As the leaves change color and begin to fall in the Northern Hemisphere, many gardeners turn their attention to planning their spring gardens. However, before you start designing your flower beds or vegetable plots, consider what you can plant in November to enjoy a vibrant winter landscape and an early start in the spring. Let's explore some options for what to sow in November in the Northern Hemisphere.
November is an excellent month to prepare your garden for the coming months. With cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall, it's a perfect time to enhance your soil, plant cover crops, and even start some seeds indoors or in a cold frame. This guide will delve into the best practices for November gardening, focusing on activities that will improve your garden's health and productivity.
Great Indoor Starts for November
Starting certain seeds indoors in November allows them to germinate and grow during the cold months, giving them a head start for the spring. This practice is particularly useful for plants that need a longer growing season or are slow to germinate.
While many plants require warmth and light to germinate, some are quite hardy and can be started in the cool, shorter days of November. Some examples include:
Vegetables
**Brassicas**: Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and collards can all be started indoors in November. They require a period of cold stratification (exposure to cold temperatures) to encourage flowering, and starting them indoors allows you to move them outdoors just as their active growth stage begins, optimizing their production.
**Root Vegetables**: Carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips can be started indoors in November. Although they take longer to germinate, giving them a head start indoors can help improve their development and yield.
Flowers
**Biennials**: Biennial flowers like sweet William, foxglove, and hollyhock can be started indoors in November. These plants produce basal leaves in their first year and flowering stalks in their second year. Starting them indoors allows them to establish strong root systems and grow larger, more prolific flowers.
**Cool-season Annuals**: Some cool-season annuals, such as pansies, violas, calibrachoa, and annual forget-me-nots, can be started indoors in November. These flowers are less heat-tolerant and will perform better in the cooler temperatures of early spring.
Direct Sowing Opportunities in November
While many plants are best sown indoors in November, some can be directly sown into the garden as the weather cools. Direct sowing can save time and resources, as you won't need to grow your plants in seed trays or small pots first. However, ensure you choose species adapted to cool temperatures and, in some cases, provide some protection, like cold frames or row covers.
Here are some options for direct sowing in November:
Vegetables
**Leafy Greens**: Lettuce, spinach, arugula, and other leafy greens can be sown directly into the garden in November. Many varieties are bolt-resistant and will grow steadily throughout the winter, providing fresh greens for salads and sandwiches.
**Crops Protected from Frost**: Gardeners in warmer regions can direct sow crops like peas, fava beans, and cool-season peas in November. For those in colder climates, these plants can be sown in fall and covered with a row cover or cold frame to protect them from frost.
Flowers
**Wildflowers**: Many wildflowers can be direct-sown in November, taking advantage of the cool, moist conditions to germinate and establish roots. Cool-season bloomers like Siberian squill, crocuses, and snowdrops can be sown in late fall for early spring color.
**Biennials**: Some biennial flowers, like sweet William and foxglove, can tolerate frost and can be sown directly into the garden in November. They will establish themselves throughout the winter and form beautiful flowers in the spring.
November offers many opportunities for gardeners in the Northern Hemisphere to prepare their gardens for the coming season. By starting seeds indoors, direct sowing, and caring for your garden, you'll be well on your way to a thriving, productive spring garden. So, grab your gloves, and let's get out there and enjoy everything November has to offer!