Gardening doesn’t have to end when the temperatures drop! While many think of November as the start of winter hibernation, it can actually be a great time to plant certain crops that thrive in cooler conditions. With the right preparation and plant selection, your garden can flourish even as the cold sets in. Here’s a list of specific plants you can plant in November.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the best crops to plant during November. By planting garlic in the fall, you’ll give it enough time to establish roots before winter. Come spring, the plant will sprout and mature, ready for harvest by early summer. Choose hardy varieties like Hardneck garlic, which can withstand cold winter months.
- Pro tip: Plant garlic cloves with the pointed end facing up, about 2 inches deep, and cover them with mulch to protect against frost.
Onions (Sets or Seeds)
Onions can also be planted in late fall, specifically onion sets or seeds that are cold-hardy. Choose varieties such as Yellow Globe or Red Wethersfield, which are well-suited to the cold. These onions will begin to establish roots and stay dormant during the winter, resuming growth in the spring.
- Pro tip: Plant onions about 1 inch deep in well-drained soil, ensuring they get full sun exposure.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is another perennial plant that can be planted in late fall. It’s a cold-hardy plant that can withstand winter temperatures. By planting rhubarb crowns in November, you’ll be giving them a head start to produce bountiful stalks by spring.
- Pro tip: Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter, and plant rhubarb in an area where it can receive full sunlight.
Perennial Herbs
If you’re into herbs, fall is a great time to plant certain perennial herbs that will return year after year. Herbs like sage, thyme, and oregano are hardy enough to survive the cold. Planting these in November ensures that they can establish themselves before the frost, so they’re ready to bloom next year.
- Pro tip: Mulch around herbs to provide extra insulation during the cold months.
Cover Crops
While not a traditional garden plant, cover crops are essential for enriching your soil during the winter months. Cover crops like winter rye and crimson clover help protect the soil from erosion and can be tilled into the ground in spring to improve soil quality.
- Pro tip: Plant cover crops before the ground freezes to ensure they have enough time to germinate.
Flower Bulbs (Tulips, Daffodils, and Crocus)
For a splash of color in the early spring, November is the perfect time to plant hardy flower bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. These bulbs need the cold winter months to prepare for spring blooming.
- Pro tip: Plant flower bulbs about 6 inches deep in well-draining soil. Be sure to plant them before the ground freezes!
Planting in November may seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually a great way to prepare for a bountiful spring harvest. By planting cold-hardy crops such as garlic, onions, and rhubarb, and enhancing your soil with cover crops, you can ensure your Illinois garden stays productive year-round. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, there are plenty of options for November.
If you need help with your November planting, Martin John Company’s team of landscaping designers and horticulture experts can help. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experts today.