Zone 9 - What to Plant in December

Zone 9 - What to Plant in December

Now is when the main planting is happening in zone 9. The hot and humid days of summer are behind us and we can start growing the garden. With a last frost date in early February you should start growing your tomatoes, peppers and other plants indoors so they are ready to transplant in February.

Federle tomatoes, also known as Federle's Italian Paste, are a unique and heirloom variety of tomato renowned for their distinctive characteristics and rich history. These tomatoes typically exhibit a medium-sized, elongated shape, resembling a classic Roma tomato. Their size can range from 3 to 5 inches in length, making them ideal for canning, sauces, and paste production. Federle tomatoes thrive in specific growing conditions. They require full sun exposure and well-drained, fertile soil to flourish. These tomatoes are known for their resilience and adaptability, making them suitable for various climates and regions. They are often treasured by gardeners for their consistent performance and robust growth, making them a reliable choice for home gardeners and small-scale farmers. The history of Federle tomatoes dates back to Italy, where they have been cultivated for generations. These tomatoes were brought to the United States by Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Since then, they have become a cherished heirloom variety, cherished for their exceptional flavor and versatility in the kitchen. Federle tomatoes are a testament to the enduring legacy of traditional tomato cultivation and continue to be a favorite among those who appreciate the rich heritage and exceptional taste of heirloom vegetables.

The Early Wonder beet is a popular heirloom beet plant that produces high yields of deep red roots! A popular beet that is tasty, early maturing and produces abundant greens. The beets are great for boiling, pickling, baking, and freezing. Forms 3-4" deep red globes that are sweet and tender. Also known as "Tall Top" for its tall, glossy leaves that make great greens with salads. Greens are also a great substitute for chard or spinach and have high vitamin A and C.

The Lady Godiva is such an attractive pumpkin to add to any garden! The naked-seeded pumpkin seeds are hull-less making them perfect for roasting. The seeds also yield a very delicious and savory oil. These pretty compact pumpkins are yellow-orange with bright green stripes. Certified Organic. Learn more about our organic seeds.

The Knight Pea is the highest yielding, early maturing pea that we have! This pea variety's vines are short and therefore require no staking. Its huge pods can grow to be 4 inches with up to 10 peas in each pod! Knight is a favorite for its tender and sweet flavor, making it the perfect side dish.

Beefmaster F1 tomato plants are renowned for producing some of the largest and most flavorful tomatoes in home gardens. Known for their impressive size, these beefsteak-type tomatoes can weigh over a pound each, making them perfect for slicing and adding to sandwiches, salads, and burgers. The plants are robust and vigorous, often reaching heights of up to 6 feet, and require sturdy support to handle the weight of the fruit. With a rich, juicy flavor and a meaty texture, Beefmaster tomatoes are highly sought after by gardeners and chefs alike, providing an abundant harvest throughout the growing season. In addition to their exceptional fruit, Beefmaster tomato plants are relatively easy to grow, thriving in warm climates with full sun and well-drained soil. They are typically resistant to common tomato diseases, which makes them a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners. Regular watering and proper fertilization help ensure optimal growth and fruit development. With their high yield and impressive size, Beefmaster tomatoes can significantly enhance the home garden, offering not just fresh produce for the table but also a rewarding gardening experience. Whether enjoyed fresh, cooked, or preserved, these tomatoes are sure to delight anyone who tastes them.

The Blue Curled Scotch Kale can be used as a garnish and or in hearty winter dishes. This kale variety is a compact plant with very tender, blue-green, crinkled leaves that are quite delicious, very cold hardy, and rich in vitamin A.

The Jet Star Tomato is a long time favorite and industry standard hybrid tomato with a high sugar content that masks acidity. These meaty, globe-shaped tomatoes can grow to be about 6 to 8 ounces and produces in abundance in mid-to-late summer.

'Mignonette' is the tastiest red alpine variety in our opinion. It has moderate production of 1" long conical shaped fruit has an aroma and taste unlike anything you've ever experienced. Not as hardy as some of the other selections so mulch well for winter in colder zones.

The Purple Bumble Bee Tomato is part of the beautiful and tasty Artisan tomato collection with a sweet fruity flavor that is great for fresh eating! This variety produces tomatoes with a purple color and a metallic green striping. The Purple Bumble Bee is beautiful when mixed with the other Artisan tomatoes.

