Complete Gardening
November might seem like a quiet month for gardening, but it’s actually the perfect time to plant a variety of crops that will lead to a bountiful harvest.
From hardy vegetables to fragrant herbs, the cool temperatures and moist soil create ideal growing conditions for many plants.
Let’s explore nine excellent choices for planting this November, each promising a rewarding yield in the months to come.
1. Garlic
Planting garlic in November is ideal as it benefits from the winter chill. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, plant the cloves pointed end up, and cover them with mulch. By the following summer, you’ll have full bulbs ready to harvest.
2. Spinach
Spinach is a hardy plant that thrives in the cooler temperatures of November. Sow seeds directly into the soil and enjoy fresh greens through the winter. Spinach grows quickly, so you can expect a continuous supply from a single planting.
3. Broad Beans
Broad beans are perfect for November planting. They fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for future crops. Plant them in well-drained soil and support them as they grow. They will mature by spring, providing a nutritious and delicious yield.
4. Onions
November is the ideal time to plant onions for a summer harvest. Opt for sets or seedlings, and plant them in a sunny, well-drained area. Onions require minimal care and will reward you with a plentiful harvest by the end of summer.
5. Peas
Plant peas in November to enjoy an early spring crop. Choose a protected spot with good drainage. Peas are climbing plants, so provide support with stakes or a trellis. Their sweet flavor is best enjoyed fresh from the garden.
6. Winter Lettuce
Winter lettuce varieties are perfect for November planting. They are frost-tolerant and grow well in cooler temperatures. Sow seeds in well-prepared soil, and you’ll have fresh, crisp lettuce throughout the winter months.
7. Rhubarb
Plant rhubarb crowns in November for a productive summer harvest. Rhubarb prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Once established, it requires little maintenance and will provide delicious stalks for pies and jams.
8. Cabbage
Cabbage is a hardy vegetable suitable for November planting. It thrives in cooler weather and can withstand frost. Plant seedlings in rich soil, and they’ll grow into dense heads that are perfect for soups and stews.
9. Herbs (Thyme and Rosemary)
Thyme and rosemary are resilient herbs that can be planted in November. They prefer well-drained soil and a sunny location. Once established, these aromatic herbs require little care and can be harvested throughout the year for culinary use.
10. Carrots
Carrots prefer cooler temperatures and can be sown in November for an early spring harvest. They require loose, sandy soil to grow straight and long. Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding, and keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
11. Chives
Chives are hardy herbs that can be planted in November to provide a fresh, mild onion flavor come spring. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, they require minimal care and can be harvested repeatedly.
12. Asparagus
November is an ideal time to plant asparagus crowns. Though they take a few years to establish, the investment is worth it. Choose a sunny, well-drained site, and be patient. Once established, asparagus can produce year after year.