November is a transitional month for gardeners in USDA Zone 8b, where mild winters provide a favorable opportunity for planting. As temperatures begin to drop, it’s essential to choose the right plants that will thrive in the cooler weather.
Vegetables To Plant
Planting vegetables in November can extend your harvest and set you up for early growth in spring. Here are ten vegetables that thrive under the milder conditions of Zone 8b.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a cold-tolerant vegetable that thrives in cooler temperatures. In Zone 8b, this is an optimal time to plant seeds directly in your garden bed or start them indoors. Broccoli seeds germinate best between 50°F and 85°F, making November a perfect planting time as the soil starts cooling. Plant your seeds about ¼ inch deep, spacing them 18 inches apart. Harvest your broccoli heads when they are firm and tight. They can withstand light frost, enhancing their flavor.
Garlic
Garlic is a favorite planting choice in November. For Zone 8b, it’s best to plant garlic cloves about 2 inches deep, around 6 inches apart, ensuring they have room to grow. The soil temperature should ideally be between 50°F and 70°F for optimal bulb development. Garlic can handle the cooler temperatures of winter and will sprout in the spring, ready for harvest in mid-summer.
Spinach
Spinach is another excellent choice for November planting. This leafy green flourishes in cooler weather and can be planted in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.0. Sow seeds about ½ inch deep and 2 inches apart for optimal growth. Spinach is known for its ability to tolerate frost, which actually enhances its flavor, making it a great November crop.
Kale
Kale is unrivaled for its cold hardiness and rich nutritional value. Plant kale seeds directly in the garden ¼ to ½ inch deep, with the optimal spacing of about 12 inches apart. This leafy green thrives in temperatures as low as 20°F, so November planting is completely suitable. Harvest individual leaves, allowing the plant to continue producing.
Carrots
November is an ideal month for sowing carrots, especially if you want to overwinter them for an early spring harvest. Carrots prefer loose, sandy soil and have a germination temperature of 50°F to 85°F. Sow the seeds about ¼ inch deep and thin them to 2-4 inches apart as they grow. When mulched, they will benefit from additional protection against frost.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens can be planted in November, providing a spicy addition to your winter salads. They germinate best in cooler temperatures and should be sown ¼ inch deep in well-amended soil. Space them around 3-4 inches apart. Mustard greens are quick to grow, often ready for harvest in just a few weeks.
Radishes
Radishes are an incredibly quick-growing crop, making November a perfect time to get them into the ground. Plant radish seeds about ½ inch deep and thin them to ensure good air circulation. They can tolerate mild frost, which makes them an excellent choice for late-season planting. Harvesting them before a hard freeze will ensure the best flavor.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a versatile green that can thrive in the cooler months. It can be direct-seeded or started indoors and transplanted in November. Plant seeds about ½ inch deep and thin them to 12 inches apart. Chard can withstand light frosts and is known for its resilience, making it perfect for year-round gardening.
Leeks
Leeks can withstand colder temperatures and are perfect for planting in November. When planting, ensure the soil is well-draining, and sow seeds about ½ inch deep with spacing of 3-4 inches apart. They can be harvested throughout the winter, lending a mild onion flavor to your winter dishes.
Fava Beans
Fava beans are an exceptional choice for fall planting because they can tolerate frost and even improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Plant them 1-2 inches deep, spaced about 6-8 inches apart. They will germinate in cool soil, and come early spring, you will have a robust crop ready for harvest.
Flowers To Plant
November is not just for vegetables; it’s also a great time to beautify your garden with flowers that bloom in the spring. Here are ten flowers well-suited for planting in Zone 8b during November.
Pansies
Pansies are a fantastic choice for late fall planting in Zone 8b. They bloom beautifully in cooler temperatures and can withstand slight frosts, enhancing their vibrant colors. Plant pansies in well-drained soil, spacing them 6-10 inches apart. With proper care, they can flower from late fall until spring.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons add height and visual interest to flower beds and thrive in the cool, mild temperatures of Zone 8b. Plant these sturdy, frost-resistant flowers about 12 inches apart. Their colorful blooms will attract butterflies and provide a lovely display in your garden.
Ornamental Cabbage
Ornamental cabbage can be planted in November for a unique splash of color in the winter garden. These plants thrive in cooler weather and can tolerate frost, showcasing stunning leaf colors in purple, pink, and white. Plant them in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil for maximum vibrancy.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen are lovely flowering plants that can be planted in November. They thrive in cooler temperatures and prefer shaded areas, making them perfect for under trees or along shady borders. They require soil that drains well, and with adequate watering, they will add beautiful blooms to your winter landscape.
Dianthus
Dianthus offers both fragrance and beauty in the garden. This perennial can be planted in November to establish a strong root system before winter. Space plants about 12 inches apart and choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil. The blooms will emerge in early spring, providing a delightful show.
Primrose
Primroses are hardy perennials that bloom in early spring and thrive in Zone 8b’s mild climate. Plant them in well-drained soil with partial to full shade and space them 8-12 inches apart. Though they can withstand light frost, they prefer slightly warmer conditions for optimal blooming.
Sweet William
Sweet William is a biennial flower that can be planted in November for spring bloom. Their fragrant flowers come in a variety of colors and can tolerate some frost, providing early-season blooms. Space them 10-12 inches apart, and ensure they are planted in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
Larkspur
Larkspur is a dazzling addition to any garden, producing tall spikes of flowers in vibrant colors. They thrive in cool weather and should be sown about ¼ inch deep, spaced at 6-12 inches apart. Larkspur can handle frost, making them suitable for planting in November.
