November Garden Planning: From Snow Cover to Southern Heat
Cynthia KolfAs I tend my Florida garden in a short-sleeved shirt, thankful that the oppressive humidity and heat of the summer are a memory, I can't help but smile thinking of my northern gardening friends bundled up in parkas, dreaming of spring.
Whether you're watching snowflakes or fighting off an unexpected cold snap in the Sunshine State, December is prime time for garden planning.
Universal Garden Tasks: Bringing Gardeners Together
No matter your growing zone, certain garden tasks unite us all during these winter months. Let's start with the activities that benefit every gardener:
Seed Inventory and Organization
It's time to dig out your seed boxes and take stock of what you have! Start by sorting through your existing seeds and checking their germination dates to ensure they’re still viable.
As you go through your collection, create a wish list for the varieties you want to grow in this year's garden. Once you have your seeds in order, organize them by planting dates to make your gardening season run smoothly.
Prepper Tip: Consider setting up a backup seed storage system to safeguard your collection. I use airtight containers, like cleaned-out prescription bottles, paired with silica gel packets to keep moisture at bay. Store your seeds in a cool, dark place to help them stay fresh for future planting seasons.
Garden Journal Review
A garden journal is an invaluable tool for gardeners of all experience levels, helping you learn from past seasons and plan for future success.
Here are some common elements to include in a garden journal:
- Planting Records: Log the dates you plant seeds or transplants, along with the variety and location in the garden.
- Weather Tracking: Note seasonal trends, such as the first frost date, heat waves, or rainy spells, which can affect your plants.
- Growth and Harvest Notes: Record how well your plants grow, their health, and the yield they produce.
- Successes and Challenges: Write down what worked well, like high-performing crops, and challenges you faced, such as pest issues or poor soil conditions.
- Plans and Goals: Use your journal to map out crop rotations, new garden layouts, or experiments you want to try next season.
A garden journal not only serves as a record but also becomes a resource for improving your garden year after year.
Whether you use a physical notebook or a digital tool, consistency is key to making the most of your notes.
Over time, your journal will become a treasure trove of insights, guiding you to better yields and fewer frustrations.
Start by reviewing last year’s journal entries, if you have them, to reflect on your successes and challenges.
Note which varieties thrived and which struggled, and use this information to plan your crop rotations and map out your garden spaces.
Include details like planting dates, growth habits, and harvest yields to create a clearer picture of what works best in your garden.
Even if you don’t have a garden journal yet, it’s never too late to start! I’ve found a fantastic free garden journal from a company I’m an affiliate for—it’s an excellent tool to organize your gardening plans.
To get your free Garden Journal, click on the image to get your copy from Botanical Interests.
Tool Maintenance
Proper tool maintenance is essential for keeping your gardening equipment in great shape and preventing the spread of diseases in your garden.
Start by giving your tools a thorough cleaning to remove dirt, sap, and any lingering plant material. Clean tools last longer and work more efficiently, saving you time and effort in the garden.
Next, sharpen your pruners, shovels, and any other bladed tools. Sharp tools not only make tasks easier but also create cleaner cuts that are healthier for your plants.
Don’t forget to care for wooden handles by giving them a light sanding if needed, followed by a coat of oil to prevent cracks and splinters. This simple step extends the life of your tools and makes them more comfortable to use.
Take some time to organize your supplies. Having everything in its proper place means no more hunting for that trowel or weeder when you need it most.
While you’re at it, take inventory of your tools and equipment. Identify anything that’s broken, worn out, or missing, and make a list of replacements to purchase before the gardening season is in full swing.
By investing a little effort in tool maintenance now, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother and more enjoyable gardening experience all year long.
Florida's November Garden: Growing in Zone 10A
Here in Florida, we're in prime growing season! While our northern friends dream of tomatoes, we're actively growing them. November is a great time to plant:
- Bush and pole beans
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Chinese cabbage
- Collards
- Corn, including sweet corn
- Cucumber
- Eggplant
- Hot Pepper
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Lettuce
- Onion, bulb, bunch, and leek
- Snap and sugar peas
- Potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Radish
- Spinach
- Summer Squash
- Sweet Pepper
- Strawberry
- Tomato
- Watermelon
- Zucchini
There are fewer pests to deal with now, and the torrential summer rains have passed, making it an ideal time to plant.
However, the biggest challenge for gardeners in Zone 10A during winter is protecting plants from possible cold snaps, including frosts.
To safeguard your garden, be prepared with tools like protective cloths, row covers, or frost blankets.
You can also use stakes or hoops to keep covers from touching delicate plants, reducing the risk of damage.
Adding a layer of mulch around the base of plants helps insulate their roots and retain warmth in the soil.
For potted plants, consider moving them to a sheltered location, such as a covered patio, or bringing them indoors when temperatures drop.
Watering your garden thoroughly before a cold night can also help protect plants, as hydrated soil retains heat better.
We’ll explore more about crop protection against the cold in a future post, so stay tuned for detailed tips and strategies!
Northern Garden Planning
For gardeners in colder climates, winter is the perfect time to plan ahead and get a jumpstart on the growing season.
Begin by creating your seed-starting schedule. Research the best dates to start seeds indoors based on your last frost date and work backward to ensure your plants are ready to transplant in spring.
Use this time to plan your spring garden layouts, considering crop rotations and companion planting to optimize space and improve yields.
Order your seeds, soil, and other supplies early to avoid the spring rush when popular items might sell out quickly.
Winter is also ideal for studying garden catalogs to discover new plant varieties that suit your space and climate.
While you’re dreaming of spring, consider growing an indoor garden to bring a little greenery into your home during the cold months.
Easy-to-grow options include kitchen herbs, lettuce, and nutrient-packed microgreens. These plants thrive indoors and can add fresh, homegrown flavor to your winter meals.
Next Steps for Every Gardener
No matter where you are, staying proactive is key to gardening success.
Begin by creating a garden calendar to map out planting and harvesting schedules for the year.
Again, ordering seeds early is essential, as popular varieties can sell out quickly, especially as the growing season approaches.
Use this time to finalize your garden layout, factoring in crop rotations and companion planting to maximize productivity.
If you haven’t already, start a garden journal to document your plans, track progress, and learn from each season.
Connect With Us
What's growing in your garden this winter? Or what are you planning for spring? Share your thoughts in the comments below. We'd love to hear from gardeners in all zones!
- A Beginner's Guide to Growing Vegetables Indoors
- Grow Bags: A Handy Guide for Gardening Success
- Understanding Heirloom and Hybrid Seeds for Your Garden
Additional Resources:
- Kellogg Garden Products: November Planting Guides
- Tree Amigos Growers: South Florida Planting Guides
- University of Florida, IFAS Extension: What to Plant in November