Alabama’s November gardens benefit from vegetables that mature quickly before the coldest weather arrives. If you’re looking for the best vegetables to plant in november in alabama, you need crops that can handle cooler soil and shorter days while still producing a harvest before a hard freeze hits. The window is tight, but with the right choices, you can enjoy fresh greens, roots, and brassicas straight from your garden through early winter.
November planting in Alabama is all about timing and selection. The state spans USDA zones 7a in the north to 9a along the Gulf Coast, so your specific location matters. Northern Alabama sees first frosts in late October or early November, while southern areas may stay frost-free until December. This guide covers varieties that work across these zones, with tips for each region.
Best Vegetables To Plant In November In Alabama
When you plant in November, you’re racing against dropping temperatures. The key is choosing vegetables that germinate quickly in cool soil and tolerate light frosts. Many leafy greens, root crops, and members of the cabbage family fit this bill perfectly.
Leafy Greens For November Planting
Leafy greens are the stars of fall and early winter gardens. They grow fast, need little space, and many actually taste sweeter after a light frost. Here are the top choices for Alabama:
- Spinach – Germinates in soil as cool as 40°F. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, 2 inches apart. Harvest baby leaves in 30-40 days. Varieties like ‘Bloomsdale’ and ‘Winterbor’ handle cold well.
- Kale – Extremely cold-tolerant. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, thin to 12 inches apart. ‘Lacinato’ and ‘Red Russian’ are reliable. You can pick outer leaves for weeks.
- Lettuce – Choose loose-leaf or romaine types. Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep. ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ and ‘Winter Density’ work well. Protect from hard freezes with row covers.
- Swiss Chard – Handles light frosts. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 6 inches apart. ‘Bright Lights’ adds color. Harvest outer leaves when 6-8 inches tall.
- Mustard Greens – Fast grower, ready in 30-40 days. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep. ‘Southern Giant Curled’ is a classic. They tolerate some cold but not hard freezes.
Root Vegetables For November
Root crops are another solid option. They develop underground, so they’re somewhat protected from frost. However, you need soil that’s not waterlogged from fall rains.
- Radishes – The fastest crop. ‘Cherry Belle’ and ‘French Breakfast’ mature in 25-30 days. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, 1 inch apart. Succession plant every 10 days.
- Turnips – Both roots and greens are edible. ‘Purple Top White Globe’ is standard. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, thin to 4 inches apart. Roots ready in 50-60 days.
- Carrots – Need loose, sandy soil. ‘Nantes’ and ‘Danvers’ types work. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, thin to 2 inches apart. Takes 60-70 days. Mulch heavily for cold protection.
- Beets – ‘Detroit Dark Red’ and ‘Golden’ varieties. Soak seeds overnight before planting. Sow 1/2 inch deep, thin to 3 inches apart. Roots ready in 50-60 days.
Brassicas And Cole Crops
These are the heavy lifters of November gardens. They take longer to mature but can handle colder weather better than most.
- Broccoli – Start from transplants for faster results. ‘Waltham 29’ and ‘Green Goliath’ are good. Space 18 inches apart. Harvest main head before flowers open.
- Cabbage – ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’ matures in 60 days. Plant transplants 12-18 inches apart. Protect from cabbage worms with floating row covers.
- Cauliflower – Trickier but doable. ‘Snow Crown’ is reliable. Blanch heads by tying outer leaves over them. Needs consistent moisture.
- Brussels Sprouts – Long season crop, 90-100 days. Best for south Alabama. ‘Jade Cross’ is compact. Harvest sprouts from bottom up after frost sweetens them.
Alliums And Others
Garlic and onions are planted in fall for summer harvest. They’re not quick crops but use November garden space efficiently.
- Garlic – Plant individual cloves 2 inches deep, 6 inches apart. ‘German Extra Hardy’ and ‘California Early’ do well. Mulch heavily with straw. Harvest next June.
