December always feels like the garden is holding its breath — the heat kicks in, the wind arrives with drama (as always), and suddenly the whole veggie patch is either thriving… or sulking. Every year around this time, I get so many messages asking, “Tash, what on earth can I still plant now?”

The good news?
Plenty.
In fact, some veggies love this heat. They grow faster, taste better, and honestly ask very little from you besides water, mulch, and a handful of imagination.

So let’s dive into my list of Summer Stars — the plants that thrive in our South African December heatwave and will reward you long after the holidays.

1. Basil

December is prime basil season.
It LOVES heat and rewards you with lush, fragrant leaves within weeks.

Why it thrives: Warm nights + long daylight = rapid, leafy growth.
How we grow it:

• Direct sow or transplant seedlings.

• Pinch the tops weekly.

• Plant next to tomatoes — they truly are best friends.

2. Eggplant (Brinjal)

Eggplants are absolute heat junkies. The hotter it gets, the happier they are.

Why it thrives: Deep roots + high heat tolerance.
Tips:

• Give each plant space — they become big bushes.

• Mulch heavily to keep the soil cool.

• Support stems when fruit sets.

3. Sweet Peppers & Chillies

Peppers grow slowly at first… until December.
Then suddenly — BOOM — they take off.

Why they thrive: They need consistently warm soil to really get going.
Tips:

• Plant in full sun.

• Add a bit of worm castings at the bottom of the hole.

• Don’t overwater — peppers hate wet feet.

4. Sweet Potatoes

These love heat more than most people love December holidays.

Why they thrive: They’re drought tolerant, tough, and forgiving.
How to grow:

• Plant slips or cuttings.

• Let them trail or give them a bed to fill.

• Harvest in 3–4 months.

And bonus — sweet potato leaves are edible! Use like spinach.

5. Cucumbers

Quick-growing, productive, and perfect for summer salads.

Why they thrive: The heat speeds up vine growth and flowering.
Tips:

• Grow on a trellis to save space.

• Water consistently to avoid bitterness.

• Watch for powdery mildew — airflow helps.

6.  Watermelon

Few things scream South African summer more than a cold watermelon after a hot day in the garden.

Why it thrives: Hot days = sweeter fruit.
Tips:

• Give them space — they sprawl.

• Plant where they’ll get at least 8 hours of sun.

• Hand-pollinate if bees are scarce.

7. Melons (Spanspek, Honeydew)

If watermelon’s rebellious cousin is melon — sweeter, fussier, but worth every bite.

Why they thrive: They need sustained heat to develop sugars.
Tips:

• Keep mulch off the fruit to prevent rot.

• Feed lightly with a potassium-rich fertilizer.

• Let the plant tell you when it’s ready — crack near the stem or strong aroma.

8. Okra

This veggie is underrated in SA — but goodness, it LOVES heat.

Why it thrives: Native to hot climates, so December feels like home.
Tips:

• Harvest daily for tender pods.

• Grows beautifully in raised beds.

• Pair with basil or marigolds.

9. Lemongrass

Not a veggie, but a summer must-have.
It grows like a champion in heat and smells like a spa day in the garden.

Why it thrives: Warm, humid conditions mimic its native habitat.
Tips:

• Perfect for borders or containers.

• Harvest outer stalks only.

• Loves compost-rich soil.

10. Beans (Bush & Runner)

One of the quickest crops for December — they germinate fast and produce even faster.

Why they thrive: Warm soil = rapid climbing and flowering.
Tips:

• Sow directly — they dislike transplanting.

• Water deeply but not daily.

• Add supports early for runners.

What NOT to Plant in December

To save you heartbreak:

• Lettuce (bolts in heat) If you do plant, protect them from the harsh afternoon sun

• Spinach (struggles unless heavily mulched)

• Broccoli, cauliflower, kale (too hot, attract pests)

• Peas (strictly winter)

Rather stick to your summer champions.

Final Thoughts from the Stead

December gardening can feel tricky — the heat, the wind, the busy days, the holidays… but it’s also one of the most exciting times in the veggie patch. Everything grows faster. Everything tastes sweeter. And everything feels a bit more alive.

These Summer Stars have been our December winners year after year at VanZylStead. Plant a few of them this month and you’ll head into February and March with fresh harvests, strong plants, and a garden that didn’t just survive summer — it thrived.

If you plant any of these, tag us — I love seeing what you grow.

From our garden to yours

Tash & Warren