Vegetable Seeds to Sow in November

Vegetable Seeds to Sow in November: Keep Your Garden Growing

November is a wonderful month to prepare your garden for a productive winter and early spring. Even as temperatures cool, there are many vegetable seeds you can sow now to keep your gardening efforts thriving. With the right crops and a little planning, November can become a rewarding time for planting.

The weather this month is typically between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F), making it ideal for hardy vegetables. Many leafy greens, overwintering crops, and root vegetables thrive when planted in these conditions. Whether you’re using a greenhouse, cold frame, or planting directly into the soil, November sowing can set you up for early harvests next year.

By sowing seeds now, you’ll make the most of your garden and keep your green thumb busy during the quieter months. This guide will help you select the best vegetable seeds for November, with tips to ensure healthy growth and successful results. Let’s explore how you can keep your garden productive and vibrant as the year draws to a close.

Broad Beans

November is an optimal month to sow broad beans, ensuring an early harvest next spring. These hardy legumes thrive in cooler temperatures, making them perfect for autumn planting. Choose a sunny, well-drained location in your garden and prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter. Sow seeds about 5 cm deep and 20 cm apart in double rows. Consistent watering, especially during dry spells, helps the seeds establish. Hardy varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ perform well through the winter, reaching maturity by late spring. Harvest small, tender pods for fresh use, or allow them to mature for dried beans. Broad beans not only contribute rich protein to your diet but also enhance soil fertility as they fix nitrogen, benefiting future plantings.

Lettuce – Winter

Sowing winter lettuce in November provides a fresh supply of greens through the colder months. Ideal for more sheltered spaces such as cold frames, greenhouses, or even on a sunny windowsill, winter lettuce requires well-drained, fertile soil to flourish. Sow seeds thinly in rows spaced 20 cm apart, and maintain adequate and balanced moisture with regular watering. Varieties like “Winter Density” or “Arctic King” are bred for cooler climates and withstand harsh winter conditions. Regularly pick outer leaves to encourage ongoing growth. Winter lettuce adds a crisp, nutritious element to your diet, bringing garden-fresh flavour to salads and sandwiches even when conditions outside are less inviting.

Strawberry

Plant strawberries in November to ensure a fruitful summer harvest. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil, and enhance it with organic compost to set a healthy foundation. Space the strawberry plants about 30 cm apart to allow for growth and airflow, and ensure they are adequately watered during dry periods to establish strong root systems. Mulching around the plants can conserve moisture and prevent weeds. By planting now, strawberries will establish robust roots, leading to an abundance of sweet, juicy berries from late spring through summer. Not only do strawberries offer delicious fruit, but their vibrant, leafy appearance also contributes positively to your garden’s visual appeal, promising a rewarding yield both in taste and garden aesthetics.

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