- Onions – Plant sets or transplants. ‘Texas Super Sweet’ and ‘Red Creole’ for short-day types. Space 4-6 inches apart. They’ll grow through winter and bulb in spring.
- Peas – English peas or sugar snaps. ‘Wando’ and ‘Oregon Sugar Pod’ handle cool weather. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 2 inches apart. Provide trellis support.
Regional Considerations For Alabama
Alabama’s climate varies significantly from north to south. Your planting strategy should reflect your specific zone.
Northern Alabama (Zones 7A-7b)
Areas like Huntsville, Birmingham, and Gadsden get first frosts in late October. November planting here is risky for long-season crops. Focus on fast-maturing greens and radishes. Use cold frames or row covers to extend the season. Spinach and kale can survive under cover into December. Garlic and onions are safe bets because they go dormant over winter.
Central Alabama (Zones 8A-8b)
Montgomery, Auburn, and Tuscaloosa have milder winters. First frost is mid-November. You have more options. Plant broccoli and cabbage transplants in early November. Direct sow carrots, beets, and turnips. Leafy greens thrive. You can often harvest through December without protection.
Southern Alabama (Zones 9A-9b)
Mobile, Gulf Shores, and Dothan rarely see hard freezes before January. November is prime planting time. You can grow almost all cool-season crops. Brussels sprouts and cauliflower do well. Plant peas in November for spring harvest. Even some warm-season crops like tomatoes might survive if protected, but stick with cool-season for reliability.
Soil Preparation For November Planting
Good soil prep is critical for fall success. Summer crops may have depleted nutrients, and fall rains can compact soil.
- Remove all spent summer plants. Pull out roots to prevent disease carryover.
- Add 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Work it into the top 6 inches.
- Test soil pH. Cool-season crops prefer pH 6.0-7.0. Add lime if needed, but it takes months to work.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at 1 pound per 100 square feet. Or use a slow-release organic option.
- Rake bed smooth. Remove rocks and clods that can deform root crops.
- Water deeply a day before planting to settle soil.
Planting Techniques For November
November soil is cooler than spring, so germination can be slower. Use these techniques to improve results:
- Soak seeds overnight for beets, chard, and peas to speed germination.
- Plant seeds slightly shallower than summer recommendations. Cool soil at depth delays emergence.
- Water with warm water (not hot) to raise soil temperature slightly.
- Cover seeded rows with floating row covers or clear plastic until seeds sprout. Remove once seedlings appear.
- Thin seedlings promptly to prevent crowding. Cool-season crops need space to develop properly.
- Mulch around plants with straw or shredded leaves after they’re established. This insulates roots and retains moisture.
Protecting Your November Garden From Cold
Even hardy vegetables need protection from hard freezes. Alabama can get sudden cold snaps in December.
- Row covers – Lightweight fabric that lets light and water through. Adds 4-8°F of protection. Drape directly over plants or use hoops.
- Cold frames – Simple box with glass or plastic top. Keeps plants above freezing on cold nights. Great for lettuce and spinach.
- Mulch – Apply 4-6 inches of straw or hay around root crops. Pull back to harvest. Protects soil from freezing.
- Watering – Water soil thoroughly before a freeze. Wet soil holds more heat than dry soil. Do this in the morning so water absorbs before night.
- Harvest before hard freeze – If temps drop below 25°F, harvest all mature vegetables. Root crops can stay in ground if mulched heavily.
Pest And Disease Management In November
Cooler weather reduces many summer pests, but some problems persist. Watch for these:
- Aphids – Cluster on new growth. Spray with strong water stream or insecticidal soap. Ladybugs help control them.
- Cabbage worms – Green caterpillars on brassicas. Hand pick or use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). Row covers prevent them.
- Slugs and snails – Active in damp weather. Set beer traps or use iron phosphate bait. Remove debris where they hide.
