8 Vegetables to Plant in November

Removing grass clippings, adding organic matter to the garden soil, starting a new compost pile and harvesting fall veggies are some of the gardening chores that you must carry in the month of November.

But there are few vegetables that you can still plant in November and enjoy the harvest in late winter or mid-spring depending on your USDA zones.

Though most consider spring as the season of gardening, there are cold hardy crops that don’t perform well under intense sunlight.

Such cold-hardy plants easily adapt to cooler climatic conditions, making them ideal to plant fall and grow through winter to be harvested in Spring.

Veggies like garlic, spinach, turnips and kale are not just cold tolerant, they can even tolerate light frost.

For a successful planting in November, you should first analyse climatic conditions in your region and accordingly choose the plants that can survive shorter days and longer cold nights.

For few vegetables planted in November you might have to provide external protect from moderate to heavy frost.

Climatic Conditions Based on USDA Zones

In November, the weather keeps getting colder. In the colder zones (3–5), daytime temperatures are usually 20–50F, and hard frosts happen often.

In zones 6–7, it’s a bit milder, with 35–60F days and lighter frosts. These areas are moving from the growing season into winter dormancy. Zones 6–7 are the best spots for keeping vegetables alive through winter and for late fall gardening.

Temperature in USDA zones 8–9 stay comfortable at 45–70F, with only rare light frosts. This means you can keep growing vegetables.

USDA zones 10–11 are even warmer with temperature ranging from 55–80F, with no frost at all, making it easy to garden year-round.

8 Vegetables that You Can Still Plant in November

What’s most challenging in November is not just the cold temperature, but it is the intensity of sunlight and shorter days approaches your annual minimum.

So, you must choose plants that not only survive colder climates, but can thrive even in short days in November.

Important: Providing external protection with PVC hoop structure can save your cold hardy plants from heavy frost.

Even if you think your zone falls under colder regions, you can try growing veggies under this hoop protection.

1. Garlic

Garlic is a classic fall crop because it actually prefers a cold start. When you plant cloves in November, they establish roots before the ground freezes and then lie dormant until spring warmth wakes them up. By early summer, you’ll be pulling fat bulbs from the soil.

Choose a sunny spot with loose, well-drained soil. Plant each clove a few inches deep, pointed side up, and mulch well to protect against winter freezes. Hardneck varieties tend to handle cold climates better, while softneck does well in mild winters.

Also Read: How to Grow Garlic in Fall?

2. Spinach

Spinach is surprisingly hardy. Sowing it in November allows the seeds to germinate in cool soil, and the plants will survive light frosts easily. In fact, cooler weather often makes spinach leaves sweeter and less bitter.

A raised bed or a protected spot works best. Keep the soil moist, but don’t overwater in chilly weather. If winters are harsh in your area, adding a row cover will keep the plants thriving well into late winter or even spring.

3. Onions

Onion sets or overwintering onion varieties can go in the ground this month. They develop strong root systems over winter and put their energy into bulbs as the days lengthen in spring.

For best results, plant them in well-drained soil enriched with compost. Spacing is key—give them room to swell when the time comes. If you live in a region with very cold winters, consider covering them with straw mulch for extra insulation.

4. Kale

Few vegetables are as cold-tolerant as kale. Even when frosted, the leaves stay crisp and flavorful, making it a reliable winter crop. Planting in November ensures you’ll have a steady harvest well into early spring.

Kale likes full sun but tolerates partial shade. Keep soil rich with organic matter, and water consistently. Younger leaves are more tender, so harvest regularly to encourage fresh growth. Once established, kale shrugs off snow and ice better than most greens.

Also Read: 30 Best Vegetables to Grow in Buckets

5. Carrots

Carrots can be sown late in the season because their seeds germinate in cooler temperatures. In fact, carrots harvested after frosts tend to taste sweeter as the starches turn to sugar.

Plant seeds directly into loose, stone-free soil, and cover lightly. They grow slowly in cold conditions, but patience pays off—come spring, you’ll enjoy crisp, sweet roots. Mulching helps insulate the soil, ensuring they don’t freeze too quickly.

6. Broad Beans (Fava Beans)

Broad beans love cool weather and will happily overwinter in many climates. November sowing means early beans by spring, long before most other crops are ready.

Direct sow into fertile soil with good drainage. Keep the spacing generous, as plants grow tall and leafy. If winters are severe, a fleece or simple cover provides enough protection. Their bonus? Broad beans fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for future crops.

7. Lettuce

Cool-season lettuces thrive when planted in late autumn. While growth slows down in cold weather, the plants remain alive and ready to pick as baby greens whenever needed.

Opt for hardy varieties like romaine or winter mixes. Provide a little shelter, such as a cloche or cold frame, to keep growth steady. Harvest outer leaves as you go, and the plants will keep producing through much of winter.

8. Shallots

Like garlic, shallots are well-suited for November planting. They overwinter quietly and reward you with clusters of bulbs in late spring to early summer.

Plant sets in sunny, free-draining soil, spacing them several inches apart. A layer of mulch helps retain warmth and moisture while also deterring weeds.

Shallots are low-maintenance once established and store well after harvest, making them a smart fall choice.

How to Protect Young Vegetable Plants from Frost?

When frost rolls in, young vegetable plants are the most vulnerable. Their tender stems and leaves can easily be damaged by freezing temperatures, which stop growth or even kill the plant altogether. The good news is that with a little preparation, you can shield them and keep your garden going through the chill.

One of the simplest methods is using covers. Old bed sheets, light blankets, or frost cloths can be draped over plants in the evening and removed in the morning once temperatures rise.

These covers trap warmth from the soil and protect plants from direct frost. If you’re covering rows of veggies, support the fabric with stakes or hoops so it doesn’t crush delicate foliage.

Mulching is another great layer of defense. A thick blanket of straw, shredded leaves, or compost around the base of plants helps insulate roots and maintain more stable soil temperatures.

Even if the top growth suffers a bit, healthy roots often allow plants to bounce back. For potted vegetables, simply moving containers closer to walls or under a porch provides extra shelter.

For more stubborn cold snaps, mini greenhouses or cold frames are worth the effort. These structures trap solar heat during the day and release it slowly overnight, creating a more stable microclimate.

Even a simple DIY version with clear plastic or old windows can make a big difference. The key is acting before frost hits—once plants are damaged, it’s too late for protection.

Conclusion

Planting in November may feel late in the year, but it’s actually a smart way to get ahead of the next season.

Garlic, onions, and shallots quietly take root through winter, while hardy greens like kale, spinach, and lettuce give you fresh harvests when little else is growing.

Even carrots and broad beans sweeten or strengthen in the cold. By tucking these crops into the soil now, you’re setting yourself up for earlier, stronger harvests and making the most of the cooler months.