Plants to Grow in December

Swiss Chard is the perfect plant to grow in December on your balcony as it can survive cold temperatures. Chard is grown for its foliage which is delicious and highly nutritious, containing plenty of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.

Chard can be grown straight from seed. Soak the seeds for 24 hours in water prior to planting in order to speed up the germination process. Plant the seeds in rows in a wide container, leaving sufficient space between each seed. Use a well-drained and nutrient rich compost for your Swiss Chard. The plants can tolerate partial sun and thrive in full sun, so choose your spot accordingly. Their brilliant colours make them a perfect addition to any balcony space.

Those looking for something edible to grow should consider carrots this month. They make excellent additions to winter gardens as they are cool-season plants. Carrots grow underground, so ensure that you select the right kind of container in which to plant the seeds: any container with a depth of 6 to 15 inches should be good for this vegetable.

As they grow, the roots of the plant will develop into edible carrots. It is advisable to grow them directly in the final container as transplanting them later on could damage the crop.

Geraniums are beautiful flowering plants that will happily grow in December in your balcony garden. They are some of the most popular container plants as they are sturdy, with colourful flowers and well-shaped foliage. They are perfect for cultivating in winter as their roots can be easily stored over winter and enjoyed again the following year.

One of the easiest ways to cultivate geraniums is through cuttings. These can be propagated in the winter by ensuring that the planting medium always remains moist. This can be done by lightly misting the plants and soil or by sitting the pot in a saucer of water.

Another easy plant to grow in December is the Sarcococca Confusa, also known as Christmas box. It is a dense, evergreen shrub that produces beautiful white flowers throughout the winter. The plant is extremely tolerant of shade and is hardy, making it extremely low maintenance.

This plant is best grown in nutrient-rich, well-drained potting compost. It can handle both shade and sun, so you can position it anywhere within your balcony garden.

Tulips make beautiful additions to any balcony garden. While these flower in spring, it is also possible to achieve a display in December if you can plant them a few weeks before the ground frost arrives. Keep in mind that the bulbs will require six to eight weeks to root and establish themselves, so plan accordingly.

If you have missed the chance to plant them early on, you can always head to the nearest nursery and pick up some pre-planted tulips to add colour to your balcony garden over the winter months.

A great leafy vegetable to grow in your garden in December is the ‘Winter Gem’ lettuce. This is a special breed of lettuce that is perfect for cultivating between September and January. This variety tastes delicious, and is crunchy and sweet, making it the perfect addition to your winter salads.

Winter Gem lettuce is best grown from seed in a suitable container with good drainage. Use a high-quality potting compost to cultivate the seeds. The plants will be ready for harvesting in 10–12 weeks.

Basil is a great herb to grow on your balcony as it can give you fresh produce for your kitchen throughout the winter. Basil is an annual plant, but you can find certain hardy varieties that will last longer. It is important to note that while it will grow throughout the winter, growth will be minimal.  Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that the plant is not over-harvested during these months. If you live in an extremely cold climate, you may want to bring your basil plant indoors during the winter months.