Lunar sowing calendar for December 2025: what to sow and grow in winter

In winter, gardeners and indoor farmers use the lunar planting calendar to select the days for sowing, transplanting, and caring for plants. Izvestia investigated which days are most favorable for working with plants and seedlings.

The meaning of the lunar sowing calendar in winter

The lunar sowing calendar is a traditional agricultural practice tool based on observations of the phases of the moon and its position in the constellations. In winter, when natural processes in household gardens are slowed down, the lunar calendar retains the role of a guide for home gardeners and lovers of indoor farming: it helps to choose the optimal days for sowing seedlings indoors, transplanting potted crops, pruning and preventive treatments.

The practice is based on the idea that during the growth of the Moon, upward sap movement increases — this favours crops and work aimed at developing the aboveground part of plants; during the waning Moon phase, measures for roots, harvesting and dormancy are recommended.

Phases of the Moon in December 2025 and their effect on plants

In December 2025, the full moon falls on December 5, followed by the last quarter on December 13, the new moon on December 20, and the first quarter on December 27. These astronomical dates determine the periods when the lunar planting calendar recommends certain gardening operations.

In the period from the new moon to the first quarter and further to the full moon (rising Moon), gardeners usually rely on sowing and fertilizing, in the phase of the waning Moon — on transplanting, dividing rhizomes, digging and storage.

For accurate planning, it is important to focus on the local timestamps of the phases (in Moscow and other regions, the time of the phases may vary slightly), so it is recommended to check astronomical tables and local lunar calendars with accurate data.

What can be sown for seedlings in December

In closed warm conditions in December, it is advisable to start sowing cold-resistant and early crops, as well as those species that require a long period for seedlings.

The list of frequently recommended crops includes: leafy salads (many varieties are suitable for year—round microgreens and early seedlings), spinach, some varieties of cabbage (broccoli, kohlrabi) and early Chinese cabbage, herbs (basil, parsley, dill under additional lighting conditions), as well as flower seedling crops - petunias, calceolaria and some annuals if artificial lighting and warm conditions are available.

For the best performance, it is important to take into account the time from sowing to planting and to realistically assess the space and lighting in the room. The method of winter sowing in mini-greenhouses (for example, in plastic bottles) also allows you to sow cold-resistant plants directly into containers placed on the balcony or in an unheated greenhouse.

Home-grown crops that grow well in winter

Some indoor and garden crops are especially suitable for growing in winter conditions at home or on the windowsill. Among them are various types of salads and microgreens that yield quickly in minimal light; green leafy herbs (parsley, dill, lettuce-types) and green onion shoots on a feather.

In addition, radishes and some root vegetables in limited containers can be obtained under controlled temperature conditions, while tomatoes and peppers can be obtained with full light and temperature maintenance. Experienced home gardeners also cultivate green bulbs, root "beacons" (root crops sown in large containers) and ornamental crops, for which a short growing season is important. The recommendations from the practical guides emphasize that light and ventilation are key success factors in winter cultivation.

Favorable days for planting, transplanting and care

The specific favorable dates for planting and care in December 2025 vary depending on the calendar methodology, but several reliable sources of lunar gardening calendars provide guidance.

According to specialized lunar calendars and the recommendations of horticulturalists, it is most advisable to plan active above-ground crops and work that stimulates vegetative growth during the rising Moon period — in December, these are the days between the new moon (December 20) and the first quarter (December 27), as well as a few days before the full moon (the first decade of the month) for those who focuses on classical practice.

The days of the waning Moon are favorable for root work, division, transplantation and preparation for winter dormancy — approximately between December 5-13 and between the last quarter and the new moon in the third decade.