can withstand light frosts, making it an ideal choice for Zone 8 winters.

• Nutritional Value: High in vitamins A, C, and K; good source of magnesium and potassium.

• Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun or partial shade; well-drained soil with organic matter; regular watering.

• Planting Tips: Sow seeds about an inch apart and cover lightly with soil; thin seedlings as they grow.

• Harvest Information: Leaves can be harvested starting at around 30 days old.

• Companion Planting: Grows well with beans and onions.

7. Cabbage
(Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Cabbage is a classic winter vegetable that offers versatility in the kitchen and impressive cold hardiness in the garden. Its tight, leafy heads store well, providing fresh produce well into the winter months.

• Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins C and K; contains fiber and antioxidants.

• Growing Conditions: Full sun preferred; fertile soil with good drainage; consistent moisture is key.

• Planting Tips: Space plants about 18 inches apart; sow seeds about ½ inch deep.

• Harvest Information: Ready for harvest in about 70 days when heads are firm.

• Companion Planting: Pairs well with carrots and onions.

8. Kohlrabi
(Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes)

Often overlooked, kohlrabi is a unique and delicious addition to the winter garden. Its alien-like appearance and crisp, sweet flavor make it a conversation starter and a culinary delight.

• Nutritional Value: High in vitamin C and fiber; low-calorie vegetable.

• Growing Conditions: Full sun preferred; rich, well-draining soil; moderate watering needed.

• Planting Tips: Sow seeds about an inch apart and cover lightly with soil; thin seedlings as they grow.

• Harvest Information: Harvest when bulbs are around the size of a tennis ball (about 60 days).

• Companion Planting: Grows well alongside beans and peas.

9. Endive
(Cichorium endivia)

Endive brings a touch of gourmet flair to your winter garden. Its slightly bitter leaves are perfect for adding complexity to salads and can be blanched for a milder flavor.

• Nutritional Value: Good source of vitamins A and K; low-calorie leafy green.

• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun or partial shade; needs rich, moist soil for optimal growth.

• Planting Tips: Sow seeds directly into the ground about a quarter-inch deep.

• Harvest Information: Ready for harvest in approximately 70 days when leaves are tender but firm.

• Companion Planting: Can be planted near carrots or beets.

10. Snow Peas
(Pisum sativum var. saccharatum)

Snow peas bring a touch of sweetness to the winter garden. Their delicate tendrils and flat, edible pods add vertical interest and a fresh crunch to your cold-weather harvests.

• Nutritional Value: High in vitamins A and C; good source of fiber.

• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun; well-drained soil with good moisture retention is ideal.

• Planting Tips: Sow seeds about an inch deep and space them two inches apart along a trellis or support structure.

• Harvest Information: Ready to harvest in about 60 days when pods are plump but before peas mature fully inside.

• Companion Planting: Grows well with carrots and radishes.

11. Asian Greens (e.g., Bok Choy)
(Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis)

Asian greens like bok choy bring diversity to your winter garden and your plate. These fast-growing vegetables offer a mild, slightly sweet flavor and crisp texture, perfect for stir-fries and soups.

• Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins A, C, K, calcium, iron, and antioxidants.

• Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun or partial shade; prefers fertile soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.

• Planting Tips: Sow seeds directly into the ground about half an inch deep, spacing them roughly six inches apart for optimal growth space.

• Harvest Information: Baby greens can be harvested as early as three weeks after sowing while mature plants take around six weeks to reach full size.

• Companion Planting: Pairs well with garlic and onions.

12. Spinach
(Spinacia oleracea)

Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse that thrives in cool weather. Its tender leaves are versatile in the kitchen and can be harvested multiple times throughout the season.

• Growing Conditions: Prefers cooler temperatures with full sun or partial shade; requires rich, moist soil that drains well.

• Planting Tips: Sow seeds about one inch apart at a depth of one inch for optimal germination rates during cooler months.

• Harvest Information: Leaves are ready for harvest within four to six weeks after planting when they reach desired size but can be continuously harvested by picking outer leaves first to allow inner leaves to grow further until flowering occurs later on during warmer weather months ahead!

• Companion Planting: Grows well alongside carrots or strawberries.

December is not just a time for holiday festivities but also an opportunity to enrich your garden with twelve diverse winter vegetables suitable for planting in zones 7 and 8! By incorporating these crops into your garden this month, you’ll enjoy fresh produce throughout the winter while enhancing your culinary options during the colder months.

Friendly Reminder: Digging in the dirt and nurturing plants can be a wonderful way to combat seasonal depression. Engaging with nature not only boosts your mood but also provides a sense of accomplishment and connection to the earth. So, grab your gardening tools and let the therapeutic benefits of gardening lift your spirits this winter!

Let’s make this season one of growth and renewal together. 💚