November might feel like the quiet season in the garden: temperatures drop, daylight shortens, and many plants begin to die back, but there’s still plenty you can plant to set yourself up for a colourful spring and a productive growing season next year. Whether you’re nurturing a vegetable patch, planning a vibrant flower display, or simply keeping your garden active through winter, November offers more opportunities than you might think.
Spring-flowering bulbs
November is one of the last chances to plant many classic spring bulbs. The soil is still workable, and cooler temperatures help bulbs root without rotting.
Tulips thrive if planted in November. Planting into cold soil helps prevent fungal infections like tulip fire. Plant them deep (at least three times the bulb’s height) in well-draining soil.
If you haven’t planted daffodils yet, there’s still time early in the month. These hardy bulbs will pop up reliably each spring.
Perfect for borders, pots, and naturalising in grass, crocuses & hyacinths are easy to plant and brighten early spring with vibrant colour.
Winter vegetables
November is a great month to strengthen your winter veg garden or prepare for an early harvest next year.
Plant individual garlic cloves now, pointy end up. Winter-planted garlic produces stronger, larger bulbs.
Autumn-planting varieties of onions and shallots overwinter well and are ready by early summer.
Hardy broad bean varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ survive frost and give earlier crops than spring sowings.
Winter lettuce varieties such as ‘Arctic King’ or ‘Winter Gem’ can be grown under cloches or cold frames for fresh salads even in colder months.
Perennials and Shrubs
Perennials and shrubs add structure and year-round interest to the garden. Cooler weather reduces transplant shock, making November ideal for planting hardy perennials and shrubs.
- Lavender
- Hellebores
- Evergreen shrubs like holly or camellia
- Herbs such as rosemary, sage, and thyme (all frost-tolerant)
Planters and containers
If your soil is too wet or you’re short on space, November is perfect for refreshing pots with winter favourites:
- Violas & pansies for colour through winter
- Cyclamen for shaded spots
- Heathers and small conifers for texture
- Winter bedding plants to cheer up patios and doorways
Wildflowers and lawn care
Some wildflower mixes benefit from natural winter stratification. Sowing them now helps them germinate naturally in spring.
You can also:
- Lay turf while the ground is still warm enough
- Reseed bare patches
- Protect your lawn by removing leaves and aerating
Final tips
- Mulch well to protect roots from frost.
- Improve drainage in soggy areas as roots rot easily in winter.
- Use fleece or cloches for young or tender plants.
- Keep an eye on slugs and snails, which remain active in mild spells.
Planting in November isn’t just possible, it’s highly productive. With the right choices, you can bring vibrant spring flowers, early crops, and stronger garden growth next year. A little effort now sets you up beautifully for the seasons ahead. If you’re not sure about what you need to plant, and when, consult a local gardener. For more tips, follow us on Trust a Trader on Facebook or X.