As the crisp chill of autumn settles in, it’s easy to think the gardening season has come to a close. However, November offers a hidden opportunity for keen gardeners to get a jump-start on the upcoming growing season. Despite the colder weather, several hardy crops can still be sown now for an early spring harvest. Here’s a roundup of what you can sow in November to set yourself up for success in the new year.
1. Fava Beans: A Hardy Winter Crop
Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are incredibly resilient and thrive when sown in autumn. Timing is critical for these beans: sow too early, and they may grow too quickly and freeze; sow too late, and they won’t grow before winter. If sown at the right time, fava beans develop strong, stocky seedlings with deep roots that can endure the cold, ensuring an early harvest next spring.
For best results, sow fava beans in plug trays, one seed per plug. This method avoids direct sowing, which can be less reliable. Use a greenhouse or cold frame to keep the seeds warm enough for germination, but be cautious of extreme winter temperatures.
2. Peas: Early Spring Delights
Peas, such as the hardy variety ‘Meteor,’ are perfect for autumn sowing. These smooth-seeded peas are less prone to rot in cooler weather, unlike their wrinkled counterparts. To avoid rodent damage and excess moisture, sow peas in individual containers like toilet paper tubes filled with potting mix. When the seedlings reach about 8 inches tall, they’re ready to be transplanted into the garden in early spring for an early, abundant crop.
3. Sweet Peas: A Fragrant Fall Sowing
Although not edible, sweet peas offer a burst of beauty and fragrance to your garden. Start them in toilet paper tubes, just like regular peas. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, move them to a greenhouse or cold frame to continue growing. Plant them outside in mid-spring, where they will climb bamboo canes or obelisks, providing a colorful, scented display all summer long.
4. Onions: Early Harvest with Onion Sets
While onions are typically grown from seed, using onion sets for autumn planting can lead to an early harvest. Onion sets are immature bulbs that, when planted in autumn, can mature into full-size onions three to four weeks ahead of those planted in spring. Plant the sets in plug trays to avoid diseases like downy mildew. Make sure the root end faces down and cover with potting mix, ensuring the pointy tip is slightly exposed. Once spring arrives, transplant them into the soil when it’s workable.
5. Garlic: Plant Now for a Bulb-Filled Future
Garlic is a fantastic crop to plant in the fall. The hardneck varieties are especially hardy and will survive even the harshest winters. To plant, rake organic fertilizer into the soil, break apart the garlic bulb, and plant the cloves 6 inches apart, about 2 inches deep. Cover the soil with leaves for insulation during winter. In spring, remove the leaves, and watch as your garlic grows into large, robust bulbs.
6. Cilantro: A Late Crop for Fresh Flavor
Cilantro, also known as coriander, can be tricky to grow due to its tendency to bolt (flower and set seed) in warm weather. However, sowing cilantro in autumn can help avoid this, as shorter days prevent bolting. To get the best results, pre-sprout the seeds by soaking them overnight and keeping them moist until they develop small roots. Once sprouted, sow them in seed flats, and once the plants are about 6 inches tall, you can begin harvesting. Careful harvesting can lead to a second crop in just a few weeks.
Conclusion
November is far from the end of the gardening season. With the right planning, you can sow a variety of crops that will thrive over the winter and provide an early spring harvest. Whether you’re planting hardy fava beans, peas, sweet peas, or garlic, fall sowing offers a rewarding challenge and ensures your garden is ready for the new growing season. Happy gardening!