What to Plant in November — Winter Garden Guide by Zone 2026

What to plant in November by USDA hardiness zone

Zones 5–6 — Close up and look ahead

In Zones 5-6, most outdoor vegetable gardening is finished by November. The first hard freeze has likely occurred, and soil temperatures are dropping toward the point where root growth stops. But November isn't idle — it's a critical planning and indoor-starting month.

• Garlic (early November only): If you didn't plant garlic in October and soil is still workable, plant immediately in early November. This is the absolute last chance. Mulch heavily with 6 inches of straw as soon as you plant. Any later and cloves won't establish roots before deep freeze.
• Indoor seed starting — start now: November is the right time to start onion and leek seeds under grow lights. These slow growers need 12-14 weeks to reach transplant size, putting them ready for March-April outdoor planting. Use a seedling heat mat (65-70°F soil temperature) for fastest germination.
• Cold frame harvest: If you have a cold frame or low tunnel, you may still be harvesting mâche, kale, and cold-hardy spinach throughout November and even December in Zone 6. These crops can handle temperatures down to 10-15°F with protection.
• Garden cleanup: Cut back frosted annuals, mulch perennial beds with 3-4 inches of shredded leaves, and clean/oil all tools before storage.

Zones 7–8 — Cold frames, garlic and winter harvests

Zone 7-8 (Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, upper South) enjoys a relatively mild November that keeps options open. First killing frost may arrive mid-to-late November, but cold frames and row covers extend the productive season significantly.

• Garlic (all of November): Zone 7-8 can plant garlic throughout November — soil temperatures are still acceptable for root establishment. This is the latest recommended window. Plant, water in well, and mulch immediately with 4 inches of straw.
• Overwintering onions: Plant onion sets (not transplants from seed) for overwintering. Varieties like Walla Walla (Zone 8) and Yellow Ebenezer overwinter well and produce spring green onions and early summer bulbs. Plant 2 inches deep, 4-6 inches apart.
• Cold-hardy direct sow: Mâche (corn salad) is arguably the most cold-tolerant salad green available — it grows slowly through winter and is ready to harvest February-March. Direct sow in November in Zone 7-8. Claytonia (miner's lettuce) is equally cold-hardy and can be direct-sown now.
• Under row cover: Established kale, spinach, and Swiss chard planted in September-October continue producing under row cover throughout November and December. Harvest outer leaves regularly to keep plants productive.

Zones 9–11 — Peak fall garden season

In warm-winter zones (Southern California, Texas, Gulf Coast, Florida), November is one of the two best growing months of the year. Temperatures hover between 55-75°F during the day — perfect for virtually every cool-season vegetable. This is your peak season, not your off-season.

• Full transplant schedule: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, collards, kohlrabi — all can be transplanted throughout November. For Zones 10-11, this is actually the prime transplant window for brassicas.
• Direct sow everything: Lettuce, spinach, arugula, beets, carrots, turnips, radishes, cilantro, fennel, Swiss chard, Asian greens, and peas. The cooler temperatures mean less bolting and pest pressure — your fall garden is easier to manage than any summer garden.
• Peas and fava beans: November is peak planting time for peas in Zone 9-11. Plant sugar snap peas, snow peas, and shelling peas — they'll produce February-April. Fava beans planted now will tower to 5 feet and produce March-May.
• Garlic: Early November is the window in Zone 9 when soil cools enough for garlic planting (below 65°F). Zone 10-11 may need to wait until late November or December. Choose softneck varieties for warm climates.

November planting calendar by USDA zone

Cold frames: the most valuable winter garden tool

A cold frame — essentially an unheated box with a transparent lid — extends the growing season by 4-6 weeks on both ends of the year. In Zone 6, a cold frame can keep lettuce and spinach producing through December and January. In Zone 7-8, it makes winter harvests reliable throughout the season.

• Basic cold frame: A wooden or concrete block box 12-18 inches tall, topped with an old window or polycarbonate sheet. Orient to face south for maximum sun exposure. No electricity required.
• Temperature management: Open the lid during the day whenever temperatures are above 40°F to prevent overheating and condensation. Close at night when temperatures drop.
• Best crops for cold frames: Mâche, claytonia, spinach, kale, arugula, and Asian mustard greens. All can be harvested at 35-40°F — just wait for the leaves to thaw before cutting.
• Passive solar bonus: Place a jug of water painted black inside the cold frame. It absorbs heat during the day and slowly releases it at night, providing several extra degrees of frost protection.

November indoor garden tasks

For Zone 5-6 and 7-8 gardeners, November is the month to shift focus indoors. These tasks now pay dividends in spring.

• Start onions and leeks under grow lights: Onions need 12-14 weeks from seed to transplant. Starting in November puts them ready for March planting. Sow 3-4 seeds per cell, thin to 1 per cell when 2 inches tall. Keep grow lights 2-4 inches above seedlings.
• Order seeds now: The best heirloom tomato and specialty pepper varieties sell out by January. Order now from seed companies for guaranteed availability. Make a crop rotation plan while you're at it.
• Soil test: Send a soil sample to your county extension service. Results take 2-3 weeks, and knowing your pH and nutrient levels now means you can amend over winter and be ready for spring planting.
• Clean and inventory tools: Sharpen hoes, pruners, and spades. Oil wooden handles. Inventory supplies: row cover, stakes, twine, seed-starting supplies. Replace before spring rush when prices spike.

Frequently asked questions about what to plant in November