In The Vegetable Garden This November

Here are the top vegetable garden jobs and tips for November — a quieter month, but an important one for tidying up, protecting crops, and preparing for next year’s success:

🥕 Planting & Sowing 

1. Plant garlic, onions & shallots 

• November is ideal for autumn-planting varieties of garlic and shallots (like ‘Solent Wight’ or ‘Jermor’).
• If your soil is heavy or waterlogged, start them in small pots or modules under cover to plant out later.

2. Sow broad beans 

• Try hardy varieties such as ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ or ‘The Sutton’.
• Sow outside in mild areas, or under cloches/cold frames elsewhere for an early spring crop.

3. Sow winter salads under cover 

• In a cold frame, greenhouse, or polytunnel, you can still sow mizuna, lamb’s lettuce, rocket, and winter lettuce.
• Succession sowing every few weeks gives you fresh greens all winter.

4. Plant rhubarb crowns 

• November is a good time to plant new rhubarb crowns while the soil is still workable, or divide and replant old ones.

🍂 Harvesting 

5. Keep picking winter crops 

• Continue harvesting leeks, kale, parsnips, carrots, swedes, and Brussels sprouts.
• Frost actually improves the flavour of many of these — especially parsnips and sprouts!

6. Lift and store root vegetables 

• Dig up the last of your beetroot, carrots, and maincrop potatoes if you haven’t already.
• Store them in boxes of sand or dry compost in a cool, frost-free shed.

🌿 Tidying & Protection 

7. Mulch and cover bare soil 

• Protect soil from winter rain and erosion by covering beds with compost, well-rotted manure, or a green manure (like winter rye or field beans).
• Alternatively, use black polythene or cardboard to suppress weeds and protect soil structure.

8. Protect crops from frost and pests 

• Use fleece or cloches to protect young brassicas, salads, and broad beans.
• Net brassicas against pigeons, and check for slugs around winter greens.

9. Clear out old plants and debris 

• Remove any dead or diseased plant material to prevent overwintering pests and diseases. 
• Add healthy waste to the compost heap. 

🧰 Maintenance & Preparation 

10. Clean and tidy the greenhouse or polytunnel 

• Wash glass and staging to remove algae and maximise winter light. 
• Check heaters and insulation if you use them. 

11. Look after your tools and equipment 

• Clean, oil, and sharpen tools. 
• Drain hoses and watering systems before hard frosts. 

12. Plan next year’s crops 

• Review what grew well and plan your crop rotation for 2026.

🐞 Wildlife & Compost 

13. Turn and cover the compost heap 

• Mix in autumn leaves and vegetable peelings; covering helps keep warmth and moisture in.
• Don’t be too tidy — a small log or leaf pile provides shelter for frogs, toads, and beneficial insects.