December Farm Tasks: A Monthly Checklist for Small Growers

December marks the true beginning of winter for most growers, bringing both challenges and strategic opportunities. While crop production slows considerably, this month offers crucial time for infrastructure maintenance, soil improvement, and planning that sets the foundation for next year's success. For intermediate growers, December work focuses on protecting investments, extending harvests where possible, and tackling projects that summer's busy schedule never allows.

Infrastructure and Equipment Maintenance

Winter weather can devastate unprepared infrastructure. December's relatively mild early-winter conditions provide your last chance to address vulnerabilities before January's harshest weather arrives.

Greenhouse and Tunnel Inspection

• Check all glazing materials for cracks or loose panels that could fail under snow load
• Verify heating systems are functioning properly; test backup systems if available
• Clean gutters and ensure proper drainage away from foundations
• Tighten all connection points and replace worn wiggle wire or spring clips
• Apply anti-condensation treatments to reduce disease pressure in winter crops

Tool and Equipment Winterization

• Drain and store irrigation lines to prevent freeze damage
• Change oil and filters on tractors and tillers; add fuel stabilizer if storing
• Sharpen and oil hand tools, pruners, and blades
• Inventory small parts like drip emitters, row cover clips, and fasteners
• Organize seed-starting equipment and verify heating mats still function properly

Soil Building and Field Preparation

December soil work pays dividends throughout the coming year. Many intermediate growers underutilize this quiet period for strategic soil improvement.

Cover Crop Management

• Seed winter rye or hairy vetch in areas that will be late-spring plantings (before soil freezes)
• Terminate fall-seeded cover crops in beds designated for early spring crops
• Spread 2-4 inches of compost or aged manure on beds that won't be worked until April or later
• Document cover crop performance in your field notes for future reference

Compost Operations

• Turn active piles one final time before deep winter sets in
• Cover finished compost to prevent nutrient leaching from winter rains
• Stockpile carbon materials (leaves, straw, wood chips) for spring and summer composting
• Repair or reinforce compost bin structures damaged during the year

Livestock and Poultry Winter Care

Animal husbandry intensifies during December as cold stress increases and natural forage disappears. Proper preparation prevents health issues and maintains productivity.

Housing and Bedding

• Seal drafts in coops and barns while maintaining adequate ventilation
• Stockpile at least 6-8 weeks of bedding material (straw, wood shavings, or hemp)
• Install heated waterers or plan for twice-daily water changes
• Add supplemental lighting to chicken coops to maintain egg production (14-16 hours total light)

Feed and Health Planning

• Order feed in larger quantities to avoid shortages during potential winter storms
• Increase caloric intake for all outdoor animals by 10-20% depending on temperature
• Schedule hoof trimming and wellness checks before weather makes handling difficult
• Verify your veterinary supply kit includes electrolytes, wound care, and cold-weather medications

Many CuzHens Market sellers use December to build relationships with customers by sharing their winter animal care practices and offering farm-fresh eggs from well-maintained winter flocks.

Season Extension and Winter Harvests

December harvests require active management but provide premium-priced crops when markets have limited fresh options.

Cold-Hardy Crop Management

• Harvest kale, collards, and Brussels sprouts after first hard freeze for improved sweetness
• Protect carrots, parsnips, and beets with 12-18 inches of straw mulch for storage in ground
• Monitor low tunnel temperatures; vent on sunny days when interior temps exceed 50°F
• Succession plant cold-hardy greens like spinach and claytonia in heated greenhouses

Storage Crop Processing

• Cure winter squash and pumpkins at 80-85°F for 10-14 days if not already completed
• Sort stored potatoes, onions, and garlic; remove any showing rot to prevent spread
• Maintain root cellar conditions at 32-40°F with 90-95% humidity
• Check stored produce weekly and adjust ventilation as needed

Planning and Administrative Tasks

December's slower pace makes it ideal for strategic planning that's impossible during peak season.

Seed Ordering and Crop Planning

• Finalize crop plans for the coming year based on this year's records
• Order seeds for early spring crops and hard-to-find varieties that sell out
• Calculate seed quantities needed: typically 2-3 successions for greens, single orders for long-season crops
• Review new varieties from trusted suppliers; trial 10-15% new selections maximum

Financial and Marketing Review

• Reconcile accounts and organize receipts for tax preparation
• Analyze which crops were most profitable per square foot and per labor hour
• Survey customers about desired products for the coming season
• Reserve spots at farmers markets or renew CSA member communications
• Review insurance policies and update coverage as farm operations expand

Common Questions

When is it too late to plant cover crops in December? Once soil temperatures drop below 40°F consistently, germination becomes unreliable. In most zones, this means mid-December is the cutoff, though winter rye can germinate in surprisingly cold conditions.

Should I heat my greenhouse throughout December? For most intermediate growers, heating to maintain minimum temperatures of 28-32°F protects cold-hardy crops without excessive fuel costs. Heating to 45°F+ allows tender crop production but requires careful cost-benefit analysis.

How do I prevent water systems from freezing? Drain all lines that won't be used, insulate pipes in heated structures, use heat tape on critical lines, and install frost-free hydrants for outdoor access. Backup water sources prevent disaster during system failures.

What's the priority if I can only do a few December tasks? Focus on protecting your most valuable infrastructure (greenhouse heating systems), ensuring animal welfare (water and shelter), and ordering seeds for spring. Everything else can flex based on available time.