What to plant in November in the UK
November is quieter in the vegetable garden, but a few crops and useful jobs remain. Your options depend on local weather, soil, variety and protection.
Plan your little growing space
Have pots, a patio or a raised bed? Make a free starter plan for your space.
Try the free UK garden planner →Broad beans
Some hardy broad bean varieties suit autumn sowing in mild, well-drained conditions. Check the seed packet and avoid frozen or waterlogged soil. Spring sowing can be more reliable in exposed or colder locations.
Garlic
Many garlic varieties can be planted in autumn. Use healthy planting cloves intended for growing, follow variety-specific instructions and choose well-drained soil. Containers need suitable depth and drainage.
Hardy salad leaves under cover
Some established hardy salad crops can continue under a cold frame or other protection. Growth slows as daylight shortens. Ventilate when appropriate and avoid overwatering.
November jobs for pots and raised beds
Clear spent crops, tidy containers, check drainage and protect vulnerable pots from hard frost. Collect leaves for leaf mould where appropriate, clean tools and plan next year's crops. Avoid working saturated soil.
What not to plant outside
Tomatoes and French beans are frost-tender summer crops. November is not a suitable outdoor sowing month for these in typical UK conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I grow vegetables on a balcony in November?
Some hardy crops may grow slowly with shelter, but winter exposure, drainage and low light limit what is practical. Choose suitable varieties and check conditions.
Are these exact dates for my postcode?
No. These are broad UK suggestions, not local frost forecasts. Follow your seed packet and current local weather.
For detailed cultivation guidance see the RHS vegetable growing guides.