What to plant in November in Idaho
In Idaho (ID), November sits about 25 weeks before the average last frost (May 10). The state averages 138 frost-free days a year (last frost May 10, first frost September 25; USDA zones 3b, 4b, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a).
Almost nothing is due to be sown in November - it's a month for planning, ordering seed and looking after what's already growing.
Dates here come from Idaho frost dates (last frost May 10, first frost Sep 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in Idaho.
Idaho covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
Idaho: planting activity through the year
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 Idaho
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Idaho: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in November in Idaho
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.
A planning month: November garden jobs in Idaho
- Order seed while stock is good. Idaho's average last frost is May 10, so the first indoor sowings begin around February 15 - see starting seeds indoors.
- Sketch this year's beds and move each crop family to a new spot - the garden planner and the crop rotation guide make it quick.
- Test old seed: roll ten seeds in a damp paper towel for a week. If fewer than seven sprout, sow thicker or buy fresh.
- If the ground isn't frozen, spread compost now so it's worked in by spring, and send off a soil test - November is when labs are quiet.
USDA zone chart for Idaho
Idaho spans USDA zones 3b, 4b, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. 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 Idaho in November?
Very little is sown outdoors in Idaho in November. Use the month to plan beds, order seed and prepare soil.
Is it too late to plant garlic in Idaho in November?
For this year, yes - the garlic windows in Idaho have closed. The next step is to plant in fall, after first frost from about October 6.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Idaho in November?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Idaho have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 15.
When is the first frost in Idaho?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 25 and the last spring frost around May 10. Idaho covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Idaho in November?
From plantings made on time: endive & escarole, fava bean (broad bean).
What to plant in November in other states
Dates are computed from Idaho’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.