Skip to main content

The best vegetables to plant in November

Tips on which vegetables to grow when the temperatures drop

Some vegetables are more suited to be grown in cooler months than others. It all depends on their growing conditions and the kind of environment they prefer. When you’re planting vegetables during winter, the chances are you’re planting them in an insular setting — be it in a greenhouse or in your home. These are a few ideal vegetables to plant in November, but there are many others beyond them if these aren’t up your alley.

Rhubarb plants

Rhubarb

Growing rhubarb in containers during the winter is possible, so long as you have a large enough pot to accommodate the plant. With rhubarb, depth is more important than width (depending on how many you want per pot) because of its large root system. You want to make sure you select pots or containers that are sturdy, have good drainage, and are at least twenty inches deep. To the same effect, the soil should be designed for good draining to avoid drowning or rotting the plant. A healthy rhubarb could live and produce for up to ten years if you play your hand right.

They’re relatively easy to care for outdoors, and not much more difficult grown indoors in pots. The growing conditions are relatively the same, but you want to be sure to water close to the soil near the leaves so that the rhubarb can absorb the water as easily as possible. If you find your soil is having trouble with water retention, you can add a thin layer of mulch on top.

Rhubarb is really an easy plant to care for, whether grown in a container or in the garden plot. Keep in mind that any plant grown in a pot will dry out more quickly than those in the garden, especially during heat spells. Water near the soil to keep the leaves dry. You can also add 1-2 inches (2.5-5.1 cm.) of mulch, like grass clippings or bark chips, on top to help retain water.

Harvested peas

Peas

As with other plants grown indoors in the winter, you’ll likely have to start with some seeds instead of seedlings. Think ahead when selecting pots for your peas, as the plant will start small but needs room to grow and be able to produce. If your space allows, look for pots that are six inches or larger to sow the seeds in. This gives you a better chance of avoiding repotting the plants during the winter.

Since there is less light come November, you’ll want to consider setting up grow lights to help supplement the natural lighting. Growing peas will need up to ten hours of good light a day, so it’s best to select a bright space for your plants where you can turn on the grow lights as needed (and they’ll help especially on cloudy, gray days). If you happen to have a window that receives full light for eight hours a day, that will suffice and you won’t have to worry about taking up space with grow lights for your peas.

Once your peas begin to flower and produce pods, you can start to harvest! The plants should keep producing for several months, hopefully giving you a fruitful reward for your labor. It’s recommended to pick the pods as soon as they’re ready. You can pick them when they’re smaller or wait until they’ve reached full size depending on what you need/want them for.

Growing chili peppers

Chili peppers

Chili peppers are a great vegetable to plant in November. They’re easy to grow inside, and each one will give you a burst of heat during the colder months. Some varieties are more successful indoors than others, so keep that in mind when picking which one to grow in containers. Varieties like ornamentals don’t require as much space as a larger chili might, so it’s also important to take into account how much space you can set aside for growing your indoor crop.

Although most types prefer a warmer environment, they can still grow in moderate temperatures. As long as your place has plenty of sunlight or you can supplement with grow lights, you should have no trouble keeping these plants alive indoors during the winter. Chili pepper plants prefer several hours of sunlight a day, and too little sunlight can result in narrow stems. If this starts to happen, try moving them to a brighter area and see how they do.

By starting plants indoors in November, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh vegetables and harvests throughout the colder months. Give them the right conditions and proper care, and they’ll provide you with as much as they can.

Editors' Recommendations

Grow your indoor or outdoor garden and support these Black-owned plant shops for Black History Month
Get your next leafy friend from one of these Black-owned companies
Various plants on different stands

If you're a plant parent, you buy your supplies and new baby plants from somewhere. So, instead of the chain stores, consider supporting Black-owned plant shops to get your leafy friends everything they need to thrive. Check out any of these Black-owned companies to find your next plant addition no matter where you are, because every one of these businesses ships all over the U.S.

Grounded
Mignon Hemsley and Danuelle Doswell started this beautiful plant company in 2020 to help create a calmer space in homes through the addition of greenery. If you have no idea where to start, Grounded offers complimentary 15-minute consultations to get you going. It has a subscription option for the more adventurous plant parent, and if you have fur babies at home, look at their pet-safe options so you won't have to worry about a curious nose.
Crazy Plant Bae
From plants to planters to a subscription box, Crazy Plant Bae has a little of everything. No matter how green your thumb is, you'll find something to fit your budget and space. Get the kids involved in gardening and sign them up for one of the workshops, or have them visit your child in their classroom. But the best part about this company is that it's a Black women-run business with its third generation of family members, and it has over 40 years of service at your disposal.
deVINE Plantery
If you want easy-to-care-for plants without a lot of fuss, or more unique plants, check out deVINE Plantery. This Black woman-owned company has adorable plants, fun accessories, stunning art pieces, and a few other gift ideas. Need help styling the plants in your home, want a consultation about what plants to get, or want to take a gardening class? This business offers all of that and more.
De La Fleur Designs
If you want only flowers for your space with a lot of color and beauty, then De La Fleur Designs is where you should look. It doesn't just put together any ordinary bouquet. Owner Daphne oozes the sophistication and elegance you'll see in whichever arrangement you choose. Whether you need a sympathy arrangement, wedding flowers, or want to sign yourself up for a monthly bouquet delivery subscription, De La Fleur will take care of it all.
The Plant Project
The first Black woman-owned plant company in Texas, The Plant Project opened its doors in 2020 to bring the joy of all things leafy to the area. Plants with a pop of color, herbs, plant accessories, and even a plant self-care set are all on the menu. Or visit one of its four locations to get the full in-person experience of a plant shop and see how amazingly beautiful the inside of its stores are.

Read more
Could electrogardening be the way of the future?
What you need to know about the electrogardening method
A person holding a seedling

Every year, new scientific advances are being made to help improve our lives, but unless you’re actively seeking out these studies, it can be hard to keep track of them. One new development you may have missed is electrogardening. Studies into how we can use electricity in gardening have been ongoing for years -- with shocking results! In this guide, we’ll break down what this new science is, how it works, and what it could mean for you and your garden.

What is electrogardening?
The electrogardening gardening method, sometimes also called electroculture, uses electricity to promote healthy plant growth. This can be done by electrifying the plant, water, or soil directly, but it can also involve creating an electromagnetic field around the plant.

Read more
Climate zone 3 plants that will thrive in cool temperatures
Flowers, foliage plants, and fruits to grow in climate zone 3
A person holding a seedling

A climate zone 3 garden can be a challenge to maintain. Zone 3 winters can reach well below subzero temperatures, and with the cold also comes harsh freezes, high winds, and dry air. But planting a thriving summer garden in this region is possible, and you can take protective measures that don’t involve keeping your plants inside at all times. If you’re a zone 3 gardener, here are the most suitable plants for your region and tips on how to safeguard them against extreme weather.

Where is zone 3?
First and foremost, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what a climate zone is. Essentially, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has divided the country into 13 climate zones based on annual minimum temperature ranges. Zone 1 faces the coldest winters, while zone 13 experiences the warmest ones. On store labels, plant retailers will often indicate the zone range where a plant is perennial — that is, where it can enjoy more than one growing season.

Read more