A Wild Child Garden in December

December is a magical time in the garden. While the holiday season keeps us busy, the garden keeps us grounded. As the saying goes, "Go to your garden every day, and if you're having a busy day, go twice."  The garden is that grounding place that we can go out to where the hustle, bustle, and loud noises of the season are quieted and where the season really takes shape.  There’s still so much to enjoy, and so this month, I’m focusing on filling in the spaces in my garden, savoring soup season, and even decorating my outdoor spaces for the holidays as I get ready for seed starting season in January! This is such a magical time!

What I’m Planting

With the cooler weather settling in, my garden is embracing its winter rhythm. It doesn't need me like it did.  That's good because my time, probably alot like yours, is limited.  This month, I’m filling in the spaces where things have been harvested.  I'm planting spinach and a variety of root crops in the spaces where I’ve recently harvested cabbage and cauliflower.  There is always something that you can plant so don't stop.  Just keep planting. You can download my full December planting guide here.

Spinach is a favorite this time of year because it thrives in these chilly months and offers a steady supply of fresh greens. And root crops—like carrots, radishes, and turnips—are perfect for filling in those empty spots left behind by earlier harvests.

These veggies not only keep my beds productive, but they also help maintain soil health by keeping the action going underground.  This is so important. What you are doing in your garden this winter will directly affect what your garden does for you in the spring.  December is a great time to keep your garden working, don't let the fact that its the heart of winter slow you down.

One more thing that you MUST plant this month, if you have empty space, is daffodils.  Here is the deal with them. They are the tulip of the south.  Now, we are certainly going to plant tulips in January, but tulips require a pretty significant number of chill hours in order to bloom.  That means that if you didn't get your tulips into the refrigerator by Thanksgiving, you probably won't get the blooms you are looking for.  But, you can still plant daffodils. And you will get just as much joy!!  Daffodils don't require the chill hours that tulips do, and they don't need to be dug up after they bloom.  In fact, if left in the ground, they will just keep coming back year after year with more and more blooms.  This is a wild child favorite!!  I plant a few bags every year around my crepe myrtles, in my flower beds, and in pots all over my yard.  I have even seen people plant them right under the grass to give the look of the old homesites that you see going down the road. This is so beautiful. Maybe one year I will try it.  Maybe you will too!!

It's Officially Soup Season

One of my favorite things about December is that it is the start of soup season. There’s nothing cozier than having a pot of hearty vegetable soup simmering on the stove, filling the house with warmth and delicious aromas.  I love to use vegetables from my garden, combining fresh harvests with pantry staples to create a comforting and nourishing meal. Here’s my go-to recipe:

Wild Child Vegetable Soup

 • Brown beef (steak, cut up roast, etc.) in olive oil with salt and pepper.

 • Then add onions, garlic, and celery to pot.  Sauté diced onions, garlic, and celery in olive oil until fragrant.

 • Add chopped carrots, potatoes, and any other veggies you have on hand.

 • Stir in a can of diced tomatoes, beef stock, and your favorite herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves).

 • Simmer until the vegetables are tender, then season to taste.

This soup is endlessly adaptable—you can toss in spinach, kale, or even leftover root vegetables for added flavor and nutrition. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the fruits of your garden all winter long. 

Fresh, Fake, and Fun Holiday Decor

December is also the season for decorating, and I love bringing my “fresh, fake, and fun” decorating philosophy into both my home and garden. This approach blends the real with the whimsical, for a look that’s festive and low-maintenance.  Here is how you do it:

Fresh: Start by foraging in your garden. Clip sprigs of rosemary, eucalyptus, or bay leaves for a fragrant garland. Add in some fresh citrus—like oranges or lemons—and tuck in seasonal blooms or grasses for pops of color. Let the natural beauty of your garden set the tone.

Fake: Don’t be afraid to mix in a few faux pieces to add structure and durability. A string of battery-operated fairy lights or a faux berry garland can elevate the look while ensuring your table lasts through the weather and the evening.

Fun: This is where your personality shines! Add whimsical touches, like candy canes, ornaments, or even mismatched vintage plates for a playful and festive vibe.  The point is that the sky is the limit and you get to do whatever you want. That is the best part!

Don't forget that you get to decorate the garden too!  In the garden, I love adding pops of holiday cheer all throughout:

 • I always start with a wreath on my chicken coop. This way if I don't do anything else, it's enough. 

 • Stringing fairy lights on trellises and along raised beds. 

 • Adding potted evergreens or poinsettias for a festive touch.

 • Creating simple wreaths or swags using clippings from rosemary, pine, or magnolia.

This fresh take on holiday decorating keeps things simple while adding a bit of Christmas magic to the garden. This is so much fun!!

Holiday Gift Guide for Gardeners

If you’re still shopping for the perfect gifts, I’ve put together a holiday gift guide filled with thoughtful ideas for the gardeners in your life. Whether they’re just starting out or seasoned pros, there’s something for everyone.

Some of my favorite gifts to give include:

 • A thrifted (the older the better) harvest basket.

 • A beautiful garden journal to plan and track their growing season.

 • Organic seeds and starter kits for a head start on spring.

 • A Wild Child Kitchen Garden Academy gift certificate to become a gardener in 8 short weeks.

Check out the full guide HERE, and find something special for the gardener on your list—or maybe even for yourself!

Enjoying December in the Garden

This December, my garden is my grounding place.  My little retreat away from all the noise where the real meaning of Christmas is top of mind and the miracle of new life in Christ is so easy to see.  More than anything, I want to be more like Jesus, and in the garden I see the way so clearly. 

I hope your December is magical, whether you’re planting spinach, dreaming of spring, or enjoying the simple comforts of the season.  Take some time to get in the garden.  You will be so glad you did.