November brings a slower, steadier rhythm to the garden—yet for many of us, it’s far from the end of the season. Across the United States, there’s still time to plant, harvest, and nurture, whether out of doors or in the house or greenhouse. While northern beds rest under mulch and southern gardens keep thriving with cool-season crops, a November garden can still be surprisingly productive.
Greenhouses, cold frames, and sunny windowsills can keep fresh herbs and greens coming all winter long. Whether you’re tending hardy kale in a hoop house, starting garlic before the ground freezes, or growing microgreens indoors for crisp winter salads, the November garden offers countless ways to stay connected to the soil and keep the gardening alive.
This season is also a good time to pause, tidy up the garden, and plan what’s next. Many heirloom and open-pollinated crops can be started or overwintered now, laying the groundwork for strong growth ahead. Garlic, onions, lettuces, radishes, peas, and herbs all lend themselves to late fall planting or protected growing in cold frames and greenhouses. These time-tested seeds carry the same reliability and flavor that have fed families for generations, thriving even as temperatures dip. A little planning and protection now keeps fresh food coming through the colder months and brings the quiet satisfaction of knowing next year’s garden is already underway.
Continue reading The November Gardener’s Almanac – Zone-by-Zone: Where and What to Plant with Heirloom Seeds
