November is often seen as a slow month in the gardening world, but seasoned gardeners know better! Believe it or not, there are plenty of crops you can still plant and harvest this month. With suitable greenery, careful planning, and a bit of attention, November can set the groundwork for a thriving winter and early spring garden. That’s why, in this guide, we will walk you through what to plant in November so you can stay busy and productive well into the colder months. Get your trowel ready, and let’s get started!
What Is the Best Plant to Plant in November?
You might think the gardening season is over, but November actually offers a surprising array of planting opportunities. The key is choosing crops that thrive in cooler weather and can withstand light frosts. Of course, where you live and how cold it gets also play a crucial role when picking crops.
Many of our Plant Heroes are curious about what they can plant as November approaches, so it’s finally time to address it once and for all! For those of you in colder areas (think USDA Zones 3-7), now’s the time to focus on frost-hardy vegetables and flowers that can brave the chill. If you’re lucky enough to live in milder climates (Zones 8-10), you can still plant a broader range of cool-season crops and even some tender vegetables and herbs. That’s all the basics you need to know, but read on to see our top picks for your November planting adventures!
What Vegetables to Plant in November
Despite the frosty mornings and shorter days, there are still quite a few veggies you can grow this time of year. Don’t believe us? Just check out this list of vegetables to plant in November; you’re surely up for a surprise!
Leafy Greens
If you’re looking for quick-growing crops that thrive in the cool weather, leafy greens are your go-to. They don’t mind a bit of frost, and in fact, some even taste better after a cold snap.
- Spinach: This hardy green can survive temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C). Start your seeds in well-drained soil, and you’ll be harvesting tender leaves within 6-8 weeks.
- Kale: If you haven’t tasted kale post-frost, you’re missing out! The cold actually brings out the sweetness, making it perfect for salads or soups.
- Swiss Chard: Swiss chard will continue to grow through fall and winter with a bit of protection.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are built for colder weather. These underground crops can survive even when the air above is chilly, so go ahead and dig in!
- Onions: Whether you prefer red, white, or yellow, onions are a staple crop that overwinters well.
- Carrots: Sow carrot seeds in loose soil. They’ll germinate slowly but reward you in the spring.
- Beets: Plant seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep. Roasted, pickled, or added to salads, they’re as versatile as they are tasty.
Legumes
Cold-weather legumes are a fantastic option for November planting, as they enrich the soil with nitrogen, setting you up for a healthy spring garden.
- Fava Beans: One of the hardiest legumes out there, fava beans can handle frost and even improve your soil quality while they grow.
- Peas: Sugar snap and snow peas are perfect for November planting. They’re cold-tolerant and will produce a sweet, crunchy harvest come early spring.
- Lentils: Lentils are rich in protein and grow well in cooler climates. They’re also drought-resistant and easy to maintain.
Brassicas
Our last but certainly not least group is the cold-weather champs—brassicas. You love them, we love them, and what’s even better is they’re perfect for November planting!
- Broccoli: This vegetable is not only packed with nutrients, but it also grows exceptionally well in cooler weather. November is a prime time to get your broccoli seedlings in the ground.
- Cabbage: A cold-hardy plant, cabbage loves the crisp fall air. It may take a while to mature, but it’s worth the wait.
- Cauliflower: Though a bit more finicky than broccoli or cabbage, cauliflower can still thrive when planted in November. Just be sure to keep an eye on frost and provide some protection.
Flowers to Grow in November
While November is known for its frost in most zones, you can still plant certain flowers that will bloom beautifully later in the year. So, don’t let your garden go dormant yet—add some color with these hardy blooms.
Cool-Season Annuals
These stunning annuals can handle the chill and keep your garden colorful.
- Pansies: Known for their frost tolerance, pansies are the ideal winter flower. They come in a variety of vibrant colors and bloom throughout the cold.
- Snapdragons: With their unique shape and array of colors, snapdragons are an excellent choice for fall planting. They can survive light frost and will bloom well into winter.
- Violas: Similar to pansies, violas are frost-hardy and bring a delicate charm to any garden bed or container.
Bulbs for Spring Blooms
Get a jumpstart on your spring garden by planting these bulbs in the fall. The cold season will give them time to settle in before they are ready to bloom.
- Tulips: The last month of fall is the last call for planting tulip bulbs in most zones. So, you might as well use this opportunity, right?
- Hyacinths: Known for their fragrant and bell-shaped flowers, hyacinths are another excellent bulb to grow in November for a stunning spring display.
- Crocuses: Plant these tiny beauties in clusters for a carpet of color early in spring.
