25 Vegetables and Herbs You Should Plant in November

When most gardeners are packing up for winter, November quietly opens a second growing season. Cooler soil, softer light, and fewer pests create the perfect environment for hardy vegetables and herbs that thrive when others fade.

Whether you’re extending your harvest or planning for spring, this month offers some of the most rewarding planting opportunities.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best vegetables and herbs to plant in November—complete with planting details, protection methods, and expert tips drawn from years of cool-season gardening.

What to Plant in November: 25 Hardy Vegetables and Herbs That Thrive in the Cold

Before you get started, remember that timing and soil health are everything. Plant as soon as the soil is workable—ideally before the first hard freeze. Raised beds, mulched garden rows, or deep containers all work beautifully this time of year.

1. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is the cornerstone of any November garden. Plant individual cloves, pointed end up, 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Fall planting lets roots establish before the soil freezes, ensuring large, flavorful bulbs by summer. Choose hardneck varieties like ‘Music’ or ‘German Extra Hardy’ for cold zones, or softneck types for milder climates. Cover beds with 3 inches of straw mulch to protect against frost and heaving.

Expert Tip: Rotate garlic yearly—avoid planting where onions or leeks grew last season to reduce disease buildup.

2. Onion (Allium cepa)

Overwintering onion sets are a dependable option when planted in late fall. Choose varieties like ‘Senshu Yellow’ or ‘Walla Walla Sweet’ and plant bulbs with their tips just showing above the soil. They’ll root quietly through winter and produce full bulbs early next summer. Onions prefer loose, compost-rich soil and need full sun for best flavor development. Add mulch once shoots appear to moderate soil temperature.

Expert Tip: Plant onions beside carrots or beets to naturally deter pests and balance nutrient use in winter beds.

Also Read: 15 Best and 5 Worst Companion Plants for Cabbage (Chart Included)

3. Shallot (Allium ascalonicum)

Shallots are a gardener’s secret for gourmet flavor in small spaces. Plant individual bulbs 6 inches apart and 2 inches deep in sandy, well-drained soil. Unlike onions, shallots multiply underground, giving you a cluster from each set by summer. They tolerate frost exceptionally well and require minimal attention after planting. Keep the bed weed-free and mulch lightly.

Expert Tip: Shallots thrive in the same bed rotation as garlic and make an excellent border crop for raised beds.

4. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

Few vegetables to plant in November grow as reliably as spinach. Sow seeds about ½ inch deep and thin seedlings to 4 inches apart. Varieties like ‘Giant Winter’ or ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’ handle frost with ease and can overwinter under simple row covers. Regular watering keeps leaves tender and sweet. You can harvest baby leaves within three weeks of mild weather.

Expert Tip: Spinach germinates best in soil between 40–60°F, so avoid overly cold or saturated ground.

5. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Cold-hardy lettuces bring color and crunch to late-season gardens. Try ‘Winter Density’ or ‘Arctic King’—both bred for short days and chilly nights. Direct-sow seeds in rows 12 inches apart, then protect with a cold frame or fleece. Growth slows in deep winter but rebounds fast as days lengthen. Harvest outer leaves for continuous regrowth.

Expert Tip: Mix loose-leaf and butterhead types for a living salad bar that thrives well into early spring.

Also Read: 20 Best Cauliflower Companion Plants (with Chart)

6. Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica)

Kale is built for November. Frost not only strengthens its structure but deepens its flavor. Choose varieties like ‘Red Russian’ or ‘Winterbor’ and plant seedlings 12–18 inches apart in rich soil. These sturdy greens will withstand snow with a light mulch layer. Kale continues producing until late spring, especially if harvested from the lower leaves upward.

Expert Tip: Avoid heavy nitrogen feeding now—slow growth ensures sturdier, sweeter leaves through the cold season.

7. Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea)

Mustard greens are one of the fastest-growing vegetables to plant in November. Sow directly in garden beds about ¼ inch deep, spacing plants 6–8 inches apart. Varieties like ‘Green Wave’ or ‘Red Giant’ mature quickly, offering peppery, nutrient-rich leaves within 25 days. Cold temperatures tone down their bite and extend their picking window.

Expert Tip: For mild winters, reseed every three weeks for a steady supply of baby greens throughout winter.

8. Mizuna (Brassica rapa var. nipposinica)

This Japanese green thrives when nights turn crisp. Mizuna tolerates temperatures down to the mid-20s°F and grows well in protected beds or planters. Sow seeds thinly, about ½ inch apart, and thin seedlings for airflow. Its feathery leaves regrow quickly after cutting, making it ideal for repeat harvests. The mild, slightly spicy flavor brightens winter salads and stir-fries alike.

Expert Tip: Combine mizuna, tatsoi, and arugula under a frost cloth for a mixed winter greens patch.

Also Read: How to Grow Big, Juicy Beefsteak Tomatoes in Pots

9. Tatsoi (Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa)

Tatsoi is one of the most cold-tolerant Asian greens you can grow. Plant seeds ½ inch deep and thin seedlings to 6 inches apart. Its dark, spoon-shaped leaves form tight rosettes that tolerate frost and even light snow. In a cold frame, tatsoi grows steadily through winter and is often ready for baby harvest within 30 days.

