What You Can Plant in Your Garden This November in East Texas

Hey y’all!

Can you believe it’s November already? Here on the farm, the mornings are crisp, the sun feels golden, and it’s one of my most favorite times of the year for gardening. If you’re in East Texas like us (Zone 8b), don’t think winter means the garden has to take a break. There’s still plenty we can plant now to keep the fresh greens and veggies coming all season long.

Leafy Greens|Winter’s Best Friends

I love planting spinach, kale, collards, and lettuce this time of year. They’re hardy little guys that actually love the cooler weather, and nothing beats picking a handful of fresh greens straight from your own garden. Mustard greens are also great this month, peppery, tasty, and perfect for winter soups.

Root Vegetables|Sweet and Simple

Don’t forget about the roots! Carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips do really well now. They’re fun to plant, easy for kids to help with, and there’s something so satisfying about pulling a crisp carrot out of the soil on a chilly morning. It always feels like pulling up a lost treasure for me, you never know what you're going to get! Not to mention roots offer so much flavor and color to all of our winter meals. They come in a close second only to my tomato obsession.

Brassicas|Cold-Hardy Powerhouses

If you’re a fan of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts, now’s the time to transplant them. These guys are tough and can handle the occasional frost, giving you fresh veggies well into winter. When you take the time to grow your own of these, you will never go back to store bought again. The flavor is undeniable!

Herbs|Fresh Flavor All Winter

I also like to plant herbs in November. Cilantro, parsley, and chives are perfect now, and perennial herbs like thyme and rosemary can be tucked in for long-lasting flavor. Nothing beats a winter meal with fresh herbs straight from the garden!

Flowers|Because Winter Can Be Pretty Too

I always plant a few pansies, violas, and snapdragons this month. They’re hardy, cheerful, and give your garden a little color when everything else is resting. Plus, they’re great for pollinators!

A Few Tips From the Farm

1. Protect those seedlings: row covers can help on those chilly nights.

2. Feed your soil: a little compost goes a long way to keep plants happy and healthy.

3. Succession planting: sow leafy greens every couple of weeks so you’re always harvesting something fresh.

4. Prep your beds: clear out summer crops, add compost, and get ready for winter’s bounty.

November planting is all about setting your garden up for success, keeping the kitchen full of fresh produce, and enjoying the satisfaction of growing your own food. And remember, if you want a little extra inspiration for meals this winter, our farm store has plenty of pasture-raised pork, poultry, eggs, and seasonal produce that pairs perfectly with your garden harvest.

Here’s to fresh greens, crisp roots, and cozy winter meals straight from the farm to your table...without the pest pressure and heat!

May the soil be fertile, the harvest be bountiful and the farmer never grow weary.

~Farmer Mandy