Festive Gardening: What to Plant Over the Holidays

The festive season is here! While many are decking the halls and wrapping presents, garden lovers know it's also the perfect time to get their hands dirty. In the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas falls right in the heart of summer, which means long days, warm weather, and ideal growing conditions for a whole range of plants.

So, if you’re enjoying time off or just want to make the most of your garden during the holidays, here’s a handy guide to what you can plant over Christmas — and enjoy in the new year.

Why Garden at Christmas?

Besides being a great way to unwind after a busy year, Christmas gardening can:

• Set up your garden for a bountiful autumn harvest
• Provide fresh ingredients for holiday meals and BBQs
• Make a beautiful, productive space to enjoy with family and guests
• Offer a thoughtful way to spend time with kids during the school break

And let’s be honest — it beats fighting crowds at the shopping centre!

What to Plant During the Christmas Holidays

Here are some fast-growing, heat-loving, and low-maintenance crops perfect for planting in December and January:

1. Cherry Tomatoes
   Tomatoes thrive in summer and can be harvested in as little as 8–10 weeks. Cherry varieties are especially fast and perfect for snacking, salads, or skewers on the BBQ. Consider protecting them from pests with a polytunnel or greenhouse kit to maximise your yield.

2. Lettuce & Salad Greens
   Quick-growing and ideal for hot weather, leafy greens like lettuce, rocket, and mizuna are perfect for summer salads — and they love partial shade during the hottest parts of the day. Keep them cool with shade cloths.

3. Chillies & Capsicum
   Add some spice to your Christmas cooking! These heat-lovers do best in full sun and can be grown in pots or garden beds. Protect them from birds and insects with net houses.

4. Basil & Summer Herbs
   Basil, coriander, dill, and parsley love the summer sun and make perfect garnishes for festive dishes — from roast veggies to summer cocktails. You can grow them in a compact greenhouse or frame kit for year-round convenience.

5. Cucumbers & Zucchini
   Fast, easy, and productive — these are brilliant summer crops. Plant now and you’ll be picking crisp cucumbers and tender zucchinis in no time. For extra protection against harsh sun and pests, consider a greenhouse plastic cover.

Bonus: Flowers for a Festive Garden

Add some colour to your Christmas garden with:

• Marigolds – natural pest repellents and bright blooms
• Sunflowers – kids love them, and they’re perfect for sunny spots
• Petunias – colourful and great for pots or borders

Brighten up your outdoor space and create a beautiful backdrop for holiday gatherings.

Tips for Gardening Over Christmas

• Water early or late in the day to avoid evaporation
• Mulch generously to keep the soil cool and moist
• Automate watering if you’re heading away — try a drip system or slow-release watering spikes from our accessories collection
• Shade young seedlings during the hottest days

Growing Joy: Gardening as a Christmas Gift

Looking for a thoughtful, practical gift? A DIY herb box, or even a potted tomato plant makes a unique and meaningful Christmas present, especially for kids or beginner gardeners.

Wrap-Up

This Christmas, why not give yourself (and your garden) the gift of fresh growth? Whether you’re planting a few herbs or setting up a full veggie patch, festive gardening is a fun, rewarding way to celebrate the season — and set yourself up for a healthy, homegrown new year. Consider using a greenhouse plastic cover or one of our premium greenhouse kits to protect your plants and extend your growing season.