Expert Tip: When mature leaves begin to yellow in extreme cold, cut back the crown; fresh growth usually resumes as temperatures rise.

10. Carrot (Daucus carota)

Late fall sowings of carrots produce extra-sweet roots in early spring. Varieties like ‘Napoli’ or ‘Autumn King’ thrive when planted in loose, sandy soil ¼ inch deep. Cold soil slows growth but intensifies sugars, giving you crisp, flavorful carrots by late winter. Mulch heavily to prevent the soil from freezing solid.

Expert Tip: Don’t pull fall-sown carrots early—leave them in the ground under mulch and harvest as soon as the soil thaws for superior taste.

11. Radish (Raphanus sativus)

Radishes are perfect for fast winter crops. Sow seeds directly in the garden or under row covers about ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart. Varieties like ‘French Breakfast’ or ‘Cherry Belle’ mature in just three weeks, even in cool soil. They’re one of the easiest vegetables to plant in November for new gardeners.

Expert Tip: Water sparingly—cool weather keeps soil moist longer, and too much water can lead to split or pithy roots.

12. Turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa)

Turnips thrive in cool soil, producing crisp roots and tender greens. Plant seeds ½ inch deep, spacing them 2 inches apart, and thin as they grow. Cold temperatures improve their sweetness and reduce bitterness. Varieties like ‘Hakurei’ and ‘Purple Top White Globe’ do particularly well when planted in November.

Expert Tip: Save the young greens—turnip tops are packed with nutrients and can be sautéed or added to soups for early winter meals.

13. Beet (Beta vulgaris)

Beets can be planted late in the season for early spring harvest or baby greens through winter. Sow seeds ½ inch deep and thin seedlings to 3 inches apart. ‘Detroit Dark Red’ and ‘Cylindra’ are reliable, cold-tolerant choices. Covering the bed with straw keeps soil workable and prevents freezing.

Expert Tip: Use row covers if temperatures drop below 25°F—this not only protects roots but also keeps beet greens tender and ready for harvesting.

14. Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)

Parsnips love the cold, developing their sweetest flavor after several frosts. Sow seeds directly into loose soil ½ inch deep; germination may take up to three weeks. Leave roots in the ground through winter and harvest as needed. A thick mulch will prevent the soil from freezing hard.

Expert Tip: Parsnips pair well with carrots in shared rows—carrots mature earlier, giving parsnips more space as they continue growing underground.

15. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

In mild climates, late fall is ideal for transplanting broccoli seedlings. Varieties like ‘Marathon’ tolerate cold nights and yield compact, flavorful heads in early spring. Plant 18 inches apart in fertile soil enriched with compost. Consistent moisture keeps heads tight and tender.

Expert Tip: Side shoots continue to grow after the main head is harvested—keep feeding with compost tea to encourage steady production through winter.

Must Read: How Often Should You Water Your Vegetable Garden for Better Harvests?

16. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Cold-hardy cabbages like ‘January King’ or ‘Savoy Perfection’ can handle chilly nights with minimal protection. Transplant seedlings 18 inches apart and mulch around the base to stabilize soil temperature. While growth slows in December, it resumes quickly as days lengthen. Cabbages planted in November often mature earlier than spring sowings.

Expert Tip: If heavy snow is expected, cover young transplants with straw or frost cloth to prevent crown rot and splitting.

17. Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla)

Swiss chard keeps gardens colorful and productive well past frost. Sow seeds ½ inch deep in rich, well-drained soil, spacing plants 8 inches apart. ‘Bright Lights’ and ‘Fordhook Giant’ can survive temperatures into the mid-20s°F when mulched. Chard grows slowly in winter but bounces back fast in early spring.

Expert Tip: Harvest outer stalks regularly; removing mature leaves encourages fresh growth through cold months and prevents pest damage.

18. Collard Greens (Brassica oleracea var. viridis)

Collards are among the toughest greens for fall planting. Sow seeds directly or transplant seedlings about 18 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil. They tolerate frost better than most leafy vegetables and can keep producing through light snow with a mulch cover. Their flavor actually improves after a few cold nights.

Expert Tip: For a consistent harvest, remove outer leaves first and keep the growing crown intact — this triggers steady new leaf growth all winter long.

19. Fava Beans (Vicia faba)

Also known as broad beans, favas are exceptional cold-weather legumes. Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep and 6 inches apart in loose, compost-rich soil. Hardy varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ overwinter easily in zones 7–9. They not only produce early spring pods but also enrich your soil with nitrogen.

Expert Tip: In colder zones, cover young seedlings with a low tunnel until temperatures stabilize; this encourages stronger spring sprouting.

20. Pea (Pisum sativum)

In mild regions, November is still perfect for sowing peas. Choose cold-tolerant types such as ‘Meteor’ or ‘Oregon Sugar Pod’. Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart, using trellis support early. Peas germinate slowly in cool soil but emerge healthy and strong. As a bonus, their roots help prepare nitrogen for next season’s crops.

