This guide forms part of our month-by-month allotment planting calendar.
November is not about productivity — it’s about positioning.
Daylight is short, growth is minimal, and most allotments have already shifted into winter mode. This is one of the quietest planting months of the year, and that’s entirely normal.
Good November planting isn’t about squeezing something in for the sake of it. It’s about overwintering strength and setting yourself up for an easier start next spring.
Understanding November Conditions on an Allotment
By November, soil temperatures are falling and plant growth is extremely slow. Even on mild days, the lack of daylight limits development.
Key realities:
-
seeds may germinate but won’t grow quickly
-
young plants must tolerate sitting still for months
-
drainage matters more than warmth
Anything planted now needs to survive winter, not race through it.
What You Can Still Plant in November
Options are few, but they’re important.
Garlic is the standout November crop. Planted now, cloves establish roots before winter sets in and produce strong growth in spring. November-planted garlic often outperforms spring plantings.
Some overwintering onions can also be planted if soil conditions are reasonable. These sit quietly through winter and give an early harvest the following year.
If your soil is workable and not waterlogged, these plantings are worth the effort.
What You Can Sow in November (With Caution)
Direct sowing in November is rarely productive.
In very mild areas, small sowings of hardy broad beans can work, particularly if they’re protected from wind and excessive wet. However, success varies year to year and should not be relied on.
Any sowing now should be viewed as a calculated risk, not a guarantee.
What to Avoid Planting in November
November is not the time for:
-
salads
-
roots for harvest
-
brassicas
-
tender or fast-growing crops
Even if seeds sprout, they won’t develop into useful plants. Space and effort are better saved for spring.
How November Fits Into the Bigger Allotment Picture
November planting decisions affect how smoothly your allotment wakes up next year.
Garlic and overwintering onions break the long gap between winter and spring planting, giving you established crops before most beds are active again.
Just as importantly, many beds should be left empty now. Bare soil can be protected with mulch, compost, or cover crops, helping soil recover rather than forcing late plantings that struggle.
A Common November Mistake
The most common mistake in November is planting to feel productive.
There’s nothing wrong with quiet months on an allotment. November rewards restraint far more than effort.
Final Thoughts
November is about confidence in doing less.
Plant garlic and overwintering onions if conditions allow, protect your soil, and accept that growth has slowed for the year. A calm November leads to a far stronger start when the season turns again.