Texas winter throws its fair share of curveballs, yet a handful of vegetables stand firm and deliver flavor when most crops call it quits.
These cold-hardy staples hold their ground through chilly nights and surprise cold fronts, giving gardeners fresh produce long after the calendar flips to December. Each dependable favorite adds grit, color, and a dose of down-home resilience that keeps Texas beds far from empty.
1. Kale
Frost actually makes kale taste sweeter, turning it into one of winter’s best crops. Cold temperatures trigger the plant to convert starches into sugars, improving its flavor dramatically.
Texas gardeners can harvest kale leaves throughout December without worrying about damage from light freezes. Plant it in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, and you’ll have nutritious greens for months.
Kale grows quickly and produces abundantly, making it perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
2. Spinach
With its ability to withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, spinach remains productive when other vegetables quit. You can start harvesting outer leaves just a few weeks after planting, allowing the center to keep producing.
Rich soil with good drainage helps spinach flourish during Texas winters. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot in cooler conditions.
Baby spinach leaves taste mild and tender, perfect for fresh salads straight from your December garden.
3. Broccoli
Growing broccoli in December gives you a chance to harvest those perfect green crowns before spring arrives. Cool weather prevents the plant from bolting too quickly, extending your harvest window significantly.
Start with transplants rather than seeds for faster results in your winter garden. Broccoli needs consistent moisture and nutrient-rich soil to develop those tight, delicious heads.
Watch for small side shoots after cutting the main head, as they’ll continue producing smaller florets for weeks.
4. Carrots
Cold soil actually improves carrot flavor, making December the ideal time for harvesting these crunchy root vegetables. Carrots develop extra sweetness when exposed to near-freezing temperatures overnight.
Plant them in loose, sandy soil that allows roots to grow straight and long without obstacles. Thin seedlings early to give each carrot enough space to develop properly.
Mulch around your carrot rows helps regulate soil temperature and keeps the ground from freezing solid during unexpected cold snaps.
5. Lettuce
Lettuce absolutely loves the cool December weather in Texas, growing crisp and flavorful without turning bitter. Hot weather causes lettuce to bolt quickly, but winter temperatures keep it productive for extended periods.
Choose from countless varieties including romaine, butterhead, and loose-leaf types for continuous harvests. Pick outer leaves regularly while letting the center continue growing for weeks of fresh salads.
Protect lettuce from hard freezes with row covers, though it typically handles light frosts without problems.
6. Radishes
Few vegetables grow as quickly as radishes, which can be ready to harvest in just three to four weeks during winter. Their peppery crunch adds zest to salads and snacks throughout the cold season.
Plant radish seeds directly in the ground every two weeks for continuous harvests all December long. They prefer loose soil and cool temperatures, making Texas winters absolutely perfect for growing them.
Pull radishes promptly when mature, as leaving them too long makes them woody and overly spicy.
7. Cabbage
Cabbage heads develop best when temperatures stay between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making December perfect for Texas growers. Cold weather brings out cabbage’s natural sweetness while keeping the heads firm and crisp.
Space plants about 18 inches apart to allow proper head development and air circulation. Keep soil consistently moist and fertilize monthly for the biggest, healthiest cabbages possible.
Harvest when heads feel solid and tight, cutting at the base with a sharp knife for clean results.
8. Swiss Chard
Bright stems in red, yellow, orange, and white make Swiss chard as beautiful as it is delicious in December gardens. Cold temperatures don’t slow this hardy green down one bit, keeping it productive throughout winter.
Harvest outer leaves continuously, allowing the center to keep producing new growth for months. Both the leaves and colorful stems are edible, offering versatility in the kitchen.
Swiss chard tolerates poor soil better than many vegetables, though it performs best with regular watering and occasional feeding.
9. Beets
Both beet roots and their nutritious greens thrive in December’s cooler temperatures across Texas. Cold weather concentrates the natural sugars in beet roots, making them taste incredibly sweet when roasted or pickled.
Plant beet seeds about an inch apart in well-prepared soil with good drainage. Thin seedlings to three inches apart, using the thinned baby greens in fresh salads.
Beets handle light frosts easily and can stay in the ground until you’re ready to use them throughout winter.