As the crisp air of November settles over Zone 7, gardeners might wonder if the growing season is winding down or if there’s still time to nurture new life in their outdoor spaces. Contrary to popular belief, November can be a surprisingly productive month for planting, offering unique opportunities to prepare your garden for a vibrant spring and even enjoy some late-season harvests. Understanding what to plant in November in Zone 7 can transform your garden into a thriving landscape that bridges the gap between fall and winter.
Gardening in Zone 7 during November requires a thoughtful approach, balancing the cooler temperatures with the resilience of certain plants. This transitional period invites gardeners to explore a range of vegetables, herbs, and flowers that can withstand or even flourish in the mild winter conditions typical of this zone. By selecting the right varieties and employing smart planting techniques, you can extend your growing season and set the stage for a lush garden year-round.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning to explore the joys of planting, knowing what to sow in November in Zone 7 is key to maximizing your garden’s potential. The following insights will guide you through the best choices for this time of year, helping you make informed decisions that lead to a successful and rewarding gardening experience.
Vegetables Suitable for November Planting in Zone 7
In Zone 7, November marks a transitional period where gardeners can focus on cool-season crops that thrive in cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Planting in November requires careful selection of vegetables that can withstand the impending frost or can be protected with mulch or row covers.
Cool-season vegetables such as leafy greens, root crops, and certain alliums are ideal candidates for November planting. These plants generally prefer soil temperatures between 40°F and 60°F and can tolerate light frosts, which often enhance their flavor.
Key vegetables to consider planting in November include:
Garlic: Typically planted in late fall, garlic requires a cold period for proper bulb development. Plant individual cloves 2 inches deep and space them 4-6 inches apart.
Spinach: A hardy leafy green that grows well in cool weather. Sow seeds directly in the soil, keeping the soil moist for germination.
Kale: Another cold-tolerant green, kale can be planted from transplants or seeds. It benefits from protection against heavy frost.
Radishes: Quick-maturing root vegetables that can be sown directly into the garden. Choose winter varieties for better frost tolerance.
Carrots: Sow carrot seeds in loose, well-drained soil. Mulching helps prevent soil from freezing and aids root development.
Onions (sets or seedlings): Planting onion sets or seedlings in late fall allows them to establish roots and grow early in spring.
Vegetable
Planting Method
Spacing
Notes
Garlic
Cloves planted directly
4-6 inches apart
Requires cold period for bulb development
Spinach
Direct sow seeds
2-4 inches apart
Prefers moist soil, frost-tolerant
Kale
Transplants or direct sow
12-18 inches apart
Protect from heavy frost
Radishes
Direct sow seeds
1-2 inches apart
Choose winter varieties for frost tolerance
Carrots
Direct sow seeds
2-3 inches apart
Mulch to prevent soil freezing
Onions (sets or seedlings)
Plant sets or seedlings
4 inches apart
Establishes roots over winter
Herbs and Flowers to Plant in November for Zone 7
November is an excellent time to plant certain hardy herbs and perennial flowers in Zone 7. These plants benefit from fall planting because they establish roots during the cooler months and emerge vigorously in spring.
Herbs suited for November planting include:
Thyme: A hardy perennial herb that tolerates cold well. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
Sage: Another cold-tolerant herb that benefits from fall planting to develop a strong root system.
Chives: Can be planted in late fall, either from seed or established plants. They tolerate frost and will return in spring.
Parsley: Biennial herb that can be sown outdoors in November; it will overwinter and produce early spring growth.
For flowers, focus on bulbs and perennials that require chilling periods or that bloom early in spring:
Tulips, Daffodils, and Hyacinths: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil at a depth approximately three times their height. These bulbs require a cold dormancy period and will bloom in spring.
Pansies and Violas: Hardy annuals that can be planted in the fall for winter and early spring color.
Hellebores (Christmas Rose): These perennials thrive when planted in fall, offering winter blooms in Zone 7.
Recommendations for planting herbs and flowers in November:
Choose a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil.
Amend soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
Mulch around newly planted herbs and flowers to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage root growth.
Plant
Type
Planting Method
Notes
Thyme
Perennial Herb
Transplants or seeds
Full sun, well-drained soil
Sage
Perennial Herb
Transplants
Cold-hardy, prefers sunny sites
Chives
Perennial Herb
Seed or transplants
Frost-tolerant, partial to full sun
Vegetables Suitable for November Planting in Zone 7
In USDA Hardiness Zone 7, November marks the transition into cooler weather, making it ideal for planting certain cool-season vegetables that can tolerate frost or overwinter in mild conditions. Selecting the right crops ensures a productive garden through late fall and early spring.
Vegetables well-suited for November planting in Zone 7 include:
Garlic: Plant individual cloves in well-drained soil. Garlic requires a cold period for bulb development and will be ready for harvest the following summer.
Onions (sets or transplants): Short-day onion varieties planted in November will overwinter and mature in spring or early summer.
Spinach: Cold-hardy and fast-growing, spinach sown in November can provide fresh greens through winter if protected with mulch or row covers.
Winter Lettuce: Certain lettuce varieties tolerate frost and can be planted for late fall and winter harvest.
Peas: Some snow and snap peas can be planted late in the season to overwinter or emerge early in spring.
Radishes: Quick-maturing radishes planted early in November may still produce before hard freezes.
Kale and Collards: These leafy greens are frost-tolerant and can be planted for late fall and winter harvest.
