Texas December Garden Checklist: Planting, Pruning & Frost Protection for Mild Winters

Texas gardeners enjoy nearly year-round growing. While northerners hibernate, Texans plant vegetables, herbs, bulbs, and strawberries—and prepare fruit trees for the coming season.

Spray Fruit Trees

Non-native fruit trees (apple, peach, pear, apricot, plum) need a spray schedule to prevent diseases. Consult your county extension office or trusted nursery for timing.

Plant Flower Seeds

Sow delphinium, larkspur, and poppy seeds now. Prepare beds: remove weeds, amend soil for drainage, and note sun requirements. Plant at depths recommended on seed packets.

Protect Plants During Freezes

Use frost blankets or build a cold frame. A small movable greenhouse ($250–$500) works well for tropical patio containers.

Plant Herbs

Hardy perennials: rosemary, rue, thyme, lavender, oregano, sage. Annual/biennial: parsley, dill, fennel, cilantro. Most prefer full sun; some tolerate light shade.

Clean & Oil Garden Tools

Remove debris, sharpen blades, oil moving parts. Use a sharpening kit or visit a specialty store.

Plant Bulbs (Last Chance)

Early December is ideal for daffodils, hyacinths, Louisiana irises, jonquils, cannas, gladiolus, and dahlias. Plant at 2–3 times bulb width, in sunny spots for spring sweeps.

Plant Strawberries

Varieties: Chandler, Douglas, Sequoia. Provide full sun and room to spread. North Texas yields less in spring; Austin–Houston area fares better.

Plant Vegetables

Spinach, arugula, cabbage, kale, chard, lettuce. Stagger plantings every two weeks for continuous harvest. Label varieties.