What to plant in November in North Carolina
In North Carolina (NC), the average first fall frost (October 25) has passed by mid-November. The state averages 203 frost-free days a year (last frost April 5, first frost October 25; USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b).
2 crops have a sowing or planting window this month: shallot, garlic - and 1 of those windows close during November.
Dates here come from North Carolina frost dates (last frost Apr 5, first frost Oct 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant garlic, tomato or lettuce in North Carolina.
North Carolina 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.
North Carolina: 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 North Carolina'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 North Carolina
Every crop has its own full-year dates for North Carolina: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in November in North Carolina
Plant in fall to build roots and meet the cold requirement, which ranges from six to 20 weeks depending on species or cultivar. Wait until the soil at planting depth is below 60°F. (NC State Extension) ↗
After the first frost: November garden jobs in North Carolina
- 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 North Carolina
North Carolina spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina in November?
No - plant in fall (after first frost) runs Nov 5 – Nov 22 in North Carolina, so do it before November 22.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in North Carolina in November?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in North Carolina have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 8.
When is the first frost in North Carolina?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 25 and the last spring frost around April 5. North Carolina 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 North Carolina in November?
From plantings made on time: cabbage, lettuce, brussels sprouts, napa cabbage, fennel (bulb), cilantro / coriander, carrot, radicchio, dill, rapini (broccoli raab).
When should I plant spring bulbs in North Carolina?
Plant in fall to build roots and meet the cold requirement, which ranges from six to 20 weeks depending on species or cultivar. Wait until the soil at planting depth is below 60°F. (NC State Extension). See the bulb planting guide for depth and spacing.
What to plant in November in other states
Dates are computed from North Carolina’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.