What to plant in November in the US: by USDA zone

In the US, planting in November depends on your USDA hardiness zone as winter temperatures approach. While northern growers in zones 3 through 6 focus on soil protection and planting garlic, southern and coastal gardeners in zones 7 through 10 can sow cool-season greens, root crops, and cover crops. Understanding your regional frost dates is the key to timing these final outdoor planting efforts successfully.

November represents a major transition in the American gardening calendar. In the north, the ground is freezing solid, ending the outdoor planting season. In the south, the intense summer heat has finally broken, opening the door for a productive cool-season garden that will grow through the winter months.

By aligning your planting schedule with your specific USDA zone band, you can avoid the waste of seeds sown into unsuitable soil. Understanding how frost behaves in your region ensures that your late-season crops survive the winter or get the cold exposure they need to thrive next spring.

Planting in Zones 3 and 4: Northern tier and mountain regions

In the northernmost regions of the US, November brings hard freezes and heavy snow. The window for active plant growth has closed. Gardening during this month focuses on establishing crops that will lie dormant until spring.

1. Garlic and shallots

If the ground is not yet frozen solid, early November is your final opportunity to plant garlic cloves and shallot sets. Plant cloves roughly 2 to 3 inches deep with the pointed end facing upward. Immediately cover the planting bed with a thick 4 to 6 inch layer of straw, chopped leaves, or clean mulch. This insulation prevents the freezing and thawing cycle from heaving the young bulbs out of the soil. For those with limited space, planting container garlic and shallots is a viable alternative if the pots are moved to an unheated garage or insulated frame for the winter.

2. Cold-stratification seeds

Many native wildflowers and some hardy perennial herbs require a period of cold, moist conditions to break seed dormancy. This process, known as cold stratification, happens naturally when seeds are sown in late autumn. Broadcast seeds of milkweed, echinacea, and wild lupine directly onto prepared soil. The winter snow and rain will press the seeds into the earth, triggering germination when temperatures rise in spring.

Planting in Zones 5 and 6: Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic

In the central band of the country, autumn is winding down. While the first autumn frost has typically occurred by early November, the soil remains workable for several weeks, allowing for late-season planting.

1. Hardneck garlic

November is the standard planting window for hardneck garlic in these regions. Select large, healthy cloves and space them 6 inches apart in well-drained, compost-rich soil. Mulching is necessary to protect the developing root system from severe winter temperatures. You can also successfully overwinter garlic and greens under low tunnels or heavy row covers, which keeps spinach and kale harvestable well into the cold months.

2. Spring-flowering bulbs

Plant tulips, daffodils, alliums, and crocuses throughout November. These bulbs need several weeks of temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to develop their flower buds for spring. Plant them at a depth equal to three times the height of the bulb, placing the flat root end downward. Firm the soil well to eliminate air pockets that can trap water and cause rot.

Planting in Zones 7 and 8: Upper South and Pacific Northwest

Gardeners in these transitional zones enjoy a relatively mild late autumn. While light frosts are common in November, the ground rarely freezes deep, making it possible to plant a variety of cool-season crops and woody perennials.

1. Bare-root fruit trees and shrubs

As deciduous trees enter dormancy, late autumn becomes an excellent time for planting. When you choose planting fruit trees in the fall, you allow the root systems to establish in the cool, moist soil before spring heat arrives. Ensure the graft union remains well above the soil line and apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to protect the roots from temperature fluctuations.

2. Cold-hardy leafy greens

You can transplant sturdy starts of kale, collard greens, and spinach. While these plants will grow slowly during the short days of winter, they will provide steady harvests. Use row covers during periods of extreme cold to prevent leaf damage.

3. Cover crops

If you have empty garden beds, sow winter rye or Austrian winter peas in early November. These cover crops protect the soil from winter erosion, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure. In spring, you will till or cut these crops down to add organic matter back into the garden.

Planting in Zones 9 and 10: Gulf Coast, Southwest, Florida, and California

For gardeners in the deep south and coastal west, November is one of the busiest planting months of the year. The extreme summer heat has subsided, creating perfect conditions for cool-season vegetables that struggle in summer.

1. Root vegetables

Direct-sow carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, and parsnips. These crops develop their sweetest flavors when they mature during cool winter nights. Sow seeds in loose, well-draining soil and keep the seedbeds consistently moist until germination occurs. This is a primary feature of fall gardening in the Deep South, where winter acts as the main vegetable season.

2. Cole crops and brassicas

Transplant broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi. These plants thrive in the mild daytime temperatures of late autumn. Space them properly to allow for adequate air circulation, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases during humid winter periods.

3. Cool-season herbs

Sow seeds of cilantro, parsley, dill, and chervil. These herbs bolt quickly during hot summer days, but they will produce abundant, high-quality foliage throughout the winter in warm regions.

Essential November gardening jobs across the US

Completing these seasonal maintenance tasks ensures your garden is protected during the winter and prepared for a successful spring.

1. Soil protection and mulching

Never leave garden soil bare over winter. Rain, wind, and snow can erode topsoil and leach nutrients out of it. Cover empty beds with a 3 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves, clean straw, or wood chips. Alternatively, plant a winter cover crop to hold the soil in place.

2. Winterizing irrigation systems

Freezing water expands, which can crack pipes, valves, and hoses. Drain all garden hoses, roll them up, and store them indoors. Blow out underground sprinkler systems and insulate outdoor spigots with foam covers. If you use rain barrels, drain them completely and turn them upside down to prevent water from collecting and freezing inside.

3. Cleaning and storing tools

Take time to maintain your garden tools before storing them for the winter. Scrape off dried soil, sharpen the edges of shovels and pruners, and apply a light coat of oil to metal parts to prevent rust. Rub wooden handles with linseed oil to prevent cracking. Store all tools in a dry shed or garage.

4. Protecting sensitive perennial plants

In zones 5 through 7, wrap tender shrubs, such as young figs or hybrid tea roses, in burlap to protect them from drying winter winds. Multi-layered straw barriers around the base of sensitive perennials can help them survive temperatures slightly below their normal hardiness range.