November is an excellent time for planting a variety of vegetables, flowers, and woody plants that will establish well over winter, leading to abundant harvests and blooms in the spring and summer.
Vegetables for Early Harvest
Planting certain vegetables in November allows them to get a head start, often resulting in earlier and more bountiful yields than spring plantings.
Peas
Sowing first early pea varieties like 'Meteor' and 'Kelvedon Wonder' in autumn is ideal for overwintering, providing you with fresh harvests in early spring. To protect these young plants from common garden pests such as slugs, birds, and mice, consider growing them in covered containers until they are robust enough to withstand outdoor conditions.
Alliums
Members of the allium family thrive when planted in late autumn.
- Garlic: Plant individual cloves point-upwards directly into well-drained soil. Overwintering helps them develop larger, more flavorful bulbs.
- Onions and Shallots: Planting sets (small, immature bulbs) in November allows them to establish roots before the coldest weather, promoting strong growth next spring.
Other Timely Vegetables
- Pak Choi: This versatile leafy green can be sown in November for a late autumn or early winter crop in milder climates, or protected under cloches for an early spring harvest.
- Asparagus Crowns: November is a prime time to plant asparagus crowns. These perennial vegetables take a few years to establish but will provide delicious spears for decades once mature.
- Broad Beans: Hardy varieties of broad beans can be sown directly into the ground in November, offering an earlier crop than spring-sown plants.
- Winter Lettuce Varieties: Certain hardy lettuce varieties can be planted under cover for fresh leaves throughout the colder months.
Flowers for Spring Splendor
November is prime time for planting spring-flowering bulbs, as well as certain hardy annuals and perennials that will burst into color as the weather warms.
Spring-Flowering Bulbs
Planting bulbs now gives them the necessary cold period (vernalization) to produce stunning blooms.
- Tulips: Plant tulips later in November or even into December to help prevent fungal diseases.
- Daffodils (Narcissus): These cheerful flowers are robust and will naturalize well.
- Hyacinths: Known for their fragrant, dense flower spikes.
- Crocus, Snowdrops, Alliums: These smaller bulbs offer early season interest and architectural forms.
Hardy Annuals and Perennials
- Sweet Peas: In milder regions, sweet pea seeds can be sown in November for stronger plants and earlier blooms next summer.
- Viola and Pansies: These cheerful flowers can be planted now to provide color through winter and into spring.
- Hellebores: Often called "Christmas Roses," hellebores planted in autumn will establish well and provide beautiful blooms in late winter and early spring.
- Bare-root Roses: November is an ideal time to plant bare-root roses, allowing them to establish roots before spring.
Trees, Shrubs, and Fruit
Late autumn is excellent for planting woody plants, as the soil is still relatively warm, but the plants are dormant, minimizing transplant shock.
Bare-Root Trees and Shrubs
- Deciduous Trees: Many deciduous trees are available bare-root in autumn. Planting them now allows their root systems to settle in before the demands of spring growth.
- Fruit Trees and Bushes: Apples, pears, plums, as well as berry bushes like currants and gooseberries, are well-suited for bare-root planting in November. This helps them establish strong roots for future fruit production.
- Hedging Plants: Many varieties of hedging, from privet to hawthorn, can be planted as bare-root whips in November to create a new boundary or screen.
Practical Tips for November Planting
When planting in November, consider these essential tips to ensure success:
- Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage and structure.
- Watering: Even though temperatures are cooler, newly planted items still need water to settle the soil around their roots. Water thoroughly after planting.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch (e.g., compost, straw, bark chips) around new plantings. This helps insulate the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds.
- Protection: For tender plants or in colder regions, consider using cloches, horticultural fleece, or straw to offer protection from harsh frosts and strong winds.
By strategically planting in November, you can extend your gardening season and look forward to a vibrant and productive garden in the coming year.
| Plant Type | Examples to Plant in November | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetables | Peas ('Meteor', 'Kelvedon Wonder'), Garlic, Onions, Shallots, Pak Choi, Asparagus crowns, Broad Beans | Earlier harvests, stronger plants, better yields. |
| Flower Bulbs | Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Crocus, Alliums | Essential vernalization for spring blooms, vibrant garden color. |
| Flowering Plants | Sweet Peas, Pansies, Violas, Hellebores, Bare-root Roses | Winter interest, early spring blooms, robust establishment. |
| Trees & Shrubs | Deciduous Trees, Fruit Trees, Berry Bushes, Hedging Plants | Reduced transplant shock, strong root establishment before spring growth. |
