What to plant in November: garlic, roses and bare-root shrubs

As the days grow shorter and the first frosts hint at winter's arrival, many gardeners pack away their tools, assuming the planting season is over. However, November offers a unique opportunity for strategic planting that can give you a significant head start come spring. This month is particularly ideal for establishing certain vegetables and woody plants that thrive when planted during their dormant phase. By understanding what to plant in November and how to prepare your garden, you can ensure a bountiful harvest and vibrant blooms in the seasons to come.

What can I plant in November for a spring harvest?

November is the prime time to plant garlic (Allium sativum) for a robust spring and summer harvest, as well as certain other hardy vegetables. Planting garlic in the fall allows the bulbs to develop a strong root system before the ground freezes, setting them up for vigorous growth once temperatures rise. According to Penn State Extension, garlic should be planted approximately three weeks before the ground freezes, allowing roots to develop without the plant emerging before winter. This early root development is crucial for larger, healthier bulbs.

Garlic plants are generally robust and resistant to many common pests and diseases, making them a relatively low-maintenance crop for fall planting. They require full sun and well-draining, loamy soil. For best results, break apart a garlic bulb into individual cloves, ensuring each clove has its papery skin intact. Plant each clove with the pointed end facing up, about 5-7 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart. If you're planting multiple rows, space them about 30 cm apart. For Central European climates, varieties like 'German Red' are highly recommended. As Diane Diffenderfer of Penn State notes,

"'German Red' garlic is especially suited to cold winters."
— Diane Diffenderfer, Penn State, Growing Garlic - Fall Planting

Beyond garlic, other extremely hardy vegetables like overwintering onions (from sets), broad beans, and certain types of peas can also be sown in late autumn in milder climates or with adequate protection. These crops benefit from the cold stratification and early start, often yielding earlier than their spring-sown counterparts. Remember to check the specific hardiness of your chosen varieties and consider your local climate zone. You can explore more about garlic and other plants suitable for this time of year in the GridGarden plant catalog, or check the November planting calendar for a comprehensive list.

Can I plant roses and other woody plants in late autumn?

Yes, late autumn, including November, is an ideal time for planting bare-root roses (Rosa (Garden Hybrids)) and many deciduous shrubs and trees. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall of autumn create optimal conditions for root establishment without the stress of summer heat or the rapid top growth demanded by spring. The Bavarian State Institute for Viticulture and Horticulture highlights that the ideal planting time for woody plants and perennials is generally from late September to early December and from early March to late April, depending on the weather (Die ideale Pflanzzeit für Gehölze und Stauden).

Bare-root plants, which are sold without soil around their roots, are particularly well-suited for fall planting. They are dormant, meaning they are not actively growing foliage, allowing all their energy to be directed towards developing a strong root system underground. This gives them a significant advantage over container-grown plants planted in spring, often leading to more vigorous growth and better establishment in their first year.

When planting bare-root roses or shrubs:

• Preparation: Soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate them.
• Digging the Hole: Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots spread out naturally, and deep enough so the graft union (the swollen part where the rose was budded onto rootstock) is just below the soil line (for roses) or at the same level as the original soil mark (for shrubs).
• Backfilling: Backfill with a mix of garden soil and compost, gently firming it around the roots to remove air pockets.
• Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
• Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch (straw, leaves, wood chips) around the base to insulate the roots and suppress weeds.

Popular bare-root shrubs suitable for November planting include fruit bushes like currants and gooseberries, ornamental shrubs like dogwood (Cornus), forsythia, and hawthorn (Crataegus), as well as many deciduous hedges. These plants typically have a hardiness down to -20 °C (USDA zone 6) for garden roses, making them suitable for Central European winters. You can find more information about garden roses in the GridGarden plant catalog, which provides details on their light, moisture, and hardiness requirements.

Why choose a raised bed for November planting?

Raised garden beds offer distinct advantages for planting in November, making them an excellent choice for both vegetables and woody plants. Their elevated structure and contained soil environment create conditions that are often superior to traditional in-ground gardens, especially as winter approaches.

Firstly, raised beds typically provide superior drainage. This is critical in autumn when rainfall can be heavy, preventing waterlogging that can lead to root rot in newly planted garlic or bare-root shrubs. The well-aerated soil in a raised bed ensures roots have access to oxygen, which is vital for their establishment during the dormant season. Secondly, the soil in raised beds warms up faster in spring and stays warmer longer into autumn. This extended growing season can be a significant benefit for fall-planted crops, giving them more time to establish roots before the deepest freezes and encouraging earlier emergence in spring. This is particularly true for GridGarden's Brick Premium raised beds, constructed from solid 60mm European red larch planks. The substantial thickness of the larch provides excellent insulation, helping to buffer soil temperatures against extreme fluctuations.

