November is one of the quietest months in the UK gardening calendar, but it is far from a dead month. While growth slows dramatically and frosts become more frequent, there are still important sowing opportunities—especially for overwintering crops, hardy salads, and early spring harvests.
For many gardeners, November is less about instant results and more about setting up the garden for success next year.
In this guide, we’ll cover exactly what to sow in November in the UK, including vegetables, herbs and cold-hardy crops that can survive winter conditions.
Quick Answer: What Can You Sow in November?
November sowing is limited but still valuable for hardy and protected crops.
November is focused on protection, overwintering and soil health rather than rapid growth.
Vegetables to Sow in November
Garlic
November is still a suitable month for planting garlic in most of the UK.
Benefits:
- Strong root development over winter
- Larger bulbs at harvest
- Reliable crop with minimal maintenance
Tip: Ensure well-drained soil to prevent rot.
Broad Beans (Hardy Varieties)
In milder regions, especially southern UK, very hardy broad bean varieties can be sown in late autumn.
Recommended varieties:
- Aquadulce Claudia
- The Sutton
These overwinter and produce early spring harvests.
Winter Lettuce (Under Cover)
Outdoor sowing is not recommended, but winter lettuce can still be grown under protection.
Best varieties:
- Winter Density
- Arctic King
- Valdor
Use:
- Cold frames
- Cloches
- Unheated greenhouses
Lamb’s Lettuce (Corn Salad)
One of the most reliable winter salad crops.
- Extremely cold hardy
- Slow growth but steady harvests
- Excellent for winter salads
Spinach (Overwintering Types)
Spinach sown in November under protection can survive winter and provide early spring growth.
Rocket
Rocket can still be grown under cover for winter harvests.
- Fast-growing
- Continues in cool conditions
- Best protected from heavy frost
Spring Onions
Hardy varieties can be sown under cover for early spring crops.
Herbs to Sow in November
Parsley
November is still suitable for sowing parsley under protection.
- Slow germination
- Very hardy once established
Chives
Chives can be sown or divided in sheltered conditions.
Coriander (Protected Sowing)
Possible under cover, though growth will be slow and may require additional light.
Flowers to Sow in November
Flower sowing is minimal but not impossible.
Sweet Peas
In mild areas or under protection (like a cold frame), sweet peas can still be sown for strong root development and earlier flowering next year.
Hardy Annual Seeds (Protected)
Some hardy mixes can be sown in cold frames for an early start, including:
- Cornflowers
- Calendula (limited success depending on weather)
Green Manure Crops (Limited in November)
Green manure sowing becomes more restricted as soil temperatures drop, but early November in mild conditions may still allow:
- Winter rye
- Field beans
Otherwise, soil protection through mulching with compost or leaf mould is preferred to keep the soil healthy.
What Can Be Planted Outdoors in November?
Outdoor planting is very limited, but still possible:
- Garlic cloves
- Bare-root fruit bushes and trees (weather permitting, once dormant)
- Onion sets (autumn varieties in early November)
- Hardy perennial herbs (e.g., mint, chives, thyme)
MyGrowPal helps you plan for winter resilience. Set your UK postcode and the app reminds you of ideal sowing and planting times for hardy crops, and when to apply protective measures like fleece or cloches against the coming frosts.
November Gardening Jobs
Protect Soil
Bare soil should be covered to prevent erosion and nutrient leaching over winter. Apply a thick layer of compost, leaf mould, or (if established earlier) a green manure crop.
Clear Remaining Crops
Remove any remaining summer plants such as spent tomatoes, courgettes, beans, and squash vines. This helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.
Maintain Protection Structures
Ensure your cloches are secure, cold frames are clean, and greenhouses are insulated where possible. Check for any damage that could allow frost in.
Tool and Bed Maintenance
November is ideal for cleaning, sharpening, and oiling garden tools. It's also a good time to repair raised beds, pathways, and organise your seed storage for next year.
Plan Next Year’s Garden
This is a key planning month! Start outlining your crop rotation, designing new bed layouts, researching varieties, and ordering seeds for early spring sowings to get a head start.
Common November Sowing Mistakes
Expecting Fast Growth
Growth is extremely slow in November due to low light levels and cold temperatures. Don't expect rapid development; focus on establishment and overwintering.
Sowing Without Protection
Unprotected seedlings are unlikely to survive the increasing frosts and harsh winter weather. Always use cloches, cold frames, or an unheated greenhouse for November sowings.
Ignoring Soil Drainage
Waterlogged soil is a major risk in winter months. Ensure your beds and pots have excellent drainage to prevent root rot, especially for overwintering crops.
Not Using the Month for Planning
While minimal growth is happening, November is a crucial time for preparation. Focusing solely on immediate production and neglecting planning is a missed opportunity for next season's success.
Using MyGrowPal to Plan November Sowing
November is a strategic planning month rather than a high-growth period, making organisation more important than ever.
MyGrowPal helps gardeners stay ahead by turning seed collections into a structured year-round growing system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November too late to grow vegetables in the UK?
No, but options are limited to hardy and protected crops.
What vegetables can I sow in November?
Garlic, lamb’s lettuce, spinach (under cover), and overwintering salad crops are best.
Can I plant garlic in November?
Yes. November is still a suitable planting time in most regions.
What flowers can I sow in November?
Sweet peas are the main reliable option, especially in sheltered conditions.
What should I focus on in November gardening?
Protection, soil care, garden maintenance and planning for next season.
Final Thoughts
November is a quiet but important month in the UK garden. While active sowing is limited, this is the time to prepare, protect and plan for the year ahead.
By focusing on hardy crops, soil health and garden organisation, you can ensure a strong start when the growing season returns.
And with MyGrowPal, you can stay organised year-round—tracking seeds, managing winter crops, planning rotations and preparing your garden for the next season from one simple system.