November may be a slow time for sowing and planting in a vegetable garden, but that does not mean there are not some fantastic crops to get in the ground this month. Taking time to plant in November will mean earlier harvests next year, as the crops can bed down roots before winter arrives.

While the month is often more focused on tidying the plot and harvesting the hardy winter crops, it is also a great time to get ahead. There is a great selection of vegetables to plant in November that can get established early, including many legumes, alliums, and salads. The crops can overwinter outdoors in the vegetable garden and burst into life again in spring.

First sowings in November can mean a long harvesting season for any crops which can be planted in fall and spring. Plus, there is scope to plant some leafy crops indoors in November to harvest throughout the winter.

Garlic is a popular vegetable to plant in November

(Image credit: Getty/FotoDuets)

Vegetables to plant in November


Although November may be a slow time for sowing and planting in a vegetable garden, there are still some fantastic crops to get in the ground this month. Planting in November will result in earlier harvests next year, as the crops can establish roots before winter sets in.

While the focus in November is often on tidying the plot and harvesting hardy winter crops, it is also a great time to get ahead. Many vegetables can be planted in November and overwintered outdoors in the vegetable garden, ready to burst into life again in spring.

Planting in November can lead to a longer harvesting season for crops that can be planted in fall and spring. Additionally, some leafy crops can be planted indoors in November for winter harvesting.

Garlic is a popular vegetable to plant in November

(Image credit: Getty/FotoDuets)

Vegetables to plant in November

Having grown vegetables year-round for chefs in vegetable gardens in the UK, I have experience in sowing, planting, and harvesting crops throughout the year. November may not be the most productive time for a kitchen garden traditionally, but there are still crops to plant and harvest.

Here are seven great vegetables to plant in November:

1. Fava beans

Fava beans sown in fall can provide an earlier spring crop

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Fava beans, also known as broad beans, can be sown in November for an early harvest in spring. Choose a hardy variety like ‘Aquadulce’ and sow beans at least nine inches apart. The beans should germinate quickly, within a few weeks.

2. Peas

Choose a hardy type of pea for a November sowing

(Image credit: Alamy/ John Richmond)

November is an ideal time to plant early and hardy types of peas in the vegetable garden. Choose hardy varieties like ‘Meteor’ and ‘Kelvedon Wonder’ for successful growth. Protect the peas from mice by using barriers or companion planting with allium crops.

3. Salad leaves

Mizuna comes in red and green-leaved types

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Sow various types of salad leaves in November for a winter harvest. Grow them outdoors with protection from the cold or indoors on a windowsill. Leafy crops like mizuna, claytonia, and spinach are hardy and can be grown throughout the winter.

4. Scallions

Scallions can be ready to pick 10-12 weeks after sowing

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Sow scallions in November for a spring harvest. Choose hardy varieties like ‘Performer’ and ‘White Lisbon’ and thin the seedlings to two inches apart once they germinate. Scallions can be grown outdoors or in pots for faster harvests.

5. Shallots

Shallot sets are planted in the fall, or you can grow the crop from seed

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Plant shallots in late fall or early winter for a summer harvest. Each set will produce multiple shallots to harvest the following summer. Plant sets six inches apart with the tip showing above the soil surface.

6. Elephant garlic

Planting elephant garlic in November gives it time to split into individual cloves

(Image credit: Getty Images/Toni Jardon)

Plant elephant garlic in November for a late summer harvest. Split the bulb into individual cloves and plant them 4-6 inches deep and eight inches apart. Harvest in late summer and store the bulbs for up to 10 months.

7. Asparagus

Asparagus comes in green, purple, and white varieties

Plant asparagus crowns in November for a spring harvest. Asparagus requires care and patience, but established clumps can provide harvests for up to 20 years.

FAQs

Can I sow carrots in November?

In warmer climates, carrots could potentially be sown in November under garden cloches. Alternatively, carrots can be grown in a deep raised bed in a greenhouse or indoors with grow lights for sufficient levels.


For more gardening tasks in November, check out guides on pruning plants and bringing tender plants indoors for winter protection. Caring for trees, shrubs, and perennials in November ensures healthy growth and a beautiful display next year.