November: Late Planting & Overwintering Tips
Introduction
November is the time to shift your garden into winter mode. Shorter days, dropping temperatures, and the season’s first frosts call for wrapping up late harvests, planting overwintering crops, and preparing SIPs and wicking beds for the colder months.
With LifeSpace Gardens powered by GardenWells sub-irrigation, you’ll keep your soil moisture stable even as rainfall becomes inconsistent and roots need steady hydration for overwintering success.
Reservoir Rhythm for November
Cooler weather slows plant growth, so water usage drops significantly. Refill your GardenWells reservoirs roughly every 18–24 days. Use the WaterStem to check moisture — when the Hummingbird floats, you’re ready to grow.
Pro Tip: In rainy climates, reduce manual filling and let precipitation supplement SIP reservoirs, but always monitor using your WaterStem.
Reservoir vs. Top-Watering Comparison for November
| Watering Method | Average Refill Frequency | Water Efficiency | Plant Stress Risk | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GardenWells Wicking Bed | Every 18–24 days | ★★★★★ (90%+ retained) | Very low — roots stay hydrated even in fluctuating temps | Minimal |
| Traditional Top Watering | Every 5–7 days | ★★☆☆☆ (55% retained) | Moderate — dry topsoil risks root dehydration | High |
| Hand-Watering Containers | Every 2–3 days | ★☆☆☆☆ (35% retained) | High — rapid drying, especially in wind | Intensive |
Key Gardening Tasks for November
1. Finish Late Harvests
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Pick remaining tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers before frost fully shuts them down.
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Harvest storage crops like carrots, beets, and onions to avoid frost damage.
2. Plant Overwintering Crops
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Sow garlic for a strong spring harvest — November is your last chance.
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Direct-seed spinach, kale, and mache for overwintering greens in SIPs and raised beds.
3. Prep Beds for Winter Protection
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Mulch heavily to insulate soil and protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles.
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Top-dress SIPs with compost to enrich soil for spring plantings.
4. Protect Tender Crops
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Use cloches, row covers, or tunnels to shield delicate greens from frost.
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Relocate portable CondoFarms SIP planters to sheltered spots near walls for added warmth.
🌟 Veggie of the Month: Garlic
November is prime garlic-planting season — it’s your last opportunity before winter sets in.
Quick Garlic Tips:
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Planting: Split cloves and plant them 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart.
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Mulch: Cover heavily with straw, leaves, or compost for insulation.
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Bonus Tip: Interplant garlic with spinach or kale to maximize overwintering space.
📘 Read the Full Garlic Growing Guide →
What to Plant, Start, Transplant & Harvest in November
| Action | Veggies & Herbs |
|---|---|
| Direct-Seed Outdoors | Garlic, Spinach, Arugula, Kale, Mache, Mustard Greens |
| Start Indoors (optional for mild climates) | Herbs: Parsley, Cilantro, Chives |
| Transplant Now (for overwintering setups) | Kale, Spinach, Chives, Parsley, Mint, Thyme, Rosemary |
| Harvest This Month | Carrots, Beets, Kale, Swiss Chard, Spinach, Parsley, Cilantro |
Out-of-the-Box: Start Your Garden Today
Just unboxed your LifeSpace Garden? November planting focuses on overwintering success:
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Plant garlic, spinach, and kale to enjoy an early spring jumpstart.
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Mulch deeply and use row covers to insulate SIPs and protect seedlings.
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Keep your GardenWells filled and your Hummingbird floating — steady hydration is key this month.