What can you plant in November UK

What to Plant in November

As the chill of November sets in across the UK, you might think that the gardening season is over. But don’t hang up your gardening gloves just yet! There’s still plenty to do in the garden and several plants you can sow for a bountiful harvest or beautiful blooms next year. Let’s explore what you can plant in November, from hardy vegetables and vibrant flowers to delicious fruit.

Vegetables to Grow in November

While the selection of vegetables that can be sown in November is smaller than in the warmer months, many hardy varieties can withstand colder temperatures and shorter days.

1. Onion Sets: Onions are a staple in many kitchens, and planting onion sets in November can give you a head start for a harvest in early summer next year. Choose a variety that’s suitable for overwintering, like ‘Electric.’ Plant the sets about 10cm apart in well-drained soil, with the tip of the bulb just protruding from the soil surface. They prefer a position in full sun, and it’s a good idea to cover them with netting or fleece to protect them from birds. We have a video on How To Grow Onion Sets right here.
2. Broad Beans: Broad beans are an excellent choice for a November sowing. Varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ can be sown directly into the ground now, and they’ll germinate within a couple of weeks, producing sturdy plants that can withstand the winter. Your reward will be an early harvest in spring, well before the beans are sown in spring. Plant them in double rows, about 20cm apart, and provide support with canes and string.
3. Garlic: Garlic is a rewarding growing crop, and November is the perfect time to plant it. Choose a variety like ‘Solent Wight’ for a harvest in early summer. Plant the cloves pointy end up, about 15cm apart and 5cm deep, in well-drained soil in a sunny position. Over the winter, the cloves will develop into vigorous plants, ready to produce juicy bulbs next year. We have a video here on How To Plant Garlic in Autumn here.
4. Peas: Some pea varieties, like ‘Meteor,’ can be sown in November for an early crop in spring. Plant them sheltered and protect them with cloches if the weather turns freezing. Peas prefer a sunny position and well-drained soil. Remember to provide support for the plants to climb as they grow.

In addition to these, you can also consider sowing winter lettuce, spinach, and turnips in November. Remember to protect your November plantings from pests like birds and mice with netting or fleece, and watch the weather forecast. If freezing weather is predicted, consider providing extra protection with cloches or horticultural fleece.

Flowers to Grow in November

Even as the days grow shorter and colder, there are still several flowers that you can sow in November. These hardy plants will bring a splash of color to your garden in the depths of winter or early spring.

1. Sweet Peas: Sweet peas are a favorite among gardeners for their vibrant colors and sweet fragrance. They can be sown in November in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. The seeds will germinate over the winter and produce vigorous plants ready to plant in spring. This will give you a head start and result in earlier and more abundant blooms. Remember to provide support for the plants to climb as they grow.
2. Pansies: Pansies are hardy flowers that can be planted in November

. They’ll provide a splash of color throughout the winter and spring. Pansies come in a wide range of colors, from vibrant purples and yellows to delicate pastels, and they’re perfect for brightening up borders, pots, and hanging baskets. Plant them in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded position.

1. Winter Aconites: Winter aconites are one of the earliest flowers to bloom in the new year, often poking through the snow as early as January. Plant the tubers in November, about 5cm deep and 5cm apart, in a sunny or partially shaded position. They prefer well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. Once established, winter aconites will spread and form a beautiful yellow carpet.
2. Cyclamen Coum: Cyclamen Coum is a hardy cyclamen that flowers in late winter, producing delicate pink flowers that can brighten up even the coldest days. Plant the tubers about 5cm deep in November in well-drained soil. They prefer a position in partial shade, making them an excellent choice for woodland gardens or underplanting shrubs and trees.

In addition to these, you can also consider planting tulip bulbs in November for a spectacular spring display. Tulips come in a wide range of colors and forms, and they’re perfect for adding a splash of color to borders and pots.

Fruit to Grow in November

November is an excellent time to plant fruit trees and bushes, as they’re usually sold as bare-root plants at this time of year. Bare-root plants are dormant, making them more resilient to being transplanted, and they’re often cheaper than pot-grown plants.

1. Apple Trees: Apple trees are a great addition to any garden, providing beautiful spring blossoms and a delicious harvest in autumn. Choose a variety suitable for your local climate and soil conditions. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot, and remember to stake the tree to support it as it grows.
2. Pear Trees: Pears are another excellent choice for a home orchard. Like apples, they should be planted in a sunny, sheltered spot. They’ll need a pollination partner, so make sure you have another pear tree nearby. Pear trees can grow quite large, but there are also dwarf varieties available that are suitable for smaller gardens or growing in pots.
3. Raspberry Canes: Raspberries are easy to grow and can provide a delicious crop of berries for many years. Plant raspberry canes in November in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They’ll need support as they grow, so install a post and wire system or a Raspberry frame.
4. Blackcurrant Bushes: Blackcurrants are packed with vitamin C and can be used in various dishes, from jams and jellies to pies and smoothies—plant blackcurrant bushes in November in a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil.

Remember to stake young fruit trees to help them establish and protect all your November plantings from frosts with a layer of mulch.

John’s recomendations you may like to purchase:

Click Here For Your Garlic Sets “Provence Wight”

Click Here For Your Shallot Sets “Jermor”

Click Here For Your Onion Sets “Snowball”

Click Here for your Supply of “Aquadulce Claudia”

If you are short on garden fleece ➡️ Click Here