The Large Red Cherry Tomato is the perfect little mouth watering fresh eating tomato that grows in clusters and is the perfect addition to salads! This variety grows on hardy vines, with green foliage that produces green fruits that may be picked early for pickling, while the ripe ones are used fresh or for preserves.

2005 American Selection Tomato! Juicy half ounce fruits, pointed oval shape, reddish pink, very sweet. Ultra high sugar content (9.5 BRIX) make 1/2 ounce fruits irresistible. Very productive vines keep setting huge clusters of fruits all season long. Terrific curb appeal.

The Red Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper) is among the world's hottest pepper! In 2006, the Guinness Book of Records confirmed that New Mexico State University had discovered the world's hottest chile pepper, the wrinkled, scarlet Bhut Jolokia. At 1,001,304 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), the Red Bhut Jolokia is nearly twice as hot as Red Savina, the Chile pepper variety it replaced as the world's hottest. In comparison, a New Mexico Green chile contains about 1,500 SHUs and an average jalapeno measures at about 10,000 SHUs. Use with caution.

The Jersey Devil Tomato is an extremely prolific old heirloom paste-type variety that is shaped like a little banana pepper! These juicy tomatoes have a very meaty texture that is great for making into sauces and salsas. This old favorite produces very little seeds! The Jersey Devil grows to be about 5-6 inches.

The Napoli Tomato is an exceptional, bright red Italian paste type that is perfect for slicing, freezing and canning or making into sauce, soups or paste! This tomato plant variety produces heavy yields of 1.5 x 3 inch fruits that weigh around 3 ounces. The Napoli is a favorite for being juicy and meaty.

Tall Utah celery, developed in the early 20th century in Utah, is renowned for its tall, sturdy stalks and exceptional flavor. This variety features vibrant green, crisp stalks that can reach heights of 18-36 inches, making it a standout in gardens. The taste is mild and slightly sweet, perfect for fresh eating or cooking in a variety of dishes. Harvesting typically occurs 85-100 days after planting, when the stalks are firm and well-developed; gardeners can choose to cut the entire plant or selectively harvest individual stalks as needed. Tall Utah celery thrives in cool climates and requires consistent moisture, making it a favorite for both home growers and commercial producers.

Ananas Noire tomatoes, also known as “Black Pineapple” tomatoes, are a distinctive heirloom variety renowned for their rich history and unique attributes. Originating from France, this variety is celebrated for its striking appearance and complex flavor profile. The name "Ananas Noire," which translates to "Black Pineapple," reflects the fruit's unusual coloration and resemblance to a pineapple in its shape. These tomatoes mature to a deep mahogany color with greenish undertones and have a ribbed, somewhat lumpy texture. The flavor is rich and multi-dimensional, offering a balance of sweetness with tangy, smoky notes, making them a prized ingredient in gourmet dishes and salads. The plants are indeterminate, meaning they continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season, reaching about 6 to 8 feet in height. Ananas Noire tomatoes are typically harvested in late summer to early fall when they have fully ripened and their color has deepened. With their vibrant color, complex flavor, and productive growth habit, Ananas Noire tomatoes are a standout choice for both home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts.

A green beauty in any vegetable garden. Ripens with a green exterior and interior that is sweet and tart! One of our favorite tasting green tomato varieties. Will mature to between 8-12 ounces and when mature with have a yellowish tint on the bottom of the fruits.

Hillbilly tomatoes are a vibrant heirloom variety renowned for their eye-catching appearance and rich flavor. These large, beefsteak-type tomatoes feature a striking color pattern of yellow and orange with red marbling, creating a visually stunning fruit that stands out in any garden. When fully ripe, Hillbilly tomatoes develop a sweet, fruity flavor with subtle tangy notes, making them an excellent choice for fresh eating, sandwiches, and salads. They typically take about 80 to 90 days to reach maturity, and the plants exhibit a sprawling, indeterminate growth habit, producing a steady yield of fruit throughout the growing season. The vigorous vines benefit from staking or cage support to manage the heavy fruit and ensure a bountiful harvest. With their unique coloration and exceptional taste, Hillbilly tomatoes offer both visual and culinary appeal, making them a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike.