While much of the country is putting their gardens to bed for winter, Southern California gardeners are just getting started on another growing season.
That's right. November is actually a fantastic time to plant vegetables in SoCal.
Our mild winters give us the opportunity to grow all kinds of fresh produce without battling the intense summer heat. And while we may still get the occasional 85-degree November afternoon (because, California), cooler nights and shorter days create great growing conditions for many vegetables.
So whether you have a big backyard garden, a couple of raised beds, or a sunny patio with room for a few pots, there's plenty you can grow right now.
What to plant in November
Some vegetables actually prefer cooler weather, and many of them do especially well during Southern California's fall and winter growing season.
Here are a few worth adding to your garden:
Lettuce and spinach: Perfect for fresh salads and easy to grow in containers or raised beds. Plant a little every couple of weeks for a more continuous harvest.
Kale and Swiss chard: Hardy leafy greens that can keep producing as you harvest the outer leaves.
Broccoli and cauliflower: Great cool-season crops that appreciate mild days and cooler nights. Start with nursery transplants for a head start.
Carrots and radishes: Root vegetables that grow well in loose, well-draining soil. Radishes are especially satisfying because some varieties are ready to harvest in about a month.
Snap peas and snow peas: These love cooler weather and can grow vertically on a trellis, making them a great choice for smaller spaces.
Cilantro and parsley: Fresh herbs that are right at home in a Southern California winter garden. Cilantro, in particular, tends to do better when it's not battling summer heat.
You don't have to plant everything. Pick a few vegetables your family actually enjoys eating and start there.
No backyard? No problem.
One of the best things about winter vegetable gardening is that you don't need a sprawling garden to make it work.
Lettuce, spinach, herbs, and radishes can grow in containers, while deeper pots can accommodate carrots and other root vegetables. A raised bed is another great option if you have a little extra room.
Just make sure your plants have adequate drainage, quality potting mix, and enough sunlight. Most vegetables prefer at least six hours of direct sun daily, although some leafy greens can tolerate a little less.
And don't forget to consider how much space plants will need as they mature. That tiny broccoli transplant won't stay tiny forever.
Don't forget, it's still Southern California
Just because the calendar says November doesn't mean the weather is going to cooperate.
Warm spells and Santa Ana winds can still dry out soil quickly, especially in containers and raised beds. Check soil moisture regularly and water when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Mulching around your plants can help retain moisture, regulate soil temperatures, and reduce weeds.
And if we're hit with another unexpected heat wave, newly planted seedlings may appreciate a little temporary afternoon shade until temperatures settle down.
Plant a little now, harvest a little later
Here's a simple trick that can make your vegetable garden much more productive: don't plant everything at once.
Instead of planting an entire packet of lettuce or radish seeds on the same day, try sowing a small amount every two or three weeks.
This is called succession planting, and it helps spread out your harvest so you're not suddenly staring at 30 heads of lettuce that all need to be eaten immediately.
It's especially helpful for quick-growing crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes.
A fresh take on winter gardening
There's something pretty satisfying about stepping outside in December or January and picking fresh vegetables for dinner.
And that's one of the perks of living in Southern California. While our version of winter might not come with snow-covered yards and frozen ground, it gives us the chance to keep growing, experimenting, and enjoying our outdoor spaces year-round.
So grab a few seed packets, find a sunny spot, and give winter gardening a try.
Your next homegrown harvest might be closer than you think.
Happy planting!
— The Navigate Team