Expert Tip: Mulch heavily and keep vines low through winter — the protection helps them resume fast growth in spring.

21. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Parsley is one of the most reliable herbs to plant in November. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in well-drained soil enriched with compost, or transplant young starts into containers. Cold weather keeps parsley’s flavor concentrated, and with a little mulch, it survives frost easily. Flat-leaf varieties like ‘Italian Giant’ are great for winter soups and garnishes.

Expert Tip: In zones with severe freezes, move potted parsley to a sunny window — it thrives indoors all season.

22. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Perennial chives add both beauty and flavor to your cool-season garden. Plant established clumps or sow seeds ¼ inch deep in fertile soil. They’ll stay semi-dormant through winter but burst back early in spring. Garlic chives, in particular, hold their flavor longer in cold weather.

Expert Tip: Cut back dead foliage before the first snow, add a thin mulch layer, and you’ll have early shoots ready for harvest by March.

23. Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)

Cool weather keeps cilantro from bolting, making November one of its best planting months. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and water lightly to keep soil evenly moist. Choose slow-bolt varieties like ‘Calypso’ or ‘Santo’. It grows well in raised beds and containers, and with light frost protection, you’ll harvest through winter.

Expert Tip: If temperatures dip below 25°F, cover cilantro with a clear dome or fleece — it quickly recovers once temperatures rise again.

24. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme’s woody stems and small leaves make it a champion among herbs to plant in November. It tolerates frost, wind, and even snow if the soil drains well. Plant divisions or nursery starts 8 inches apart in full sun. Once established, thyme grows slowly through winter but provides year-round leaves for cooking.

Expert Tip: Avoid heavy mulch directly against the stems — allow airflow to prevent rot and overwinter fungal issues.

25. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage thrives in cool temperatures and actually improves in flavor when grown through winter. Transplant young plants into well-drained soil or large containers before frost sets in. Established sage plants withstand brief freezes, especially if mulched. Trim lightly to shape, but avoid heavy pruning until spring.

Expert Tip: If you’re growing sage indoors, place it near a south-facing window — it needs at least 5 hours of direct sunlight for full aroma and leaf color.

Must Read: 20 Shade-Loving Fruits and Vegetables to Grow Easily

November Vegetables Planting & Care Checklist

Late fall planting demands a slower, steadier approach than spring. The goal isn’t fast growth — it’s strong root development that carries your vegetables and herbs safely through winter. Here’s what to focus on this month:

Prep beds before the first hard freeze. Loosen compacted soil and mix in 2–3 inches of compost or aged manure. Good drainage prevents root rot during cold, wet periods.
Plant when the soil is above 40°F. Roots can’t establish in frozen ground, so aim for mild, workable days.
Space plants generously. Cool-weather crops need airflow to resist fungal growth under covers.
Mulch for insulation. Use straw, shredded leaves, or pine needles to stabilize soil temperature and reduce weed germination.
Protect with row covers or cold frames. A single layer of frost fabric traps warmth, keeps dew off leaves, and helps crops photosynthesize even on short days.
Water deeply but infrequently. Roots still need moisture, but evaporation is slower in cold air — overwatering can cause crown rot.
Watch for soil heaving. Alternating freeze-thaw cycles can lift bulbs or seedlings. Add more mulch if you notice exposed roots.
Clean tools and tidy pathways. Fewer pests overwinter when garden debris is removed and composted.
Track soil temperature and moisture. A simple soil thermometer is a November gardener’s best friend.
Start a winter journal. Record frost dates, plant behavior, and protection methods — it becomes invaluable planning data next season.

Expert Tip: In November, prioritize soil health over fast growth. A well-prepared bed now sets the foundation for vigorous early-spring harvests.

FAQs About Vegetables and Herbs to Grow in November

Is November too late to start a vegetable garden?

Not at all. November is perfect for hardy vegetables and herbs like garlic, kale, onions, parsley, and spinach. In colder zones, use cold frames or thick mulch for protection. You’re essentially planting for late winter or early spring growth.

Can I grow vegetables and herbs in containers this month?

Yes, especially if your garden soil is frozen or heavy with clay. Use 10–12-inch pots for herbs like cilantro, parsley, or thyme. Place containers near south-facing walls where reflected heat keeps soil workable longer.

What vegetables actually benefit from frost?

Several do — spinach, kale, carrots, and collards all become sweeter after light frost. The cold triggers starches to convert into sugars, improving flavor and texture naturally.

How can I protect tender crops from sudden freezes?

Cover garden beds with floating row covers or frost blankets overnight. For small containers, inverted plastic bins or glass cloches create quick insulation. Always uncover in the morning to allow sunlight and airflow.

Which crops should I avoid planting in November?

Avoid warm-season plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, or peppers. They won’t germinate in cold soil and are best reserved for spring starts indoors.

Must Read: 20 Flowers You Should Plant in November

Now it’s your turn: What’s still growing in your garden this month? Or which of these crops are you trying next? Share your thoughts below — let’s keep learning and growing together.

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