What to Plant in November in the UK: A Guide for Gardeners

1 hour ago

11 min read

November might bring colder temperatures, shorter days and the first frosts, but there's still plenty to do in the garden. While growth begins to slow, it's a great time to plant certain vegetables, fruit trees, shrubs and spring-flowering bulbs, giving them a head start for the year ahead.

It's also the perfect opportunity to prepare your garden for winter, protect existing plants and make the most of the last autumn gardening jobs.

Whether you have a large garden, an allotment, a few raised beds or just some pots on a patio, there are still plenty of ways to keep growing.

In this guide, we'll explore what to plant in November in the UK, including vegetables, fruit, flowers and wildlife-friendly plants, alongside practical tips to help your garden through the colder months.

1. Garlic

November is a good time to plant garlic in many parts of the UK. Garlic benefits from a period of cold weather, which helps the bulbs develop properly ready for harvesting the following summer.

Choose autumn-planting varieties and a sunny spot with well-drained soil.

How to plant garlic:

Separate a garlic bulb into individual cloves, keeping the papery skins intact.
Plant each clove around 2–3cm deep, with the pointed end facing upwards.
Space cloves approximately 15cm apart, with around 30cm between rows.
Water lightly if the soil is dry.

Garlic doesn't like sitting in waterlogged soil, so if your garden has heavy clay soil or poor drainage, consider planting cloves in pots or modules in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame.

In colder parts of the UK, starting garlic under cover can give it some extra protection.

2. Broad Beans

Hardy varieties of broad beans can still be sown in November, particularly in milder parts of the UK.

Autumn-sown broad beans establish roots before winter and can produce an earlier crop the following spring compared with seeds sown later in the year.

Look for varieties such as 'Aquadulce Claudia', which is well suited to autumn sowing.

How to grow broad beans in November:

Choose a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil.
Sow seeds around 5cm deep and approximately 20cm apart.
Leave around 45cm between rows.
Protect young plants from severe weather and watch out for mice digging up newly planted seeds.

If your garden is exposed or the soil is particularly wet, sow seeds in deep pots using peat-free compost and keep them in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame.

Remember that autumn sowing is more successful in milder conditions, so don't worry if spring sowing is a better option for your garden.

3. Tulips

November is an ideal time to plant tulip bulbs, making it one of the last opportunities to get them into the ground ahead of spring.

Tulips are best planted later in autumn than many other spring-flowering bulbs, as cooler soil conditions can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, with different colours, shapes and flowering times.

Tips for planting tulips:

Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil.
Plant bulbs around 10–15cm deep, or follow the depth recommended on the packaging.
Position bulbs with their pointed ends facing upwards.
Space bulbs according to the variety, generally around 10–15cm apart.
Water after planting if the soil is dry.

Tulips also grow well in containers, making them a great option for smaller gardens, patios and balconies.

Try planting different colours together or mixing varieties with different flowering times to create a display that lasts throughout spring.

4. Bare-Root Fruit Trees

November marks the start of the bare-root planting season, making it a great time to introduce fruit trees to your garden.

Bare-root trees are sold without soil around their roots and are usually available during the dormant season, from late autumn through to early spring.

They are often more affordable than container-grown alternatives and can establish well when planted during the right conditions.

Consider varieties of:

Apple
Pear
Plum
Cherry

How to plant bare-root fruit trees:

Choose a suitable position with enough room for the tree to grow.
Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots without bending them.
Place the tree in the hole, keeping the original soil mark at ground level.
Spread the roots out and backfill with soil.
Firm gently and water well.
Add a stake if needed to support the young tree.

Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

Before choosing a fruit tree, check its eventual size, growing requirements and whether it needs another compatible variety nearby for pollination.

5. Soft Fruit Bushes and Raspberry Canes

November is also a good time to plant many types of soft fruit, particularly bare-root plants.

Raspberry canes, blackcurrants, redcurrants and gooseberries can all be planted during the dormant season, giving their roots time to establish before spring growth begins.

Tips for planting soft fruit:

Choose a suitable position with plenty of light.
Prepare the soil by removing weeds and adding well-rotted garden compost.
Space plants according to their variety and expected mature size.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Add a layer of mulch around the base to help protect the soil and retain moisture.

Raspberries are particularly useful for home growing, as they can produce generous crops without needing a huge amount of space.

If you're short on room, some compact fruit varieties can also be grown in large containers.

6. Roses

November is a good time to plant bare-root roses while they are dormant.

There are lots of varieties to choose from, including climbing roses, shrub roses and compact varieties suited to smaller gardens.

Planting during the dormant season gives roses time to establish their roots before the growing season begins.

How to plant bare-root roses:

Soak the roots in water before planting, following the supplier's instructions.
Choose a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots comfortably.
Position the rose at the recommended planting depth.
Backfill with soil and firm gently.
Water well after planting.

Avoid planting new roses in soil where roses have previously grown, as this can increase the risk of replant disease.

7. Bare-Root Trees and Hedging

November is a great time to start thinking about trees and hedging, particularly if you want to create more wildlife-friendly spaces in your garden.

