What to Plant in November: Vegetables, Flowers & Fruit Trees

What to plant in November

It’s not too late to plant! Discover which vegetables, flowers, and trees to sow in November to get a head start on next year’s garden.

Though the days are getting shorter now, November planting is a smart way to get ahead for spring. By sowing now, you’ll bring your harvest forward and save precious time when the growing season begins again. Whether you’re planting vegetables, flowers, or fruit trees, here’s your complete November planting guide — including expert tips to help everything thrive.

Vegetables to plant in November

Plants and trees to plant in November

1. Vegetables to plant in November

Even as temperatures drop, several vegetables will happily grow through autumn and winter — especially with a little protection from frost. Here’s what to plant this month for early harvests and flavour-packed results.

Chillies

Common name: Chilli pepper
When to sow: Indoors, all year round
Position: Full sun
Cultivation notes: Easy to grow — plant seeds in pots on a sunny windowsill and water regularly.

Growing your own chilli peppers gives you full control over flavour, colour, and heat level. Varieties such as ‘Apache’ and ‘Medusa’ are ideal for year-round sowing and do particularly well indoors.

Chillies are easy to grow in pots — simply place them in a sunny spot like a windowsill or greenhouse.
You can start them indoors in November, then move them outside once temperatures rise in spring.
Use a good-quality, soil-based seed compost.
Water thoroughly after planting, then every other day to keep the compost moist — chillies love both warmth and regular hydration.

With the right care, your indoor chillies will flourish and be ready to add some heat to your kitchen by early summer.

Peas

Common name: Garden pea
When to sow: Autumn or early winter for early crops (otherwise March to June)
Position: Full sun
Cultivation notes: Keep sown seeds in a greenhouse during colder months and transplant outside once seedlings are established.

Early peas like ‘Meteor’ and ‘Kelvedon Wonder’ can be sown in November to overwinter and produce a delicious early spring crop.

Here’s how to get started:

Sow your seeds in a length of old guttering — this helps manage seedlings easily.
Drill small drainage holes along the base.
Fill with seed compost, right up to the top.
Space seeds roughly 3 inches apart.
Place the guttering in your greenhouse or cold frame to protect from frost.
Keep compost lightly moist and transplant the pea seedlings into the garden when they’re established.

This simple technique gives your peas a head start, producing fresh pods much earlier next year.

2. Plants and trees to plant in November

Many hardy plants and trees actually prefer being planted in cool soil — it helps them establish strong roots before spring’s growth spurt. Below are the top choices to add colour and structure to your garden this November.

Spring bulbs

When to plant: Throughout autumn until December
Position: Full sun
Cultivation notes: Select firm, undamaged bulbs and mix compost into the soil for best results.

Add instant cheer to your garden by planting spring bulbs in November. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths all thrive when planted now — and the cold soil helps prevent fungal and viral diseases.

November is the ideal month for tulips.
Discard any soft or mouldy bulbs before planting.
Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and plant bulbs at one to two times their depth, pointed side up.
Group them a few centimetres apart for a natural, full look.
Keep the soil light and well-drained over winter.

For extra fragrance, plant a pot of hyacinths on your patio or terrace. You can also add Christmas roses (hellebores) to borders for beautiful winter colour.

Bedding plants

When to plant: Throughout autumn
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Cultivation notes: Hardy plants that thrive with regular watering.

Bring instant colour and life to your garden with hardy bedding plants this November. Ideal for pots, beds, and borders, they’ll brighten even the dullest winter days.

Choose hardy varieties like pansies, violas, cyclamen, and primroses.
Add heather for texture and pollinator appeal.
For something unique, try ornamental kale or ornamental cabbage for striking foliage.
Pansies prefer sun but tolerate partial shade.
Plant them 6–10 inches apart to allow airflow.
Water regularly — especially those under cover.

These resilient plants will keep your garden looking cheerful right through to spring.

Fruit trees

When to sow: Throughout autumn
Position: Full sun
Cultivation notes: Avoid planting in frosted or waterlogged soil.

November is one of the best times to plant bare-root fruit trees such as apple, pear, cherry, or plum. Cool weather encourages strong root growth before the trees wake up in spring.

Follow these simple steps for success:

Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Loosen the soil and remove large stones.
Dig a hole around 3–5 feet in diameter.
Position your tree at the right depth following planting instructions.
Refill the hole, firm the soil, and insert a sturdy stake for support — this helps protect young trees from winter winds.
Water thoroughly after planting and keep watering regularly until the tree is well established.
Once strong, remove the stake so the tree can grow naturally.

With the right care, your new fruit trees will reward you with blossoms in spring and abundant fruit for years to come.

Read our article What blooms in November to discover the colourful flowers brightening gardens this month — and learn how to keep your borders blooming beautifully through winter.