It's November! What should you be doing in the garden this month? Is there anything to even be doing? Let's talk gardening in November, based on your zone you may need a more ardent winterizing strategy than others. You should always know your hardiness zone! Find it here at Hoss University.

The Basics of Gardening In November - for every zone

Bring tender plants inside, and cover vulnerable plants (remember to take off when the threat of frost passes so they do not overheat)

Clean out annual vegetables and flowers. Some may harbor disease, pests, and funguses. Many bacteria and pest eggs can overwinter in debris, and they will take over your healthy plants once spring arrives.

Remove weeds: Like plants, weeds left in the garden through winter can host many pests eggs, and pathogens.

Soil Test:

Nutrients: Lime, Potassium, Phosphorus, Nitrogen

Amend your soil for Spring: Manure, compost, and organic fertilizers

Plant Cover Crops: Helps prevent soil erosion, break up compacted areas, increase levels of organic matter, add nutrients

Replenish Mulch: Helps regulate soil temperatures and moisture, and protects crops from frost, added mulch breaks down, and incorporates fresh organic material into the soil.

Tarp

Clean and Sharpen Tools:

Shut off irrigation systems when a freeze is indicated

Zone 9

The weather is mild in USDA plant hardiness zone 9, and gardeners can grow nearly any delicious vegetable without the worry of hard winter freezes. All of November: Still plant your cold crops: Brassicas(transplants), Direct seed Spinach, Mustard, Turnips, Carrots, Beets, Radishes, Rutabagas, English Peas, lettuce, Kohlrabi, Kale, Strawberries, Elephant Garlic, Onion Starts, Plant till the end of November.

USDA Zone 8

First of November: Still plant your cold crops: Brassicas(transplants), Direct seed Spinach, Mustard, Turnips, Carrots, Beets, Radishes, Rutabagas, English Peas, lettuce, Kohlrabi, Kale, Strawberries, Elephant Garlic, Onion Starts, Plant till end of November. Cover Crops

Zone 7

Cole crops like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, collards, and kale are made sweeter by frost so harvest them as long as possible. You can also use a cold frame or put up a low tunnel to extend the season. Last chance to plant garlic!

Be ready with blankets/ floating row cover fabric for covering lettuce and other half-hardy crops during the first hard freeze.

The end of the month should be consistently cold enough to start applying a 2-4” layer of protective mulch

Zone 6

First of November sow seeds directly outdoors for spinach, and Swiss Chard.  Winterize irrigation systems, Frost protection material on hand.

Product of the Week

Onion Plants

Watch the Complete Show on YouTube Below:

https://youtu.be/AOFcgGiZMIc