Furthermore, raised beds allow for better control over soil composition. You can fill your bed with a custom blend of nutrient-rich soil and compost, perfectly tailored to the needs of your fall plantings. This ensures optimal conditions for root development, which is especially important for crops like garlic that thrive in fertile, well-drained soil. The height of raised beds also makes them easier to work with, reducing bending and kneeling during preparation and planting. This is particularly helpful when preparing your beds in cooler, potentially damp November weather. If you're considering setting up a new raised bed or expanding your existing garden, explore our complete guide to raised garden beds in Europe for more insights.

GridGarden's modular system, featuring a snap-in connector design, means you can assemble your Brick Premium raised beds without screws, drilling, or power tools—often with just a rubber mallet. This ease of assembly means you can quickly get your beds ready for planting even as the weather turns colder. Solid 60 mm larch, with no chemical treatment, ensures your raised bed will serve you well for many seasons. Expect 15-25 years in an ordinary garden; with good drainage and no standing water, 25+ years. This durability makes Brick Premium an investment in your garden's future, providing a stable and reliable environment for generations of plants.

How do I prepare my raised bed for winter planting?

Proper preparation of your raised bed is key to the success of November plantings, ensuring they survive the winter and thrive in spring. The goal is to create an optimal environment for root development while protecting plants from harsh winter conditions.

First, ensure your raised bed has excellent drainage. If you're using a new GridGarden raised bed, fill it with a good quality, well-draining soil mix. A typical blend includes garden soil, compost, and perhaps some perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration. For existing beds, lightly turn over the top layer of soil and amend it with fresh compost. This replenishes nutrients and improves soil structure, which is vital for new roots. Avoid heavy tilling that can disrupt the soil microbiome, especially in autumn.

Once your plants are in the ground, a crucial step is mulching. Apply a thick layer (10-15 cm) of organic mulch, such as straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips, over the soil surface after planting. This mulch acts as an insulator, protecting the newly established roots from extreme temperature fluctuations, preventing frost heave (where freezing and thawing cycles push plants out of the ground), and conserving soil moisture. For garlic, mulch helps to suppress weeds and provides a steady temperature for the bulbs. For bare-root roses and shrubs, mulching around the base is essential for root protection.

Consider adding a layer of manure or compost to the surface of your raised bed in late autumn, allowing it to slowly break down over winter and enrich the soil for spring. This 'sheet composting' method is excellent for building soil fertility naturally. For areas prone to very severe winters, you might consider adding a temporary protective cover over your raised beds, such as a cold frame or horticultural fleece, especially for more tender fall-planted crops. However, for hardy garlic and bare-root woody plants, a good layer of mulch is often sufficient. If you're new to raised beds, our guide on how to start a raised bed garden offers more detailed advice on initial setup and soil filling.

What are the benefits of fall planting?

Fall planting, particularly in November, offers several significant advantages that contribute to a healthier, more productive garden in the subsequent growing seasons. It's not just about extending the gardening season; it's about harnessing natural processes to benefit your plants.

One of the primary benefits is the optimal environment for root development. As temperatures cool, plants focus their energy on establishing a robust root system rather than producing foliage or flowers. This means that by the time spring arrives, fall-planted garlic, roses, and shrubs already have a strong foundation, allowing them to expend energy on top growth and bloom production sooner. This often leads to earlier harvests and more vigorous plants.

Another advantage is reduced transplant shock. Bare-root plants, in particular, experience less stress when planted in their dormant state. The absence of leaves means less water loss through transpiration, and the cool, moist soil conditions help the roots settle in without the added challenge of hot, dry weather. This leads to higher survival rates and stronger initial growth compared to spring planting. Fall planting also allows plants to acclimate to their new environment gradually, making them more resilient to adverse conditions when active growth begins.

Finally, fall planting can alleviate the spring rush. By tackling some of your planting tasks in November, you free up valuable time in spring when the garden demands attention on multiple fronts—from sowing seeds to tending to emerging perennials. This allows for a more organized and less stressful gardening experience. Furthermore, fall-planted crops often face less competition from weeds, which are less active in cooler temperatures, and can sometimes be less susceptible to certain pests that emerge in warmer spring weather. Embracing fall planting is a strategic move that can lead to a more successful and enjoyable gardening year.

Key Takeaways for November Planting:

• November is an opportune time to plant garlic, bare-root roses, and deciduous shrubs, allowing them to establish strong root systems during their dormant phase.
• Fall-planted garlic benefits from early root development for a more robust spring harvest, with varieties like 'German Red' suited for cold winters.
• Bare-root woody plants experience less transplant shock and achieve more vigorous growth when planted in autumn's cooler, moister conditions.
• Raised beds, especially GridGarden's 60mm larch Brick Premium beds, provide excellent drainage, warmer soil temperatures, and better soil control, making them ideal for successful fall planting.
• Proper preparation, including good drainage and a thick layer of organic mulch, is crucial for protecting newly planted items through the winter.