Bare-root plants become available during the colder months and can be a practical, cost-effective way to establish new hedges or introduce trees.

Consider native varieties such as:

Hawthorn
Hazel
Blackthorn
Field maple
Beech

These plants can provide shelter, nesting opportunities and food for wildlife, depending on the variety.

A few planting tips:

Choose plants suited to your soil and garden conditions.
Plant while the ground is workable and not waterlogged or frozen.
Space hedging plants according to the recommended planting distance.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Protect young plants from strong winds and damage from animals where necessary.

Native hedging can be particularly valuable for supporting local biodiversity, creating habitats and helping wildlife move between green spaces.

8. Spring Cabbage

If you want to keep growing vegetables through winter, spring cabbage is worth considering.

Young spring cabbage plants can be planted out in November, provided they've been raised earlier in the year and are ready to establish.

They will grow slowly through the colder months before developing into harvestable plants in spring.

How to grow spring cabbage:

Choose a sunny position with fertile, firm soil.
Plant young seedlings according to the spacing recommended for the variety.
Water after planting.
Protect plants from pigeons using suitable netting or fleece.
Keep an eye out for slugs and other pests.

Spring cabbage is a useful crop for making the most of your vegetable beds during the colder months.

9. Sweet Peas

If you want to enjoy an earlier display of flowers next year, November can be a good time to sow sweet peas under cover.

Autumn-sown sweet peas can develop strong roots over winter and may flower earlier than those sown in spring.

How to sow sweet peas:

Fill deep pots or root trainers with peat-free seed compost.
Sow one or two seeds per pot, around 2–3cm deep.
Water gently.
Place somewhere cool and bright, such as an unheated greenhouse or cold frame.
Protect young seedlings from severe frost and mice.

Sweet peas are natural climbers, so they'll need suitable support as they grow.

They're a lovely addition to gardens, providing colour and flowers that can also be cut and brought indoors.

10. Hardy Winter Salad Leaves

Although November isn't the easiest time to start growing salad outdoors, you can still grow some hardy varieties under cover.

Winter salad leaves can provide fresh pickings during the colder months, particularly when grown in a greenhouse, cold frame or sheltered container.

Try:

Lamb's lettuce
Winter purslane
Mizuna
Mustard greens
Hardy varieties of lettuce

Sow small quantities in containers or greenhouse beds, following the instructions on the seed packet.

Keep compost slightly moist but avoid overwatering, as plants will grow more slowly in cooler conditions.

If you're starting from seed in November, choose varieties specifically recommended for winter growing.

11. Planting Spring Bulbs in Containers

If you haven't managed to plant all your spring bulbs yet, November is a good time to get tulips and some other suitable bulbs into containers.

Growing bulbs in pots is a great way to add colour to patios, balconies and smaller outdoor spaces.

How to plant bulbs in containers:

Choose a pot with drainage holes.
Add a layer of peat-free multipurpose compost.
Arrange bulbs with their pointed ends facing upwards.
Cover with compost, leaving enough space at the top for watering.
Water lightly and position the pot somewhere suitable for the variety.

You can also try layering bulbs at different depths in larger containers, choosing varieties that flower at different times for a longer-lasting display.

12. Wildlife-Friendly Plants and Garden Habitats

November is a useful time to think about how your garden can support wildlife throughout winter.

As flowers become less common and temperatures drop, birds, insects and other garden visitors need places to find food and shelter.

There are several simple things you can do:

Plant native trees and hedging that provide berries and shelter.
Leave some seed heads standing for birds.
Keep a small area of fallen leaves beneath shrubs or in a quiet corner for wildlife.
Avoid cutting back every plant before winter.
Provide a shallow water source with a safe landing area.
Leave suitable areas undisturbed where insects and other small creatures can shelter.

You can also plant spring-flowering bulbs such as crocuses, which provide an early source of pollen and nectar for emerging pollinators.

You don't need to transform your entire garden. Even a few small changes can make outdoor spaces more welcoming to wildlife.

For more ideas, read our guides to How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden and How to Create a Pollinator-Friendly Garden.

What Gardening Jobs Should You Do in November?

Alongside planting, November is a good time to prepare your garden for winter and make sure everything is ready for the colder months ahead.

Here are a few jobs to add to your list:

Collect fallen leaves: Gather leaves to make leaf mould, but leave some in suitable areas to provide shelter for wildlife.
Protect vulnerable plants: Move tender plants into sheltered spaces or protect them with suitable fleece.
Mulch garden beds: Add a layer of mature compost or suitable organic mulch to help protect the soil and retain moisture.
Lift tender bulbs and tubers: After the first frost has damaged their foliage, lift dahlias and other tender plants that need to be stored somewhere frost-free.
Look after winter vegetables: Check crops such as leeks, kale and Brussels sprouts, removing yellowing or damaged leaves where appropriate.
Protect containers: Raise pots onto feet to improve drainage and move vulnerable containers somewhere sheltered.
Clean garden tools: Remove soil, dry tools and store them somewhere safe over winter.
Plan for next year: Review what worked well this season and start thinking about what you'd like to grow next.