Hardy Perennials
There are still more flowers you can plant this late into fall! Check out these exceptionally hardy perennials:
- Hellebores: Hellebores or the Christmas rose, bloom in late winter and early spring. They prefer shady spots and well-drained soil.
- Sedum: This drought-resistant plant is easy to grow and adds texture to your garden.
- Lavender: Hardy and fragrant, lavender can survive winter temperatures and bloom again in spring.
Herbs for November Planting
Don’t you just love the feeling of adding fresh, home-grown herbs to your dishes? Then we have good news for you! There are many herbs that you can still grow in November:
If you have a greenhouse, you could sow pots of herbs, including basil, dill, chives, and parsley. If you don’t have a greenhouse, these herbs will also grow well on a bright windowsill. Plant them in November, and you will be able to enjoy fresh herbs throughout winter.
- Michael Perry
- Mr. Plant Geek
But don’t worry; there are options for both indoor and outdoor gardens. We’ve compiled some fantastic options just for you!
Outdoor Herbs
Even in November, some herbs don’t mind braving the elements. These can be planted outdoors and will often survive the winter with minimal protection.
Varieties to Grow Indoors
No garden? No problem! These herbs can do just fine on a sunny windowsill.
What Can You Plant in November by Space?
No matter what kind of space you have available—whether it’s a big garden, pots on the patio, or a small greenhouse—there’s something you can grow this November.
In Your Garden
The crisp fall air doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the gardening season. Make the most of open ground with these hardy veggies!
Garlic
Plant your garlic cloves pointy side up, about 2 inches (5 cm) deep.
Onions
With onions, everything is pretty straightforward. Just plant your onion sets or seedlings into the soil for an easy crop.
Broad Beans
You can sow seeds directly; broad beans don’t mind the cold.
In Pots
You don’t need a spacious outdoor garden to grow your own produce. For instance, container gardening is ideal for small spaces or patios.
Radishes
These crunchy veggies grow quickly and take up minimal space.
Parsley
Parsley grows quite well in containers and will survive winter with a bit of protection.
Dwarf Fruit Trees
Varieties like dwarf Meyer lemon can be potted and moved indoors during extreme cold.
In Greenhouses
If you’re a lucky owner of a greenhouse, there are plenty of options for winter planting:
Tomatoes (Winter Varieties)
While tomatoes are usually considered summer crops, certain winter varieties, like Glacier or Siberian, can thrive in a heated greenhouse during the colder months.
Pak Choi
Pak choi, also known as bok choy, thrives in cool weather and does particularly well in greenhouses.
Cucumbers
While cucumbers are sensitive to cold temperatures and won’t survive outdoors in November, you can still grow them in a controlled greenhouse environment. They need warmth and humidity, making a greenhouse ideal for producing fresh cucumbers in the colder months.
In Your Allotment
Got more space in an allotment? Here’s what to plant:
Rhubarb
Rhubarb crowns are perfect for planting in your allotment in late fall. This perennial thrives in the cooler months, making November ideal for planting.
Asparagus
If you’re planning ahead, you can plant asparagus crowns this fall. While Asparagus takes a couple of years to establish, once it does, it will provide delicious, tender spears every spring.
Shallots
Certain varieties are pretty frost-hardy and will establish themselves over the winter months, ready for a summer harvest.
November Garden Maintenance Tips
As fun as planting new crops is, several other gardening tasks need to be done this month. Here are some simple maintenance tips to keep everything healthy:
- Mulch your garden beds to protect roots from the cold.
- Cover sensitive plants with frost cloth.
- Remove dead plants and fallen leaves to prevent pests from overwintering.
- Keep an eye out for slugs and snails, which remain active in cooler weather.
- You can also start a compost pile to prepare the soil for spring planting.
FAQ
Is November a Good Month to Plant Vegetables?
Absolutely! Most November plants are cold-hardy and even benefit from cooler temperatures. Root vegetables and leafy greens are excellent choices for this time of year.
Is November Too Late to Plant Fruit Trees?
It depends on your region, but generally, it’s still a good time to plant bare-root fruit trees before the ground freezes.
Can I Still Start a Compost Pile in November?
Sure thing! Even in colder months, composting helps reduce waste and prepare nutrient-rich soil for next season. Just remember to balance green and brown materials for optimal decomposition.
What Is November’s Plant of the Month?
There are many contenders to be November’s plant of the month. The most popular picks include garlic, spinach, and chrysanthemums. But you can choose any November plant as long as it’s cold-hardy.
Which Crop Is Best in November?
What can you plant in November that’s both easy and rewarding? Spinach is one of the best crops to sow now. It grows quickly despite the cooler weather.
Don’t let the colder November weather deter you. Embrace the season and maximize your harvest with our guide! So, what are you planning on growing this November? Let us know in the comments!
