November might feel like the end of the growing season, but it’s not! In many places, it’s actually a great time to plant.
Cooler days and cozy nights are perfect for certain veggies and herbs. Some plants even taste better after a little frost.
Whether you have a big backyard or just a small pot on the porch, there’s something here for you. You don’t need to be an expert to get started.
In this list, we’ll show you easy vegetables and herbs to plant this month. Grab your gloves, and let’s get growing!
15 Vegetables & Herbs to Plant in November
This month is perfect for leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce. They grow well in cool weather and don’t mind a light chill.
Root veggies such as carrots, beets, and radishes also do great now. They grow sweeter and tastier once the weather turns cold.
Herbs like cilantro, parsley, and chives are easy picks too. They add fresh flavor to your meals all through the winter.
1. Spinach
Spinach loves cool, crisp weather, which makes November the perfect time to get it in the ground.
The chilly air actually helps the leaves grow sweeter, softer, and even more tender than in warmer months.
You can plant spinach seeds right in your garden soil or tuck them into a small pot on your porch. It doesn’t need much space at all, so it’s a great choice even for tiny gardens or balconies.
In just a few short weeks, you’ll have fresh, leafy greens ready to pick and enjoy. Toss them into a crunchy salad, a warm soup, or even a smoothie for a simple, healthy treat.
2. Kale
Kale is a tough little plant that actually gets happier when the weather turns cold. Frosty nights bring out a natural sweetness in the leaves, making them taste even better than before.
Planting kale in November is easy, whether you use a garden bed or a simple container. It doesn’t ask for much, just some sunlight and a bit of water now and then.
Give it a few weeks, and you’ll have sturdy, dark green leaves ready for picking. Add them to soups, sautés, or crispy baked kale chips for a fun and healthy snack.
Also Read: 17 Budget-Friendly Patio Vegetable Garden Ideas
3. Lettuce
Lettuce grows best when the air is cool, which makes November a wonderful time to plant it. The mild weather helps the leaves stay crisp, fresh, and full of flavor.
Whether you choose loose leaf or a head variety, lettuce is simple to grow in beds or containers. It doesn’t take up much room, so even small spaces can fit a few rows.
Water it regularly and give it some sunlight, and you’ll see leaves sprout up quickly. Fresh lettuce makes any sandwich or salad feel extra special.
In just a short time, you’ll be harvesting crisp greens right from your own garden. There’s nothing quite like the taste of lettuce you grew yourself.
4. Carrots
Carrots are one of those veggies that actually taste better after a little cold weather. November’s cool temperatures help the roots turn sweeter and more flavorful underground.
Plant the seeds directly into loose, soft soil so the roots have plenty of room to grow long and straight. Carrots don’t like rocky or hard ground, so a little prep goes a long way.
Be patient, because carrots take a bit longer to grow than leafy greens. But the wait is worth it once you pull up those bright, crunchy roots.
5. Beets
Beets are another root veggie that loves cooler weather and grows well this time of year. Both the roots and the leafy tops are tasty, so you get two treats in one plant.
Plant beet seeds in soft soil with a little space between each one. They don’t need much fuss, just steady watering and a sunny spot.
In a few weeks, you’ll have colorful roots ready to roast, pickle, or toss in a salad. Even the leafy greens on top can be cooked up just like spinach.
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6. Radishes
Radishes are one of the fastest veggies you can grow, making them perfect for beginners. They’re ready to pick in just a few short weeks, so you won’t have to wait long.
Simply plant the seeds in loose soil and keep them watered. Radishes don’t need a lot of space, so they fit nicely in small gardens or pots.
Once they’re ready, you’ll have crunchy, peppery roots perfect for salads or a light snack. They’re a fun and easy way to see quick results in your garden.
7. Turnips
Turnips are hardy root veggies that truly thrive once the weather cools down in November. The chilly air helps them grow a milder, sweeter flavor than summer-grown ones.
Just tuck the seeds into loose, well-drained soil and give them room to spread. A little regular watering and sunshine is really all they ask for.
Within a few weeks, the roots plump up nicely and are ready to pull. Don’t toss the leafy tops either, since they’re tasty when cooked like other greens.
Turnips are great roasted, mashed, or added to a warm stew. They bring something different and satisfying to your November harvest.
8. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a colorful leafy green that holds up beautifully in cool November weather. Its bright red, yellow, and white stems make it as pretty as it is tasty.
This plant is low maintenance, needing just steady watering and decent sunlight to grow. It works well in garden beds or large containers, so it fits many spaces.
Pick the outer leaves and let the plant keep growing for a long harvest. That means fresh greens for your table again and again through the colder months.