For more advice, read our guide to How to Prepare Your Garden for Winter.

What Can You Plant in November in a Small Garden?

You don't need a large garden or allotment to keep growing in November. Containers, raised beds and sheltered patios can all provide useful growing space.

If you're working with a smaller outdoor area, try:

Garlic in deep pots with good drainage.
Spring bulbs in containers.
Sweet peas in deep pots under cover.
Hardy salad leaves in window boxes or a greenhouse.
Strawberries in containers if you already have established plants.
Compact fruit trees in suitably sized pots.

Choose containers with drainage holes and use compost suitable for the plants you're growing.

Remember that pots can become waterlogged during prolonged autumn rain, so check them regularly and raise them off the ground where possible.

If you're interested in growing more of your own food in limited space, read our guide to How to Grow Your Own Food in a Small Garden.

November Planting Tips for Lancashire and the North West

November gardening in Lancashire and the North West can be a little different from other parts of the UK.

Rainfall, cooler temperatures, heavy soil and exposed gardens can all affect what grows successfully.

Keep these tips in mind:

Make drainage a priority. Heavy, waterlogged soil can cause garlic, bulbs and young plants to rot. Raised beds and containers can help where drainage is a problem.

Choose sheltered positions. Strong winds can damage young plants and newly planted trees. Look for sheltered areas or use temporary windbreaks where needed.

Be selective with autumn sowing. Broad beans and other overwintering crops are more successful in milder, sheltered locations. If your garden is particularly exposed, consider starting seeds under cover instead.

Protect young plants. Cold frames, cloches and horticultural fleece can offer extra protection during cold spells.

Make the most of dry days. Avoid digging or planting when soil is saturated, frozen or too wet to work. This helps protect the soil structure.

Choose suitable varieties. Look for plants and seeds specifically recommended for autumn planting or overwintering.

The key is to work with your local conditions rather than expecting everything to grow at the same pace.

How November Gardening Supports a Greener Community

At Let's Grow Preston, gardening is about more than what we grow. Our community gardens and horticulture-based activities use practical growing as a way to bring people together, improve mental and physical health, share skills and create opportunities to take part in green spaces.

November is a great opportunity to learn about seasonal gardening, soil care, planting for the future and supporting local wildlife.

From planting garlic and fruit trees to preparing garden beds for winter, these practical activities help people develop new skills while contributing to greener outdoor spaces.

Community growing spaces also give people the chance to share knowledge, work alongside others and enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors.

Through our community gardens, volunteering opportunities and Gardening Club workshops, Let's Grow Preston helps people build horticultural skills and take part in growing activities across Preston.

Start Planning Your November Garden

November might be a quieter month for growing, but there are still plenty of ways to make the most of your garden.

From planting garlic and broad beans to introducing fruit trees, preparing spring bulbs and creating wildlife-friendly spaces, there's lots you can do now to get ready for the year ahead.

Start with one or two projects that suit your space and local conditions. Remember to protect young plants, keep an eye on drainage and make the most of milder days.

If you'd like to develop your gardening skills, explore Let's Grow Preston's community gardens, volunteering opportunities and Gardening Club workshops.

Happy planting!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What vegetables can I plant in November in the UK?

November is a good time to plant garlic and, in milder areas, sow hardy broad beans. You can also plant spring cabbage seedlings and grow winter salad leaves under cover. Choose varieties suited to autumn and winter growing.

Is November too late to plant vegetables?

No. Although vegetable growth slows as temperatures drop, November is still suitable for certain crops, particularly garlic and overwintering broad beans. You can also grow hardy salad leaves in a greenhouse or cold frame.

Can I plant garlic in November?

Yes. November is a good time to plant garlic in many parts of the UK. Choose autumn-planting varieties and use well-drained soil. In colder or wetter areas, consider starting cloves in pots under cover.

What flowers can I plant in November?

November is an ideal time to plant tulip bulbs. You can also sow sweet peas under cover for an earlier display next year. Some other spring-flowering bulbs can still be planted, although many are best planted earlier in autumn.

Can I plant fruit trees in November?

Yes. November marks the start of the bare-root planting season, making it a good time to plant many fruit trees, including apple, pear and plum. Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

What can I plant in November in Lancashire?

In Lancashire, you can plant garlic, tulip bulbs, bare-root fruit trees, soft fruit bushes and suitable hedging plants. Hardy broad beans may also be successful in milder, sheltered gardens. Local weather, soil conditions and drainage will influence what grows best.

Should I cover my garden during winter?

You don't need to cover your entire garden, but protecting vulnerable plants and bare soil can be helpful. Use suitable fleece or cloches for young plants, and consider mulching empty beds with mature compost to protect the soil.

What should I do with fallen leaves in November?

Collect fallen leaves and store them in a leaf mould bin or perforated bag to break down naturally. Leaf mould makes an excellent soil conditioner once fully decomposed. However, leave some fallen leaves beneath shrubs or in quiet garden corners to provide shelter for wildlife.