November Planting Guide: Best Vegetable and Herb Seeds to Start

By Ryan Dorn, SouthernSeeds.com

November, a month when the chill of the fall season starts to truly make itself known, is often considered the final call for gardeners to get their hands dirty before the winter frost sets in. However, don’t be fooled by the dropping temperatures - November still holds opportunities for planting a variety of vegetables and herbs that thrive in cooler climates. In this guide, we are focusing on direct sowing, but it's important to remember that with the use of indoor spaces, cold frames, or greenhouses, you can still grow a wide array of vegetables and herbs outside the scope of this list throughout the winter months.

As always, be mindful that USDA zones are a useful tool, but not a strict rule. Every zone, including Zone 7 for instance, may encompass varied terrains such as coastlines, mountains, and plains, each with their own set of challenges and opportunities. Let our guide serve as a starting point and always take into account the unique aspects of your local environment. You can refer to our detailed guide on USDA zones here.

Let’s explore the potential that November holds for each USDA hardiness zone.

Zone 10:

Gardeners in Zone 10 can still enjoy a diverse range of vegetables and herbs that thrive in the mild climate of November. The list is quite similar to October, with the addition of a few more cool-weather favorites. Consider sowing these vegetables and herbs in your garden this November:

• Arugula
• Beans
• Beets
• Bok Choy
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Chard
• Chives
• Cilantro
• Collard Greens
• Endive
• Kale
• Kohlrabi
• Lettuce
• Mustard Greens
• Onions
• Parsley
• Peas
• Peppers 
• Potatoes
• Radish
• Salsify
• Spinach
• Turnips

Zone 9:

Zone 9 gardeners can still benefit from a wide planting window in November, with cooler evenings and pleasant days. These vegetables and herbs are great choices for maximizing your garden’s yield this month:

• Angelica (9b)
• Arugula
• Beets
• Bok Choy
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Chard
• Chicory
• Cilantro
• Collard Greens
• Kale (9b)
• Kohlrabi
• Lettuce
• Mustard Greens
• Onions
• Parsley
• Peas (Snow and Sugar)
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Rutabaga
• Spinach
• Turnips

Zone 8:

November in Zone 8 brings cooler weather, making it perfect for a blend of vegetables. Consider planting the following in your garden this month:

• Angelica
• Arugula
• Asparagus (Plant crowns)
• Beans (Broad)
• Bok Choy
• Cardoon
• Corn Salad
• Kohlrabi
• Onions
• Rutabaga
• Salsify

Zone 7:

With noticeable temperature drops in Zone 7, embrace the cooler days by adding these vegetables and herbs to your garden:

• Asparagus (Plant crowns)
• Onions

Zones 6 to 3:

The brisk November air and imminent frost make outdoor planting less advisable for gardeners in Zones 6 to 3. Instead, focus on preparing your garden for spring and consider starting some herbs indoors to maintain a touch of green during the winter months.

And There You Have It!

November, although cooler, can still be a productive month in the garden. With the right plants and a touch of diligence, your garden can continue to flourish and provide fresh produce. And remember, Southern Seeds is always here to guide and assist. If you have any questions or concerns, never hesitate to reach out. Embrace the season, and happy gardening!