What to Plant in December — Cool/Alpine Australia
Your complete December planting guide for cool/alpine climate zones. Whether you're in Hobart, Canberra, or Ballarat, this guide tells you exactly what to sow from seed, plant as seedlings, and harvest this summer.
Covers: Hobart, Canberra, Ballarat, Orange, Launceston and surrounding cool/alpine postcodes(7000 (Hobart), 2600 (Canberra), 3350 (Ballarat), 2800 (Orange))
Cool/Alpine Climate — December Overview
Short growing season with regular frosts and cold winters. Snow possible at elevation.
December falls in summer for most of Australia, but in cool/alpine zones this means typical seasonal shifts that guide what crops perform best. The recommendations below are calibrated specifically for cool/alpine conditions with local rainfall patterns, temperature ranges, and frost dates in mind.
Sow from Seed
Direct or in punnets
- Beans
- Beetroot
- Carrot
- Lettuce
- Radish
- Silverbeet
- Spinach
- Asian Greens
- Kale
- Sweetcorn
These crops perform best when direct-seeded or started in seed trays in December for cool/alpine conditions.
Plant as Seedlings
Transplant-ready
- Tomato
- Basil
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Beans
These crops establish faster from nursery seedlings in December. Harden off for 3–5 days before planting out.
Ready to Harvest
From earlier plantings
- Lettuce
- Peas
- Broad Beans (last)
- Radish
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Garlic (check readiness)
Crops typically ready for harvest in December in cool/alpine zones, from plantings made in previous weeks.
December Tip for Cool/Alpine Gardens
Peak season finally arrives — long summer days mean rapid growth. Everything is racing toward harvest. Succession-sow fast crops every 2–3 weeks to maximise the season. First tomatoes arrive for early plantings. Garlic tops falling over signals harvest time.
December Garden Tasks — Cool/Alpine Checklist
Soil Preparation
Cool/Alpine summers are demanding on soil. Top-dress beds with 5cm of compost before planting and mulch heavily (8–10cm) to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Water-wise gardens in cool/alpine zones benefit from worm castings mixed into the top layer.
Watering Guide
In cool/alpine zones during summer, water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root systems. Morning watering reduces fungal disease risk. Raised beds typically need watering every 2–3 days in summer heat.
Pest & Disease Watch
Cool/Alpine summers bring peak pest pressure. Watch for: aphids on new growth (blast with water), white cabbage moth caterpillars, spider mites in dry heat, and powdery mildew on zucchini and cucumber. Inspect plants every 2–3 days and act early.
Succession Planting
Avoid the feast-or-famine cycle by sowing fast-maturing crops — lettuce, radish, Asian greens, and spinach — every 2–3 weeks rather than all at once. In cool/alpine zones during December, a fortnightly succession-sowing rhythm ensures continuous harvests rather than a single glut. Split your available bed space into thirds and plant each third 2 weeks apart. This applies to salad crops year-round and to beans and beetroot in the warmer months.
From the makers
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This guide is a great starting point — Plant Planner goes further with exact sowing dates, quantities based on your family size, companion planting suggestions, and weekly email reminders.
Why Climate Zone Matters for December Planting
Australia spans five distinct climate zones, and the same calendar month means completely different growing conditions depending on where you live. A gardener in Hobart planting in December faces entirely different challenges and opportunities than someone in a cool alpine area like Canberra or Hobart.
For cool/alpine zones specifically, December is peak summer — soil temperatures are high, evaporation is rapid, and heat-loving crops thrive while cool-season vegetables struggle. The planting recommendations on this page account for typical cool/alpine frost dates, average temperatures, and seasonal rainfall patterns.
For even more precision, VeggiePatch Pro uses your exact Australian postcode to determine your specific microclimate, local frost dates, and the optimal planting windows for your suburb. Enter your postcode for a personalised 12-month planting calendar tailored to your exact location — not just your broad climate zone.
Get a Personalised Plan for Your Garden
This guide is a great starting point, but VeggiePatch Pro goes further. Enter your postcode, your bed measurements, and your family size — we'll generate a complete 12-month planting calendar with exact sowing dates, quantities based on how many people you feed, companion planting suggestions, and weekly email reminders.
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