Washington November plantings require vegetables that tolerate persistent rain and short daylight. Finding the best vegetables to plant in november in washington means choosing crops that thrive in cool, damp conditions and mature before hard frosts arrive.
You might think November is too late for gardening in Washington. But with the right picks, you can still enjoy fresh harvests well into winter. Let’s look at what works best.
Best Vegetables To Plant In November In Washington
This section covers the top vegetables that handle Washington’s November weather. Each one is tested for cold and wet soils.
Leafy Greens For Cold Frames
Leafy greens are your best bet. They grow fast and tolerate light frosts.
- Kale: Siberian and Winterbor varieties handle snow and ice. Plant seedlings now for harvest in 30 days.
- Spinach: Bloomsdale and Winter Giant survive down to 20°F. Sow seeds directly in well-drained beds.
- Lettuce: Butterhead and romaine types grow under cloches. Use cold frames to extend the season.
- Swiss chard: Bright Lights and Fordhook Giant keep producing even after frosts.
Root Vegetables For Heavy Soil
Root crops store well and handle Washington’s clay soils. They need loose ground to grow straight.
- Carrots: Choose short varieties like Nantes or Chantenay. They mature in 50–60 days.
- Beets: Detroit Dark Red and Chioggia are cold-hardy. Thin seedlings to 3 inches apart.
- Turnips: Purple Top White Globe grows fast. Harvest roots and greens together.
- Radishes: Cherry Belle and White Icicle are ready in 25 days. Plant every two weeks.
Alliums For Spring Harvests
November is ideal for planting garlic and onions. They overwinter and grow early next year.
- Garlic: Hardneck varieties like Music and German Extra Hardy do well. Plant cloves 2 inches deep.
- Shallots: French Red and Gray Griselle multiply easily. Space them 6 inches apart.
- Onion sets: Stuttgarter and Walla Walla survive cold. Plant 1 inch deep in rows.
Brassicas For Steady Growth
These cabbage family crops love cool weather. They need protection from heavy rain.
- Broccoli: Calabrese and Waltham 29 produce side shoots after main heads.
- Cabbage: January King and Savoy types resist frost. Use row covers for extra warmth.
- Brussels sprouts: Long Island Improved and Churchill mature slowly. Harvest after frosts sweeten them.
Why November Planting Works In Washington
Washington’s mild coastal climate allows winter gardening. The Pacific Ocean moderates temperatures, so hard freezes are rare in lowlands.
Rainfall is high in November, averaging 5–7 inches. This means you need well-drained soil or raised beds. Clay soils can waterlog, so add compost or sand.
Daylight drops to about 9 hours. Vegetables grow slower but still produce. Use cold frames or greenhouses to trap heat and light.
Soil Preparation Tips
Good soil is key for November plantings. Follow these steps:
- Test soil pH. Aim for 6.0–7.0 for most vegetables.
- Add 2–3 inches of compost. This improves drainage and nutrients.
- Work in a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. Apply per package directions.
- Cover beds with black plastic for a week. This warms soil before planting.
Protecting Plants From Rain
Too much rain can rot roots and spread disease. Use these methods:
- Raised beds: They drain faster than ground beds.
- Row covers: Floating fabric keeps rain off leaves.
- Cloches: Plastic bottles or glass jars protect individual plants.
- Mulch: Straw or wood chips reduce soil splash.
Step-By-Step Planting Guide For November
Follow this plan for success. Timing and technique matter in cool weather.
Week 1: Prepare Beds And Sow Seeds
Clear out summer crops. Remove weeds and debris. Turn soil 8 inches deep.
Sow seeds for radishes, spinach, and turnips. Plant 1/2 inch deep for small seeds. Water gently after planting.
Week 2: Transplant Seedlings
Set out kale, lettuce, and broccoli starts. Space them according to seed packet labels. Water at soil level to avoid wet leaves.
Apply a layer of straw mulch around plants. This keeps soil warm and reduces weeds.
Week 3: Plant Garlic And Onions
Break garlic bulbs into cloves. Plant each clove pointy end up. Cover with 2 inches of soil.
