November might bring chilly days and shorter hours of sunlight, but it’s still a fantastic time to plant.
Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs, there are plenty of plants that thrive when started in November.
With the right choices, you can keep your garden productive and even add some winter color to brighten things up.
In this guide, we’ll explore 11 plants you can plant in November to keep your garden going strong.
These selections are ideal for the colder season and can survive well into winter with just a little care.
Let’s dig into the plants you must grow this month to make the most of your November gardening.
1. Garlic
Garlic is an essential plant to start in November if you want a flavorful harvest next summer.
Planting garlic cloves now gives them time to develop strong roots through winter, ready for growth in the spring.
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil and plant cloves 2 inches deep, spaced about 4-6 inches apart.
Garlic is easy to care for and doesn’t require much attention over winter.
By the time summer arrives, you’ll have homegrown garlic that’s full of rich flavor, perfect for any dish.
Growing garlic in November gives you a rewarding crop that lasts well into the year.
2. Spinach
Spinach is one of the hardiest greens you can plant in November, perfect for those who love fresh, nutritious salads.
This leafy green thrives in cool weather and can even survive light frost, making it ideal for late fall planting.
Sow spinach seeds directly into the soil about half an inch deep and keep the soil moist.
Within a few weeks, you’ll start to see tender spinach leaves that you can harvest as baby greens or let mature.
Spinach is packed with vitamins and grows quickly, giving you a steady supply of greens through winter.
With its frost tolerance, spinach is a November must-grow for any gardener who wants fresh produce year-round.
3. Pansies
If you’re looking for color in your November garden, pansies are the perfect choice.
These cheerful flowers are cold-tolerant and can bloom even when temperatures drop, adding a splash of brightness to gray days.
Plant pansies in well-drained soil, and place them in a spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight.
Pansies come in a wide range of colors, from purple and yellow to blue and white, making them a versatile choice for any garden.
With their hardiness and stunning blooms, pansies are a November favorite that brings life to any outdoor space.
Adding pansies this month ensures your garden stays beautiful, even in colder weather.
4. Carrots
Carrots are another excellent vegetable to plant in November, especially if you want a late-winter or early-spring harvest.
These root vegetables grow best in cooler weather, which helps enhance their natural sweetness.
Sow carrot seeds about a quarter-inch deep in loose, well-drained soil, spacing them a few inches apart.
Keep the soil moist, and be patient; carrots take a few months to mature but are well worth the wait.
By starting carrots in November, you’re setting yourself up for a delicious and nutritious harvest when spring arrives.
Their sweet, crunchy flavor will be a rewarding treat after the winter months.
5. Kale
Kale is a tough, cold-hardy green that becomes even sweeter when grown in cooler temperatures.
November is an ideal time to plant kale, which can survive frost and even snow, giving you fresh greens well into winter.
Plant kale seeds about half an inch deep in fertile, well-drained soil and water consistently.
Once the leaves mature, you can harvest them as needed for soups, salads, or smoothies.
Kale is packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, making it a healthy addition to your November garden.
Growing kale now ensures you have a superfood crop that can withstand winter and provide for months to come.
6. Onions
If you love cooking with onions, November is the perfect time to plant them for a bountiful harvest.
Onions need a cold period to grow properly, so planting them now allows them to establish before the ground freezes.
Plant onion sets about an inch deep in well-drained soil, spacing them a few inches apart.
Onions grow slowly but steadily through the winter, ready for harvest in late spring or early summer.
By planting onions in November, you’re securing a supply of this essential kitchen ingredient.
With their long storage life, homegrown onions are a practical and flavorful choice for any gardener.
7. Lettuce
Lettuce is a surprisingly resilient green that can thrive in cooler temperatures, making it a great option for November planting.
Sow lettuce seeds directly into the soil, covering them lightly, and keep the soil moist to encourage germination.
Choose cold-tolerant varieties like butterhead or romaine, which can handle light frost and provide fresh leaves for salads.
Lettuce grows quickly, allowing you to harvest leaves in just a few weeks, making it a satisfying crop for winter.
Planting lettuce in November ensures you have a continuous supply of fresh, crisp greens all season long.
This versatile crop is a favorite for winter gardeners who love fresh produce.
8. Parsley
Parsley is a cold-hardy herb that thrives when planted in the fall, making November a great time to add it to your garden.
This versatile herb can withstand frost and cold temperatures, providing fresh flavor for soups, stews, and garnishes.
Plant parsley seeds or transplants in well-drained soil and keep the area moist to encourage growth.
Parsley takes a little while to establish, but once it does, you’ll have a reliable supply of fresh herbs throughout winter.
By growing parsley now, you’re adding a flavorful and nutritious herb that’s ready when you need it.
Parsley’s resilience makes it a great choice for any gardener looking to extend their herb garden into winter.
9. Radishes
Radishes are a quick-growing root crop that can handle colder temperatures, making them perfect for November planting.
These spicy, crunchy vegetables are ready to harvest in as little as 30 days, giving you a speedy winter crop.
Sow radish seeds about half an inch deep in loose soil, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
Radishes grow best in cooler weather and develop a crisp texture with a peppery bite that’s perfect for salads and snacks.
By planting radishes in November, you’re ensuring a fresh, flavorful harvest in just a few weeks.
This fast-growing crop is a great way to enjoy a quick winter vegetable.
10. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a vibrant green that’s perfect for November planting and provides color as well as nutrition.
Its rainbow stems add beauty to the garden, and the leaves can handle frost, giving you a steady supply of greens.
Plant Swiss chard seeds about half an inch deep and water consistently to promote steady growth.
You can harvest the leaves as needed for soups, stir-fries, or salads, enjoying their slightly earthy flavor.
With its hardiness and beautiful colors, Swiss chard is a perfect choice for winter gardening.
Adding Swiss chard in November ensures that your garden remains productive and colorful.
11. Daffodils
While you may not see blooms right away, planting daffodils in November sets the stage for a stunning spring display.
Daffodils are hardy and need a cold period to flower, making late fall the ideal time to plant them.
Choose a sunny spot and plant the bulbs 4–6 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up.
Once spring arrives, these cheerful yellow blooms will brighten up your garden and signal the start of warmer days.
By planting daffodils in November, you’re creating a splash of color that will welcome you after winter.
These beautiful blooms are a rewarding investment for any gardener who loves spring flowers.
Final Thoughts
November might seem like an unusual time to plant, but it’s the perfect month to set the stage for a productive garden, even in winter.
From greens like spinach and kale to root crops like carrots and radishes, there are plenty of options to keep your garden growing.
Adding some flowers and herbs, like daffodils and parsley, brings variety and functionality to your garden space.
By planting these 11 plants in November, you’re extending your growing season and ensuring a beautiful, bountiful garden all year long.
Happy gardening, and here’s to a vibrant, flourishing garden even through the colder months!