Texas November offers a second growing season for vegetables that handle both warm soil and cool air. If you are looking for the best vegetables to plant in november in texas, you have arrived at the right place. This guide will walk you through what to grow, when to plant, and how to care for your garden during this unique window.
November in Texas is not like November up north. The soil is still warm from summer, but the air has cooled down. This combo is perfect for many crops that bolt in heat or freeze in deep cold. You can get a harvest before winter truly arrives, and some veggies will even survive through mild freezes.
Let’s get straight to the list. These vegetables are proven winners for Texas gardens in November.
Best Vegetables To Plant In November In Texas
Here are the top picks that thrive when planted in November across most Texas regions. Each one handles the transition from warm soil to cooler air without issue.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are the stars of November planting. They grow fast and tolerate light frosts well.
- Spinach – Plant seeds directly. It loves cool weather and can survive down to 20°F with some protection.
- Lettuce – Choose loose-leaf varieties like Black Seeded Simpson or Red Romaine. They mature in 45 days.
- Kale – Siberian kale is extra cold-hardy. Frost actually makes it sweeter.
- Swiss Chard – Bright stems and big leaves. It keeps producing until a hard freeze hits.
- Arugula – Spicy and quick. Ready in 30 days from seed.
Root Vegetables
Root crops do well because the soil stays warm enough for germination, then cool weather helps roots develop slowly and become sweeter.
- Carrots – Plant seeds ½ inch deep. Danvers or Nantes types work best.
- Beets – Direct sow and thin to 3 inches apart. Both roots and greens are edible.
- Radishes – Fastest crop. Ready in 25 days. Plant every two weeks for continuous harvest.
- Turnips – Purple Top White Globe is a classic. Greens are tasty too.
- Onions – Plant sets for green onions or bulbing onions. They overwinter well in most Texas zones.
Brassicas
These are the cabbage family crops. They handle cold better than most vegetables.
- Broccoli – Start from transplants for a head start. Harvest before flowers open.
- Cabbage – Early Jersey Wakefield is a good choice. It matures fast.
- Cauliflower – Needs consistent moisture. Blanch heads by tying leaves over them.
- Brussels Sprouts – Long season crop. Plant now for harvest in late winter.
Legumes
Peas and some beans can go in during November in South Texas.
- Snow Peas – Plant seeds 1 inch deep. They climb, so provide a trellis.
- Snap Peas – Sugar Snap is a favorite. Harvest when pods are plump.
- Fava Beans – Unusual but very cold-tolerant. Good for North Texas.
Alliums
Garlic and shallots are best planted in November for a summer harvest.
- Garlic – Break bulbs into cloves. Plant pointy end up, 2 inches deep.
- Shallots – Similar to garlic but milder. Space 6 inches apart.
- Leeks – Start from transplants. Hill soil around stems for white shafts.
Regional Considerations For Texas In November
Texas is huge. What works in Houston might fail in Amarillo. Here is how to adjust your planting based on where you live.
North Texas (Zones 7A-8a)
November is colder here. Soil temperatures drop fast. Use row covers or cold frames for tender crops. Stick to hardy greens like kale and spinach. Root crops need mulch to keep soil from freezing.
- Plant garlic and shallots first week of November.
- Cover broccoli and cauliflower if frost is predicted.
- Radishes and turnips are safe until hard freeze.
Central Texas (Zones 8B-9a)
This region has the best November weather. Soil is still warm, and air is cool but not freezing. You can plant almost everything on the list.
- Direct sow carrots, beets, and lettuce through mid-November.
- Transplant broccoli and cabbage starts until Thanksgiving.
- Peas can go in until early December in mild years.
South Texas (Zones 9B-10a)
November is actually the start of the main growing season here. Frost is rare. You can plant warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers if you act fast, but stick to cool-season for reliability.
- Plant snow peas and fava beans now.
- Garlic can wait until December if needed.
- Leafy greens will grow all winter with minimal protection.
East Texas
Humidity and rain are factors. Good drainage is critical. Raised beds help. Plant crops that resist fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
- Choose disease-resistant lettuce varieties.
- Space plants farther apart for air flow.
- Use drip irrigation instead of overhead watering.
West Texas
Dry air and big temperature swings. Daytime can be warm, nights cold. Wind protection is important.
- Plant in sheltered spots or use windbreaks.
- Mulch heavily to retain moisture and moderate soil temp.
- Beets and carrots do well here because they handle low humidity.
Step-By-Step Planting Guide For November
Follow these steps to give your November vegetables the best start.
- Test your soil – Use a simple pH kit. Aim for 6.0 to 7.0. Add lime if too acidic.
- Amend the soil – Mix in 2 inches of compost. This adds nutrients and improves drainage.
