December in Zone 6 might look like a frostbitten pause button—but don’t be fooled. While snow dusts the ground and thermometers dip, there’s still plenty you can plant to set your garden up for spring success. I’ve spent over a decade tending plots in central Ohio (solidly Zone 6a), and every winter I’m reminded that smart planting now means less scrambling come April. Whether you’re after hardy greens, fragrant herbs, or resilient perennials, December isn’t the time to hang up your gloves—it’s the time to get strategic.
Preferences vary wildly—some gardeners chase color, others crave fragrance or low-maintenance performers. Personally, I lean toward edibles that double as landscape features: think kale that shimmers with frost or rosemary that survives mild winters. But no matter your style, December planting in Zone 6 is less about bold moves and more about quiet preparation. The soil may be cold, but roots are still active beneath the surface—and that’s your golden window.
I started writing this guide after losing an entire bed of garlic to late-November planting one year. Lesson learned: timing and variety matter more than enthusiasm. Since then, I’ve tested dozens of crops through trial, error, and a few happy accidents. What follows isn’t theory—it’s field-tested wisdom from someone who’s pulled frozen seed packets from coat pockets and whispered encouragement to sprouting spinach under row covers.
In this guide, you’ll get a practical, no-fluff rundown of exactly what to plant in December in Zone 6—plus pro tips, regional nuances, and a few “don’t bother” warnings. By the end, you’ll know which seeds to sow, which transplants to tuck in, and how to protect them so they thrive, not just survive.
Best Plants to Sow or Set Out in December (Zone 6)
| Plant | Best Use | Height/Spread | Planting Method | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic (hardneck varieties) | Edible bulb | 18–24″ | Cloves in ground | Overwinters beautifully; harvest July |
| Spinach (‘Winter Giant’, ‘Giant Winter’) | Cold-hardy green | 8–12″ | Direct sow | Sweetens after frost; cut-and-come-again |
| Kale (‘Lacinato’, ‘Red Russian’) | Leafy green | 24–36″ | Transplant or direct sow | Frost enhances flavor; deer-resistant |
| Onions (from sets) | Bulb crop | 12–18″ | Sets in ground | Early start = bigger bulbs |
| Perennial herbs (thyme, sage, oregano) | Culinary/landscape | 6–18″ | Potted transplants | Drought-tolerant; return yearly |
| Cover crops (winter rye, hairy vetch) | Soil health | 24–48″ | Broadcast seed | Prevents erosion; fixes nitrogen |
Garlic: The December Darling
I plant garlic the week after Thanksgiving—every single year. Hardneck varieties like ‘German Extra Hardy’ or ‘Chesnok Red’ thrive when tucked into well-drained soil in late fall. The cold triggers bulb formation, and by spring, they’re already stretching toward the sun. Honestly, skipping garlic in December feels like forgetting to charge your phone before a trip—you’ll regret it later.
Tip: Plant cloves pointed-end up, 2 inches deep, 6 inches apart. Mulch with straw to insulate and suppress weeds. Believe me, you’ll thank yourself when you’re harvesting plump bulbs next summer.
Want bigger bulbs? Check out my guide on optimizing garlic yield in colder climates.
Spinach & Kale: Frost’s Sweetest Allies
Spinach doesn’t just tolerate cold—it loves it. After a hard frost, the leaves turn sweeter, almost nutty. I’ve harvested spinach in January under a light snow blanket. ‘Winter Giant’ is my go-to; it bolts slower and handles wet soil better than most.
Kale? Even hardier. ‘Lacinato’ (aka dinosaur kale) develops a rich, earthy flavor in winter. I transplant seedlings in early December, covering them with floating row covers if temps dip below 20°F. They’ll sit quietly under snow, then explode with growth in March.
Pro move: Sow spinach and kale together in the same bed. They complement each other’s growth habits and deter pests naturally.
Onions from Sets: A Head Start on Spring
Yes, you can plant onion sets in December—if the ground isn’t frozen solid. I’ve done it during mild spells, and the results beat spring planting every time. The roots establish slowly over winter, so plants hit the ground running when temps rise.
Choose short-day or intermediate varieties like ‘Yellow Granex’ or ‘Red Beard’. Plant 1 inch deep, 4 inches apart. Avoid overwatering—soggy soil invites rot.
Perennial Herbs: Set Them and Forget Them (Mostly)
Thyme, sage, and oregano aren’t just for cooking—they’re garden workhorses. I transplant potted herbs into protected beds in December, especially near the kitchen door for easy winter snipping. They’re drought-tolerant, attract pollinators, and rarely bothered by pests.
One caution: Don’t plant mint this way. It’s invasive and better contained in pots. To be fair, even I’ve regretted letting mint roam free.
Cover Crops: Feed the Soil While You Sleep
If you’ve got empty beds, don’t leave them bare. Winter rye or hairy vetch prevents erosion, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter when tilled under in spring. I broadcast seed in early December, then lightly rake it in. No fancy tools needed.
Bonus: Bees love vetch flowers in May. Your garden becomes a buffet before the main season even starts.
Helpful Notes & Expert Advice
- Soil temp matters more than air temp. Most December plantings need soil above 35°F. Use a soil thermometer—don’t guess.
- Raised beds warm faster. If you’re on heavy clay, consider building up or using containers for better drainage.
- Microclimates are your friend.
- Never work wet soil. Compaction kills earthworms and delays root growth. Wait for a dry, mild day.
- Label everything. I’ve forgotten what I planted where more times than I’d like to admit. Use popsicle sticks or metal tags.
Key Takeaways
- December planting in Zone 6 focuses on overwintering crops and soil preparation—not flashy blooms.
- Garlic, spinach, kale, onions, and perennial herbs are top performers when planted correctly.
- Cover crops protect and enrich soil during dormancy.
- Timing, variety selection, and protection (mulch, row covers) make or break winter success.
FAQ
Can I really plant anything in December in Zone 6?
Yes—but only cold-hardy crops or those that benefit from vernalization (like garlic). Avoid tender plants like tomatoes or basil.
What if the ground is frozen?
Wait. Planting into frozen soil damages roots and reduces germination. Aim for a thaw, or use containers you can move indoors if needed.
Do I need a greenhouse or cold frame?
Not necessarily. Many crops survive with just mulch and row covers. But a simple cold frame extends your season significantly—worth the investment if you garden year-round.
Final Thoughts
Gardening in December isn’t about defiance—it’s about partnership with nature’s rhythms. I’ve learned that the quietest months often yield the most rewarding harvests. There’s something deeply satisfying about tucking a clove of garlic into the earth, knowing it’ll sleep through the storm and wake up feeding your family next summer.
Thank you for letting me share what I’ve learned—through frost, failure, and the occasional triumph. If this guide helped you, I’d love for you to subscribe to my seasonal newsletter. I send monthly planting calendars, zone-specific tips, and the occasional photo of my dog digging up something I just planted (he’s learning).
Keep your hands in the soil, your expectations realistic, and your heart open to winter’s quiet magic. Happy planting.