Whether for Quick Crops or Spring Harvests: 7 Vegetables to Plant in November (Plus the Best Varieties to Sow)

November is a pivotal month for gardeners. With cooler temperatures and shorter days in many regions, planting decisions now can determine the success of your garden for the upcoming spring and early summer. Whether you are looking for quick-growing crops to enjoy before winter fully sets in, or preparing for a spring harvest, November is a strategic time to sow certain vegetables.

Here’s a guide to 7 vegetables you should plant in November, along with the best varieties for each.

1. Spinach – Fast, Nutritious, and Cold-Hardy

Spinach thrives in cool weather, making it ideal for November sowing. It grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times through cut-and-come-again harvesting.

Best varieties:

• ‘Bloomsdale’ – classic, large leaves, slow to bolt
• ‘Space’ – compact, heat-tolerant, great for small gardens
• ‘Winter Bloomsdale’ – hardy and suitable for late-season harvests

2. Lettuce – Fresh Greens All Winter

Lettuce is another cool-weather crop that grows well in November. Sow directly into soil or trays for an early spring harvest. Baby leaf varieties allow multiple harvests before full maturity.

Best varieties:

• ‘Buttercrunch’ – crisp and sweet, highly resilient
• ‘Little Gem’ – compact, perfect for small spaces
• ‘Red Salad Bowl’ – vibrant red leaves, ideal for salads

3. Radishes – Quick and Rewarding

Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, often ready to harvest in 3–4 weeks. They’re perfect for quick crops to enjoy during late fall or early winter.

Best varieties:

• ‘Cherry Belle’ – classic round, red radishes
• ‘French Breakfast’ – elongated, mild-flavored
• ‘White Icicle’ – crisp and decorative

4. Garlic – Plant Now for Summer Harvest

November is the ideal month to plant garlic cloves in most temperate regions. Garlic planted now establishes roots over winter and produces robust bulbs by summer.

Best varieties:

• ‘German Extra Hardy’ – large, flavorful bulbs
• ‘Spanish Roja’ – rich, strong flavor, long storage
• ‘Music’ – reliable, cold-tolerant variety

5. Carrots – Cold-Resistant and Sweet

Carrots can be sown in November for a late winter or early spring harvest. Cooler soil temperatures help enhance their sweetness, and many varieties tolerate frost.

Best varieties:

• ‘Nantes’ – cylindrical, tender, and sweet
• ‘Amsterdam Forcing’ – small, ideal for containers
• ‘Sugarsnax 54’ – fast-growing, crisp, and flavorful

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6. Kale – Hardy Greens for Winter and Spring

Kale thrives in cold weather and becomes sweeter after frost. Planting in November ensures a healthy crop ready for winter salads and early spring harvests.

Best varieties:

• ‘Winterbor’ – frilly, dark green leaves, frost-hardy
• ‘Red Russian’ – tender, sweet, and purple-veined
• ‘Dwarf Blue Curled’ – compact, decorative, and hardy

7. Peas – Early Spring Bounty

Sowing peas in November allows them to establish roots before winter and produce an early harvest in spring. Choose cold-tolerant varieties and provide support for climbing types.

Best varieties:

• ‘Kelvedon Wonder’ – classic, sweet, and early-bearing
• ‘Oregon Sugar Pod’ – crunchy, snap variety
• ‘Lincoln’ – hardy, reliable, great for cooler climates

Tips for November Planting Success

1. Check Your Zone – Ensure the crops you plant match your local climate. Cold-hardy vegetables perform best in November sowing.
2. Use Raised Beds or Containers – These warm up faster than the ground and help extend your growing season.
3. Protect Young Plants – Use cloches, row covers, or frost blankets to shield tender seedlings from frost.
4. Soil Preparation – Add compost or well-rotted manure to provide nutrients for healthy growth.
5. Succession Planting – Sow quick-growing crops like radishes and spinach in intervals for continuous harvest.
   
   
   

Final Thoughts

November is an opportunity for gardeners to maximize both quick and long-term yields. By focusing on cold-hardy and fast-growing vegetables, you can enjoy fresh produce even during the colder months while preparing for a thriving spring harvest. With careful planning, the right varieties, and proper protection, your November planting can reward you with abundant, nutritious, and delicious vegetables.

References

1. Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). What to plant in November. RHS Gardening. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/in-month
2. Gardeners’ World. (n.d.). Vegetable seeds to sow in November. BBC Gardeners’ World. https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/vegetable-seeds-to-sow-in-november/
3. Urban Farmer Seeds. (n.d.). What to plant in November. Urban Farmer. https://www.ufseeds.com/what-to-plant-in-november.html