Foxglove
Foxglove plants bring drama to the garden with their towering spires of tubular flowers. They can be sown in November to establish themselves before winter. Plant them about 12-18 inches apart in rich, well-draining soil. They require some protection from strong winds but are otherwise hardy.
Bleeding Heart
Bleeding Hearts are charming perennial flowers that can be planted in November. These unique plants enjoy shaded areas and need fertile, well-drained soil. Space them about 12-24 inches apart, and come spring, they will bring delightful heart-shaped blooms that add whimsy to any garden.
Herbs To Plant
Herbs are an essential part of any garden, providing flavor, aroma, and even culinary versatility. Here are ten herbs that can be planted in November in Zone 8b.
Cilantro
Cilantro grows well in cooler weather and can be planted in November for a winter crop. Sow the seeds directly in well-drained soil, about ¼ inch deep, ensuring they have proper spacing of 6 inches apart. This herb promotes fast growth; however, be mindful of bolting once temperatures start to warm.
Parsley
Parsley is a hardy biennial herb that can be sown in November. It thrives in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep and space them 6-8 inches apart. Parsley enjoys cold weather and will continue growing throughout the winter months.
Chives
Chives are a hardy perennial that can be planted in November. They thrive in both full sun and partial shade, preferring well-drained soil. Plant chive seeds about ¼ inch deep and space them 6 inches apart. They are frost-tolerant and will establish roots that can be harvested in early spring.
Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb that can be planted in November. Preferring well-drained soil and full sun, thyme can be sown directly into your garden. Plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep, spacing them 12 inches apart. Thyme is drought-tolerant and asserts itself well in winter conditions.
Sage
Planting sage in November can yield flavorful leaves for your culinary endeavors. This perennial herb prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep and space them 24 inches apart. Sage can withstand frosty conditions, and the leaves become more aromatic with cooler temperatures.
Oregano
Oregano is a hardy perennial that enjoys cooler growing conditions. November is an excellent time to sow seeds about ¼ inch deep, spacing them 12 inches apart. This herb prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it will provide robust flavor in your dishes through the winter months.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb that prefers milder winters. In Zone 8b, November is an excellent time for planting. Be sure to plant rosemary in well-draining soil, ideally about 12-24 inches apart. This herb is partially frost-tolerant, but providing some protection from harsh winds is advisable.
Mint
Mint is a vigorous grower that can be established in November. While it can be invasive, planting it in containers or defined regions will keep it in check. Mint prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. Space plants about 12 inches apart, and you will have ample fresh leaves for your culinary needs.
Dill
Dill can be sown in November for an early spring harvest. This herb prefers well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep and thin seedlings to roughly 10-12 inches apart. Dill can tolerate light frost, making it suitable for your late fall planting.
Fennel
Fennel is a unique herb that can be planted in November. While it prefers well-drained soil and full sun, it can also tolerate a bit of shade. Sow fennel seeds about ½ inch deep, spacing them 12 inches apart. Its robust flavor and versatile uses in cooking make it a valuable addition to herb gardens.
Landscape Plants To Plant In November
Establishing landscape plants in November can enrich your garden and provide a framework for your outdoor space. Here are ten options to consider planting in Zone 8b.
Camellias
Camellias are evergreen shrubs that bloom in late winter to early spring. They thrive in partial shade and prefer well-drained, acidic soil. Plant these sturdy shrubs 3-5 feet apart to allow for growth. November planting will help them establish before the colder months, resulting in vibrant blooms come spring.
Azaleas
Azaleas are loved for their stunning spring blooms and evergreen foliage. Planting in November allows for root establishment during milder temperatures. Space azaleas 3-5 feet apart and choose a location that offers partial shade and well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses add both texture and movement to your landscape. They can be planted in November for early spring growth. Choose native grasses, which are more suited to local conditions, and ensure proper spacing according to their mature size. These plants can endure frost and will enhance your garden’s beauty.
Holly
Holly varieties are perfect for establishing a year-round green presence in your landscape. Plant them in well-drained soil with full sun exposure for vibrant red berries during the winter. They can be planted in November, spaced about 4-6 feet apart, depending on the variety.
Japanese Maple
Japanese maples are stunning ornamental trees that can add elegance to any landscape. November is an ideal time for planting, providing them the opportunity to establish roots before winter. Ensure they have room to grow, usually about 15-20 feet apart in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Nandina
Nandina, or heavenly bamboo, offers colorful foliage that changes with the seasons. Planting in November allows the roots to settle in before colder temperatures. Space these shrubs about 2-3 feet apart, and ensure they are in partial shade to full sun. They are hardy and can handle the winter weather.
Liriope
Liriope is a tough and adaptable ground cover that can be planted in November. It provides excellent erosion control and green ground coverage year-round. Space plants about 12-18 inches apart in well-drained soil, and this low-maintenance plant will thrive even in colder months.
Evergreen Shrubs
Evergreen shrubs, such as boxwood and juniper, are perfect for year-round landscaping. Plant them in November to establish roots before winter. Depending on the variety, space them 2-6 feet apart. These hardy plants provide structure and texture throughout the seasons.
Butterfly Bush
Butterfly bushes are perfect for attracting pollinators to your garden. Plant them in November to establish roots before spring. Select a well-drained area with full sun exposure and space them 3-6 feet apart, depending on their mature size. They are hardy and will thrive in Zone 8b winters.
Roses
November is a great time to plant hardy roses. Choose varieties suited for your climate, such as Knock Out or Drift roses, which tolerate the colder months. Ensure they have well-draining soil, space them at least 2-4 feet apart, and they will reward you with beautiful blooms in the spring and summer.
