November in the vegetable garden

November marks the start of the cold season: days are shorter, frosts become more frequent, and the soil gradually rests. But the garden doesn’t sleep yet! It’s the moment to harvest the last vegetables, protect the crops still in place, and prepare the soil for the coming spring.

🌱 Possible sowings and plantings

Opportunities are limited, but there are still some useful tasks:

• Winter peas and broad beans: in mild climates, they can be sown directly outdoors for an early spring harvest.

• Garlic, onions and shallots: if not yet planted, they can still go in the ground, as long as the soil isn’t waterlogged or frozen.

• Cold-resistant green manures (rye, vetch, field beans): they cover the soil, limit nutrient leaching, and improve soil structure.

🥒 Autumn harvests

November is still an active month for harvesting:

• Root vegetables: carrots, beetroots, parsnips, turnips.

• Cabbages (Brussels sprouts, kale, winter white cabbage) and leeks.

• Pumpkins and squashes: if not yet done, bring them indoors to prevent frost damage.

• Fruit: apples, pears and kiwis depending on the region.

Store harvests in a cool, dry and ventilated place.

🍂 Garden care and protection

November is mainly about preparation and protection:

• Mulching: cover the beds with dead leaves, straw or shredded material to protect the soil and keep soil life active.

• Cleaning: remove exhausted plants, discard diseased debris and compost healthy waste.

• Compost: spread mature compost on cleared beds and start a new pile with autumn residues.

• Frost protection: cover sensitive crops such as lettuces, strawberries or young plants with fleece, cloches or tunnels.

✅ In summary

In November, the vegetable garden switches to winter mode:

• Last plantings (garlic, shallots, broad beans, peas depending on climate).

• Harvest of root vegetables, cabbages and leeks.

• Store pumpkins and fruits in a safe place.

• Mulching, composting and garden cleaning.

• Protect sensitive crops against frost.

November is a calm but essential month: by taking care of the soil and protecting crops, you’re already preparing a fertile and productive spring.