Toss the leaves into a stir-fry, sauté them with garlic, or add to soup. Swiss chard keeps giving back flavor and nutrition all season long.
9. Garlic
Garlic needs a long, slow growing season, so planting cloves in November works well. This gives them time to settle in and grow strong roots before summer harvest.
Separate the cloves and tuck them into soil with the pointy end facing up. Garlic likes well-drained soil and a sunny spot to grow its best.
Once planted, garlic mostly takes care of itself through the winter months. It just needs occasional watering during dry spells here and there.
Homegrown garlic has a fresher, bolder flavor than store-bought bulbs. It’s well worth the wait for anyone who loves cooking with big flavor.
10. Onions
Onions are a slow-growing crop that benefits from an early November planting. Cool weather helps young plants build strong roots before growing bulbs later on.
Plant onion sets, small young bulbs, directly into loose, fertile soil. They like a sunny spot and soil that drains well, not soggy ground.
Onions take time to mature but don’t need much fuss once settled in. Just keep the soil lightly moist and let nature do the rest.
Come harvest time, you’ll have flavorful onions perfect for cooking or storing. Growing your own onions is a simple way to add a kitchen staple at home.
Also Read: 18 Low-Cost Raised Vegetable Garden Ideas
11. Peas
Peas are a cool-season crop that grow especially well when planted in November. They actually prefer chilly weather over the heat of summer to grow their best.
Plant the seeds directly into soil, and give young vines something to climb like a trellis. Peas like moist soil and a good amount of sunlight to thrive.
Within a few weeks, you’ll start to see little pods forming along the vines. Watch closely, because peas grow fast once they get going.
Fresh peas are sweet, crunchy, and perfect straight off the vine or tossed in a dish. They’re a fun and rewarding veggie to grow at home.
12. Broccoli
Broccoli loves cool weather, which makes November a smart time to get it planted. Cold air actually helps broccoli grow tighter, tastier heads than warm weather does.
Plant young broccoli starts into rich, well-drained soil with plenty of room to spread. They need steady watering and a good amount of sunlight each day.
It takes a little patience, since broccoli grows slowly compared to leafy greens. But the wait pays off with big, hearty heads ready to harvest.
Steam it, roast it, or toss it into a stir-fry for a tasty, healthy dish. Homegrown broccoli tastes fresher and better than anything from the store.
13. Cabbage
Cabbage is another sturdy veggie that grows well in the cooler days of November. Cold weather actually helps the leaves grow crisp and full of flavor.
Plant cabbage starts in soil that drains well and gets plenty of sunshine. Give each plant enough space, since cabbage heads grow fairly large over time.
Keep the soil moist and watch as the leaves slowly wrap into a tight head. It takes some patience, but cabbage is a low-fuss plant overall.
Use it in soups, slaws, or a warm side dish for dinner. Homegrown cabbage brings a fresh crunch you won’t find in store-bought heads.
14. Cilantro
Cilantro grows best in cooler weather, making November a great time to plant it. Warm summer heat often makes cilantro bolt too fast, but cool air keeps it growing steady.
Scatter the seeds into soil and keep them lightly watered as they sprout. Cilantro doesn’t need much space, so it grows well in pots or small garden beds.
In just a few weeks, you’ll have fresh, fragrant leaves ready to snip and use. It grows quickly, so you’ll enjoy a steady supply all season long.
Add fresh cilantro to salsas, soups, or tacos for a burst of bright flavor. It’s an easy herb that adds a lot to your cooking with very little effort.
15. Parsley
Parsley is a hardy herb that handles cool November weather without any trouble at all. In fact, it often keeps growing steadily even as the temperatures start to drop.
Plant the seeds or small starts into soil that drains well and gets good sunlight. Parsley doesn’t ask for much, just regular watering and a little patience while it settles in.
It grows slowly at first, but once it gets going, you’ll have plenty of leaves to pick. Snip the outer leaves as you need them, and the plant will keep producing more.
Fresh parsley adds a bright, clean flavor to soups, salads, and just about any savory dish. It’s a simple, reliable herb that rounds out your November garden nicely.
Also Read: 17 Best Cucumber Companion Plants
Conclusion
Fall doesn’t mean your garden has to stop growing, and November proves that in a big way. There’s still plenty of time to plant, grow, and enjoy fresh food at home.
These fifteen picks are easy to grow and don’t need a lot of fuss or fancy tools. With a little water, sunlight, and patience, you’ll have fresh food ready before you know it.
So grab some seeds, get your hands in the soil, and start planting today. Your future self will thank you when it’s time to harvest and enjoy the tasty results.