What to plant in November in Washington
In Washington (WA), November sits about 22 weeks before the average last frost (April 20). The state averages 178 frost-free days a year (last frost April 20, first frost October 15; USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a).
2 crops have a sowing or planting window this month: shallot, garlic - and 2 of those windows close during November.
Dates here come from Washington frost dates (last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 15). For one crop in detail, see when to plant garlic, tomato or lettuce in Washington.
Washington 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.
Washington: planting activity through the year
Last chance in November
Shallot (plant in fall (after first frost), by Nov 5) · Garlic (plant in fall (after first frost), by Nov 12)
For fall and winter harvests (2)
Sowings counted back from Washington'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 Washington
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Washington: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in November in Washington
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 Washington
- Order seed while stock is good. Washington's average last frost is April 20, so the first indoor sowings begin around January 26 - 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 Washington
Washington spans USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a. 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 Washington 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 Washington in November?
No - plant in fall (after first frost) runs Oct 26 – Nov 12 in Washington, so do it before November 12.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Washington in November?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Washington have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 23.
When is the first frost in Washington?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 15 and the last spring frost around April 20. Washington 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 Washington in November?
From plantings made on time: radicchio, turnip, chervil, borage, parsley, green onion / scallion, watercress, endive & escarole, fava bean (broad bean).
What to plant in November in other states
Dates are computed from Washington’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.