Plant onion sets 1 inch deep. Space them 4 inches apart. Water well after planting.
Week 4: Add Protection
Install cold frames or low tunnels. These structures raise temperature by 5–10°F. Ventilate on sunny days to prevent overheating.
Check for pests like slugs. They thrive in wet conditions. Use diatomaceous earth or beer traps.
Best Practices For November Gardening
These tips help you get the most from your winter garden.
Watering Wisely
Washington rain provides most moisture. But check soil every few days. Stick your finger 2 inches deep. If dry, water lightly.
Overwatering is a common mistake. Wet soil leads to root rot. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to target roots.
Fertilizing Lightly
Cool-season vegetables need less fertilizer. Apply a liquid seaweed solution every two weeks. This provides trace minerals.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. They promote leafy growth that is vulnerable to frost.
Harvesting At The Right Time
Pick leafy greens when leaves are 4–6 inches long. Harvest root vegetables when they reach thumb size. Leave carrots and beets in ground until needed.
Brussels sprouts taste best after a frost. Pick from bottom of stalk upward.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make errors in November. Here are pitfalls to watch for.
- Planting too late: Seeds need time to germinate before cold slows growth. Sow by mid-November.
- Ignoring drainage: Waterlogged soil kills roots. Always improve drainage before planting.
- Skipping frost protection: Even hardy plants need cover during hard freezes. Use row covers or cloches.
- Overcrowding: Plants need space for air circulation. Thin seedlings to prevent disease.
Regional Variations In Washington
Washington has diverse climates. Adjust your plantings based on your location.
Western Washington (Puget Sound Area)
Mild winters with temperatures above 20°F. Rain is heavy. Focus on leafy greens and root vegetables. Use raised beds to avoid waterlogging.
Eastern Washington (Inland Areas)
Colder winters with snow and frost. Temperatures drop below 10°F. Use cold frames or unheated greenhouses. Plant garlic and hardy kale only.
Coastal Areas (Olympic Peninsula)
Very wet and windy. Protect plants with windbreaks. Choose wind-tolerant varieties like Swiss chard and Brussels sprouts.
Tools And Supplies For November Gardening
Having the right gear makes planting easier. Here’s what you need.
- Cold frame: A wooden or metal box with glass lid. Traps heat and blocks rain.
- Row covers: Lightweight fabric that lets light through. Protects from frost and pests.
- Garden fork: Breaks up clay soil without damaging structure.
- Soil thermometer: Checks if ground is warm enough for seeds (above 40°F).
- Mulch: Straw, leaves, or wood chips insulate soil.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
Keep your garden producing all winter. Plant small batches every two weeks.
Example schedule:
- November 1: Radishes and spinach
- November 15: Lettuce and turnips
- December 1: Kale and Swiss chard (transplants)
This method ensures you always have something to harvest. It also reduces waste from overplanting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Plant Tomatoes In November In Washington?
No, tomatoes need warm soil and long days. They will not grow in November. Focus on cool-season crops instead.
What Vegetables Grow Best In Washington’s Clay Soil?
Root vegetables like carrots and beets do well if soil is loosened. Add compost to improve drainage. Leafy greens also tolerate clay.
How Do I Protect Plants From November Rain?
Use raised beds, row covers, and cloches. Mulch with straw to reduce soil splash. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Is It Too Late To Plant Garlic In November?
No, November is ideal for garlic in Washington. Plant cloves 2–3 inches deep before the ground freezes. They will grow roots before winter.
What Vegetables Can I Harvest In Winter From November Plantings?
Kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and carrots can be harvested through winter. Use cold frames to extend the season for lettuce and Swiss chard.
Final Thoughts On November Planting
Washington’s November garden is full of possibilities. With the best vegetables to plant in november in washington, you can enjoy fresh food even in the darkest months.
Start small. Pick two or three vegetables from this list. Prepare your soil and protect your plants from rain. You will be surprised at how much grows.
Remember to check your local frost dates. Adjust planting times for your specific area. With a little effort, your winter garden will thrive.
Happy planting—and happy harvesting from your November garden!