Gardening Corner: What to plant in December in Central Florida

Northeast and Central Florida

What to Plant

Annuals/Bedding plants: Masses of petunia, pansy, snapdragon, lobelia, alyssum, and viola add color in winter. See Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_annual_landscape_plants

Bulbs: Amaryllis can be forced to bloom now or planted outdoors for spring blooms. See Bulbs for Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_bulbous_flowers

Herbs: Some examples of cool-weather herbs include parsley, thyme, sage, dill, fennel, garlic, comfrey, and cilantro. See Herbs: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_herbs

Vegetables: Reliable cool-season vegetables include cabbages, collards, beets, and broccoli. See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening

What to Do

Poinsettias: Enjoy one of the most popular indoor holiday plants. With proper care, this colorful plant gives weeks of color. See Poinsettia: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_poinsettia

Cold damage: Wait until warm weather returns to cut back cold-damaged plants. See Cold Protection and Chilling Damage of Landscape Plants: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscapes_and_cold

Vegetable garden: Make sure that seeds and transplants are properly spaced for good development of tubers and vegetables. See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening

Houseplants: Inspect regularly for pests on indoor plants. Keep in mind that adequate light is a key factor to ensuring that indoor plants thrive. See Houseplants: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_house_plants

Soil test: Consider performing a soil test if plants do not perform as desired or if new plantings are planned. See Soil Testing: http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/hot_topics/agriculture/soil_testing.html and Soil Testing (Home Lawn and Garden): https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_home_soil_testing

Compost/mulch: Use fallen leaves to provide the carbon ingredient needed for successful composting and also to make a good mulch. See Backyard Composting: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_home_composting and Landscape Mulches: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_mulch

Garden pests: Continue monitoring and treat as needed. While cooler weather generally means fewer pests, some populations actually increase at this time of year. See Garden Pest Insects: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_garden_pest_insects