November may feel like the garden is winding down, but it’s actually a brilliant month for getting certain plants into the ground. Cooler temperatures, reliable rainfall and dormant growth make late autumn an ideal time for planting hardy varieties that will quietly establish over winter and burst into life next year. If you think you’ve missed the boat, think again—there’s still plenty you can plant in November.

Garlic and Autumn–Winter Vegetables

Garlic loves the cold, and November is one of the best months to get cloves into the soil. The winter chill helps them form strong bulbs, and they require very little maintenance once planted. You can also sow hardy broad beans, such as ‘Aquadulce Claudia’, which overwinter beautifully and give you an early crop in late spring. If you have a sheltered spot or a cold frame, winter lettuces, spinach, and lamb’s lettuce can still be sown and will provide fresh greens through the colder months.

Bare-Root Trees and Shrubs

November marks the start of the bare-root season, when fruit trees, roses and hedging plants are available at their best value. Planting them now allows roots to settle in the cool, moist soil before vigorous growth starts in spring. Bare-root apple and pear trees, raspberry canes, currants and gooseberries all do exceptionally well when planted late in the year. It’s also the perfect time to begin or thicken up a wildlife-friendly hedge with species such as hawthorn, hazel, dogwood and blackthorn.

Spring-Flowering Bulbs

If you’ve been meaning to plant tulips, November is actually the ideal month. Planting them now helps reduce the risk of tulip fire (a fungal disease) and often results in stronger blooms. You can also still pop in alliums, fritillaries, and late daffodil varieties if the ground isn’t frozen. For containers, winter pansies and violas can be paired with bulbs to create displays that last from now until early summer.

Herbs and Perennials

Hardy herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage can still be planted, especially in well-drained soil. Many perennials, including hardy geraniums, sedum and echinacea, can also be planted now to establish roots ahead of spring.

With a little planning, November can become one of your most productive planting months—setting the stage for a vibrant, rewarding garden come spring.