What to plant in November in District of Columbia
In District of Columbia (DC), the average first fall frost (October 25) has passed by mid-November. The state averages 198 frost-free days a year (last frost April 10, first frost October 25; USDA zones 7a, 7b, 8a).
2 crops have a sowing or planting window this month: shallot, garlic - and 1 of those windows close during November.
Dates here come from District of Columbia frost dates (last frost Apr 10, first frost Oct 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant garlic, tomato or lettuce in District of Columbia.
District of Columbia: planting activity through the year
Last chance in November
Shallot (plant in fall (after first frost), by Nov 15)
For fall and winter harvests (2)
Sowings counted back from District of Columbia's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.
Harvesting in November
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in District of Columbia
Every crop has its own full-year dates for District of Columbia: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in November in District of Columbia
Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus are planted in fall, once the soil has cooled and before it freezes. The exact window depends on the state, so our bulb guide quotes what each extension service says.
After the first frost: November garden jobs in District of Columbia
- The average first frost (October 25) has passed - pull frost-killed tender plants and compost the healthy ones; bin or burn anything that had blight or mildew.
- Plant garlic now (Nov 5 – Nov 22): single cloves, pointy end up, 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, then mulch.
- Leave cold-hardy roots (carrots, parsnips, leeks) in the ground under a thick mulch and dig them as needed.
- Clean and oil tools, drain hoses, and note what worked this year while you still remember - it makes next year's plan far easier.
USDA zone chart for District of Columbia
District of Columbia spans USDA zones 7a, 7b, 8a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in District of Columbia in November?
2 crops have a window in November: shallot, garlic. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant garlic in District of Columbia in November?
No - plant in fall (after first frost) runs Nov 5 – Nov 22 in District of Columbia, so do it before November 22.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in District of Columbia in November?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in District of Columbia have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 13.
When is the first frost in District of Columbia?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 25 and the last spring frost around April 10. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in District of Columbia in November?
From plantings made on time: cabbage, lettuce, brussels sprouts, napa cabbage, fennel (bulb), cilantro / coriander, carrot, radicchio, dill, rapini (broccoli raab).
What to plant in November in other states
Dates are computed from District of Columbia’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.