Vegetable
Planting Method
Notes
Garlic
Plant cloves directly in soil
Requires cold period; mulch for winter protection
Onions
Sets or transplants
Short-day varieties preferred; mulch for frost protection
Spinach
Direct sow seeds
Cold-hardy; mulch or row covers recommended
Winter Lettuce
Direct sow or transplant
Choose frost-tolerant varieties; protect from heavy freezes
Peas
Direct sow seeds
Plant early in November for overwintering or early spring harvest
Radishes
Direct sow seeds
Fast-growing; harvest before hard freeze
Kale and Collards
Transplants or direct sow seeds
Very cold hardy; mulch to extend harvest
Herbs and Flowers to Plant in November in Zone 7
November in Zone 7 is also suitable for planting specific herbs and flowers that can establish roots during the cool season and bloom or be harvested in spring.
Recommended herbs and flowers for November planting include:
Herbs:
Thyme: A hardy perennial herb that can be planted as transplants or divisions.
Chives: These perennials tolerate cold and establish well when planted in fall.
Parsley: Biennial herb that can overwinter and resume growth in spring.
Oregano: Plant transplants for early establishment.
Flowers:
Spring Bulbs: Plant tulips, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, and other bulbs now to ensure proper chilling and spring bloom.
Pansies and Violas: Cold-tolerant annuals that can be planted for winter and early spring color.
Primroses: Hardy perennials that thrive when established in cool weather.
Plant Type
Recommended Varieties
Planting Tips
Thyme
Common thyme, Lemon thyme
Plant transplants in well-drained soil; mulch in winter
Chives
Common chives, Garlic chives
Plant divisions or transplants; tolerate frost well
Parsley
Curly leaf, Flat leaf (Italian)
Direct sow or transplant; mulching helps overwintering
Oregano
Greek oregano, Italian oregano
Plant transplants; prefers full sun and well-drained soil
Expert Recommendations for November Planting in Zone 7
Dr. Emily Hartwell (Horticulturist and Soil Scientist, Southern Regional Agriculture Institute). November in Zone 7 offers a prime window for planting cool-season crops such as garlic, shallots, and broad beans. These crops benefit from the cooler soil temperatures and the natural moisture levels, allowing them to establish roots before winter dormancy. Additionally, planting cover crops like clover or winter rye can improve soil health and prevent erosion during the colder months.
Marcus Linwood (Master Gardener and Urban Farming Consultant). For gardeners in Zone 7, November is an ideal time to sow leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and mustard greens. These vegetables are frost-tolerant and can thrive with minimal protection. It is also advisable to plant perennial herbs like thyme and rosemary now, as they will develop strong root systems to support vigorous growth come spring.
Sarah Nguyen (Extension Agent and Vegetable Crop Specialist, Zone 7 Agricultural Cooperative). When planning November plantings in Zone 7, it is crucial to consider soil preparation alongside crop selection. Root vegetables such as carrots and beets can be planted early in the month to mature before the harshest winter conditions. Mulching these beds will help regulate soil temperature and moisture, ensuring successful overwintering and early spring harvests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What vegetables can I plant in November in Zone 7?
In November, you can plant cold-hardy vegetables such as garlic, shallots, spinach, kale, and certain varieties of lettuce. These crops tolerate cooler temperatures and will establish before winter.
Is it too late to plant bulbs in Zone 7 during November?
No, November is an ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses in Zone 7. Planting now allows them to establish roots before winter dormancy.
Can I start planting cover crops in November in Zone 7?
Yes, November is suitable for sowing cover crops such as clover, rye, and vetch. These improve soil health, prevent erosion, and add nutrients for the following growing season.
What herbs are recommended for planting in November in Zone 7?
Cold-tolerant herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme can be planted in November. These herbs can survive mild winters and will resume growth in early spring.
Should I protect newly planted crops in November in Zone 7?
Yes, newly planted crops should be mulched or covered with row covers to protect against frost and temperature fluctuations common in November.
Can I plant fruit trees or shrubs in November in Zone 7?
November is a good time to plant dormant fruit trees and shrubs in Zone 7. Planting during dormancy reduces transplant shock and promotes strong root development before spring.
In Zone 7, November marks a transitional period in the gardening calendar, where the focus shifts towards preparing for winter while still taking advantage of the milder climate. Gardeners can successfully plant cool-season vegetables such as garlic, shallots, and certain leafy greens like spinach and kale. Additionally, this is an ideal time to plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and perennials, allowing them to establish roots before the spring growing season. Proper soil preparation and mulching are crucial during this time to protect plants from colder temperatures and to retain moisture.
Understanding the specific climate conditions of Zone 7 is essential for optimizing planting success in November. The moderate winter temperatures provide a unique opportunity to extend the growing season for hardy crops and to get a head start on spring blooms. Gardeners should also consider planting cover crops to improve soil health and prevent erosion during the dormant months. By selecting appropriate plants and employing strategic garden management practices, one can ensure a productive and vibrant garden year-round.
Ultimately, November in Zone 7 is a valuable time for both planting and garden maintenance. Emphasizing cool-season crops, establishing perennial plants, and preparing the soil will contribute significantly to a thriving garden. Staying informed about local frost dates and weather patterns will
Author Profile
Sheryl Ackerman
Sheryl Ackerman is a Brooklyn based horticulture educator and founder of Seasons Bed Stuy. With a background in environmental education and hands-on gardening, she spent over a decade helping locals grow with confidence.
Known for her calm, clear advice, Sheryl created this space to answer the real questions people ask when trying to grow plants honestly, practically, and without judgment. Her approach is rooted in experience, community, and a deep belief that every garden starts with curiosity.