- Choose the right spot – Most vegetables need 6-8 hours of sun daily. South-facing beds are best.
- Prepare the bed – Remove old plants and weeds. Loosen soil 8-10 inches deep.
- Sow seeds or transplants – Follow depth and spacing on seed packets. Water gently after planting.
- Water consistently – November can be dry. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Aim for 1 inch per week.
- Mulch around plants – Use straw or shredded leaves. This keeps soil warm and reduces weeds.
- Protect from frost – Have row covers or old sheets ready. Cover plants when temps drop below 28°F.
- Fertilize lightly – Use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 once plants are established. Avoid too much nitrogen on root crops.
- Monitor pests – Aphids and caterpillars can still be active. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make errors in November. Here are the biggest ones.
- Planting too late – Many vegetables need 60 days before first hard freeze. Check your local frost date.
- Overwatering – Cooler weather means less evaporation. Water only when top inch of soil is dry.
- Ignoring microclimates – A spot near a wall or fence can be 5°F warmer. Use these for tender crops.
- Forgetting to harden off transplants – If you buy starts, acclimate them slowly over 3-5 days before planting.
- Planting too deep – Seeds need light to germinate for some crops like lettuce. Read instructions carefully.
Harvesting Timeline For November Plantings
Here is when you can expect to harvest based on planting in early November.
| Crop | Days to Harvest | Expected Harvest Window |
|---|---|---|
| Radishes | 25-30 | Late November to early December |
| Lettuce (leaf) | 40-50 | Mid-December to January |
| Spinach | 45-50 | Late December to January |
| Kale | 50-60 | January to February |
| Carrots | 60-70 | January to February |
| Broccoli | 60-80 | January to March |
| Garlic | 200+ | May to June |
Note that these are estimates. Actual harvest times depend on weather and care. Keep a garden journal to track your own results.
Frost Protection Strategies
Texas winters are unpredictable. A warm November can be followed by a sudden freeze. Be prepared.
- Row covers – Lightweight fabric that lets light and water through. Adds 4-6°F of protection.
- Cold frames – Simple box with glass or plastic top. Extends season by weeks.
- Mulch thickly – 4-6 inches of straw around root crops keeps soil from freezing.
- Water before frost – Wet soil holds heat better than dry soil. Water deeply the day before a freeze.
- Use cloches – Plastic jugs with bottoms cut off work as mini greenhouses for individual plants.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
Don’t plant everything at once. Stagger your plantings for a steady supply.
- Plant a row of radishes and lettuce every two weeks through November.
- Sow carrots in batches 3 weeks apart.
- Replace harvested crops with new transplants of broccoli or cabbage.
- Keep a calendar. Mark planting dates and expected harvest dates.
This method ensures you have fresh vegetables all winter, not just a single glut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Plant Tomatoes In November In Texas?
Only in South Texas (zones 9b-10a) and only if you use transplants. They need warm soil and protection from cold. Most gardeners wait until February or March for tomatoes.
What Vegetables Grow Best In North Texas In November?
Kale, spinach, garlic, and turnips are the most reliable. Use row covers for extra protection. Avoid tender crops like beans or cucumbers.
Should I Use Seeds Or Transplants For November Planting?
Seeds work for fast-growing crops like radishes, lettuce, and carrots. Transplants are better for broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower because they need a head start before cold weather.
How Often Should I Water Vegetables Planted In November?
Check soil moisture weekly. In most of Texas, watering once a week is enough unless it is unusually dry. Overwatering is a bigger risk than underwatering in cool weather.
Can I Plant Herbs In November In Texas?
Yes. Cilantro, parsley, and dill do well. Mint and oregano are perennials and can be planted now too. Basil will not survive frost, so skip that until spring.
Final Tips For Success
Start small if you are new to November gardening. Pick three or four vegetables from the list and focus on them. Expand next year.
Keep an eye on weather forecasts. Texas weather changes fast. Be ready to cover plants or harvest early if a hard freeze is coming.
Join a local gardening group. Texas Master Gardeners have great advice for your specific area. They know the microclimates and soil quirks better than any online guide.
Enjoy the process. November gardening in Texas is rewarding because you get fresh food when most of the country is snowed in. Your salads will taste extra good knowing you grew them yourself in the off season.
Remember that soil prep is everything. Take time now to build healthy soil, and your spring garden will thank you too. Compost, mulch, and proper watering are the three pillars of success.
With the right choices and a little care, your November garden can produce through December and into the new year. The best vegetables to plant in november in texas are the ones that match your region and your taste. Start with leafy greens and root crops, add some brassicas, and you will have a full winter harvest.
Happy gardening. Your Texas soil is ready for you.