- Fungal diseases – Powdery mildew and downy mildew appear in cool, wet conditions. Space plants for air circulation. Water at soil level, not on leaves.
- Root rot – Caused by waterlogged soil. Improve drainage with raised beds. Avoid overwatering in clay soils.
Harvesting Tips For November Planted Vegetables
Knowing when to harvest is key to getting the best flavor and texture.
- Leafy greens – Harvest outer leaves when 4-6 inches tall. Leave inner leaves to keep growing. Cut lettuce heads at soil level when firm.
- Root crops – Pull radishes when 1 inch in diameter. Carrots when they reach finger size. Beets when 1.5-2 inches. Turnips when 2-3 inches.
- Brassicas – Cut broccoli heads while tight, before yellow flowers appear. Harvest cabbage when heads feel solid. Pick Brussels sprouts from bottom up when firm.
- Alliums – Garlic and onions are harvested next summer. Leave them in ground until tops yellow and fall over.
- Peas – Pick snow peas when pods are flat. English peas when pods are plump but still bright green. Sugar snaps when pods are round and crisp.
Extending The Season Into December And January
With protection, you can harvest well into winter. Here’s how to push the season:
- Build a simple hoop house using PVC pipes and greenhouse plastic. This can keep temperatures 10-15°F warmer inside.
- Use cloches – individual covers made from plastic jugs or glass jars. Place over tender plants on cold nights.
- Plant in raised beds. Soil warms faster and drains better, reducing frost risk.
- Choose cold-hardy varieties. ‘Winterbor’ kale, ‘Arctic King’ lettuce, and ‘Merveille des Quatre Saisons’ spinach are bred for cold.
- Mulch heavily around root crops. Carrots and parsnips can stay in ground all winter if covered with 12 inches of straw.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make errors in November. Steer clear of these:
- Planting too late. Check your first frost date and count backward from days to maturity. Add 14 days for slower cool-season growth.
- Overwatering. Cool soil holds moisture longer. Water only when top inch of soil is dry. Yellowing leaves often mean too much water.
- Skipping soil prep. November soil is often compacted from summer rains. Loosen it before planting.
- Ignoring microclimates. Plant tender crops near south-facing walls or fences. These absorb heat and radiate it at night.
- Forgetting to harden off transplants. If you buy starts from a nursery, acclimate them over 3-4 days before planting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant tomatoes in November in Alabama?
Tomatoes are warm-season crops and won’t survive frost. In south Alabama, you might get away with planting in a protected greenhouse, but it’s not recommended. Stick with cool-season vegetables for November.
What is the fastest vegetable to plant in November in Alabama?
Radishes are the fastest, maturing in 25-30 days. ‘Cherry Belle’ and ‘French Breakfast’ are reliable. You can also grow baby greens like spinach and arugula, ready in 30-40 days.
Should I use fertilizer when planting in November?
Yes, but use a balanced fertilizer at half the summer rate. Cool-season crops need less nitrogen. Too much nitrogen promotes leafy growth that’s more susceptible to frost damage. A 5-10-10 formula works well.
How do I protect my November garden from frost in Alabama?
Use row covers, cold frames, or mulch. Water soil before a freeze. Plant in raised beds for better drainage and warmth. Choose cold-hardy varieties. For extreme cold, use a hoop house or greenhouse.
Can I plant garlic in November in Alabama?
Absolutely. November is the ideal time to plant garlic in Alabama. Plant individual cloves 2 inches deep, 6 inches apart. Mulch heavily with straw. Garlic will root in fall, go dormant in winter, and grow rapidly in spring for a June harvest.
November gardening in Alabama requires careful planning but rewards you with fresh vegetables through winter. Focus on fast-maturing greens and root crops, protect from frost, and choose varieties suited to your region. With these tips, you can enjoy a productive fall garden that keeps giving into the new year. Start with a small bed if you’re new to fall planting. Once you taste frost-sweetened kale and homegrown carrots, you’ll be hooked on November gardening.