What to Sow in November
Rest and protection — the soil sleeps, the planning begins.
November is quiet in the garden. Little can be sown outdoors, but hardy garlic and broad beans can still go in where the ground is workable, and protected sowings continue under cover. It is the season to protect, tidy, and reflect.
Dates assume a temperate Central European climate. Warmer regions can sow a little earlier; colder or higher areas a little later. Ask a coach if you’d like advice for your own climate zone.
Start indoors / under cover
Microgreens & windowsill herbs
HerbsSow densely in trays indoors for fresh, nutritious greens through the dark months.
Sow direct outdoors
Garlic (if not yet planted)
VegetablesPlant cloves 5 cm deep while the soil is still workable.
Hardy broad beans (mild areas)
VegetablesA final sowing 5 cm deep under cloches in sheltered gardens.
Tips for November
- Mulch bare soil with compost or leaves to shelter soil life over winter.
- Move tender pots into a frost-free place and lag outdoor taps.
- Use the dark evenings to review this year’s notes and plan next season.
Harvesting now
Leeks, kale, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, celeriac, and stored roots and squash.