Best Herbs to Plant in November: Your Complete Guide to Late-Season Growing
Think the growing season ends when fall arrives? November might surprise you. While many gardeners pack away their tools after the first frost, this transitional month actually offers unique opportunities for both indoor and outdoor herb cultivation that can keep your kitchen stocked with fresh flavors through winter and give you a head start on spring.
The secret lies in understanding which herbs thrive in cooler temperatures and knowing how to leverage November’s conditions to your advantage. Whether you’re in a mild climate where outdoor planting is still possible or need to move operations indoors, November is the perfect time to establish new herb gardens that will reward you in the months ahead.
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Understanding November’s Unique Growing Conditions
November occupies a fascinating position in the gardening calendar. The month’s cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours create conditions that challenge some herbs while providing ideal environments for others. Understanding these dynamics helps you make smart planting decisions based on your specific situation.
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Climate Zones and What They Mean for November Planting
Your USDA hardiness zone determines what’s possible in your November herb garden. Gardeners in zones 8-11 still enjoy conditions suitable for outdoor planting, with temperatures that encourage robust growth in cool-season herbs. Meanwhile, those in zones 3-7 need to focus their November efforts on indoor cultivation and protected growing spaces.
Zone-Specific November Planting Guide
| USDA Zones | November Planting Options | Best Herbs | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zones 3-5 | Indoor only | Basil, cilantro, parsley, chives (windowsill) | Start seeds now for spring transplanting. Focus on grow lights or sunny south-facing windows. |
| Zones 6-7 | Protected outdoor + indoor | Parsley, chives, garlic (outdoor); basil, rosemary (indoor) | Use cold frames or row covers for outdoor plantings. Monitor frost warnings closely. |
| Zones 8-9 | Most herbs outdoors with protection | Cilantro, parsley, chives, fennel, mint, garlic | Light frost protection may be needed. This is prime cool-season herb planting time. |
| Zones 10-11 | Nearly everything grows | All herbs thrive – best time for cool-season varieties | Perfect weather for herbs that struggle in summer heat. Plant freely outdoors. |
The difference is substantial. A gardener in zone 9 can plant cilantro outdoors in November and expect a harvest within weeks, while their counterpart in zone 5 needs to create an indoor growing setup to achieve similar results. If you’re new to herb gardening and want to understand these regional considerations better, our Planning Your Perfect Herb Garden guide covers zone-specific strategies in detail.
Daylight Hours and Temperature Considerations
November’s shortened days present the most significant challenge for indoor herb growers. Even south-facing windows receive substantially less light than they did in summer, which means herbs that demand high light levels need supplemental lighting to thrive. The combination of low light and indoor heating creates conditions that require careful attention to prevent herbs from becoming leggy and weak.
Temperature fluctuations matter too. Outdoor herbs in mild climates benefit from cool nights that intensify flavors, but they need protection from unexpected hard frosts. Indoor herbs appreciate consistent temperatures but struggle with the dry air created by heating systems.
Best Herbs for November Outdoor Planting
If you live in zones 7-11, November offers excellent conditions for planting certain herbs directly in the garden. These cold-hardy varieties actually prefer cooler weather and will establish themselves beautifully during this transitional month.
Garlic: The Perfect November Crop
Garlic isn’t technically an herb, but it’s such a natural fit for November planting that it deserves mention. Fall planting is essential for garlic because the cloves need a period of cold temperatures to develop properly. Plant individual cloves about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart in well-drained soil, and you’ll harvest full bulbs next summer.
The garlic you plant now will develop strong root systems through winter, emerging with vigor in early spring. Once you harvest your crop, you’ll appreciate having fresh garlic for recipes like our Air Fryer Strip Steak with Roasted Garlic Butter, where the roasted garlic’s sweet, mellow flavor shines.
Chives: The Cold-Hardy Champion
Chives rank among the most cold-tolerant herbs you can grow, surviving temperatures well below freezing once established. November planting works beautifully in zones 6 and warmer, and these perennial herbs will return year after year with minimal care. They prefer full sun but tolerate partial shade, making them adaptable to various garden spots.
Plant chives from divisions or small transplants rather than seeds in November for faster results. Space them 8-10 inches apart and keep the soil consistently moist until established. Our Chives: A Comprehensive Guide covers everything from cultivation to culinary uses, and you’ll find plenty of inspiration in recipes like our Cloud Eggs with Asiago Cheese & Chives.
Cilantro: Cool Weather’s Favorite Herb
Cilantro actually struggles in hot weather, making November ideal for planting in mild climates. This herb bolts quickly when temperatures rise, but cooler fall and winter conditions encourage lush, leafy growth instead of premature flowering. Direct sow seeds about ¼ inch deep in rows or scatter them in patches for a continuous harvest approach.
The key to success with November-planted cilantro is choosing a location that receives full sun during the shorter days. In zones 8-10, you can expect to harvest leaves within 3-4 weeks of planting. If you’ve struggled with cilantro in the past, check out A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Your Own Cilantro for troubleshooting tips, and explore How to Grow Cilantro from Cuttings for an alternative propagation method.
Parsley: The Hardy Biennial
Parsley is a biennial herb that develops into a substantial plant when given a full growing season. November planting in zones 7-10 allows parsley to establish strong roots before winter, resulting in robust plants that produce abundantly through spring. Both flat-leaf and curly varieties work well for fall planting, though flat-leaf parsley tends to be slightly more cold-tolerant.
This herb appreciates rich, moist soil and benefits from a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to protect roots during cold snaps. Young parsley plants handle light frosts well, and established plants survive temperatures into the low 20s. Once your parsley reaches harvest size, try it in simple preparations like our Instant Pot Parsley Potatoes where the herb’s fresh flavor really stands out. For comprehensive growing information, The Ultimate Guide to Parsley covers everything from seed to harvest.
Mint: For Mild Climate Gardeners
Gardeners in zones 7 and warmer can plant mint in November, though container growing offers better control over this notoriously aggressive spreader. Mint’s vigorous root system establishes quickly even in cooler weather, and the plant tolerates partial shade better than most herbs. This makes it perfect for spots that receive limited winter sun.
Plant mint from divisions or rooted cuttings rather than seeds for faster establishment. Keep containers well-watered, as mint demands consistent moisture. Once established, you’ll have fresh mint for beverages like our refreshing Fresh Orange Lemonade with Mint throughout the cooler months.
Fennel: The Mild Climate Specialist
Fennel thrives in zones 8-10 during November, producing both aromatic fronds and eventually harvestable bulbs if you’re growing the Florence variety. This herb appreciates full sun and well-drained soil, and November’s mild temperatures prevent the stress that sometimes causes premature bolting in warmer months. Plant fennel seeds about ¼ inch deep and thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they emerge.
The anise-like flavor of fennel adds sophistication to winter cooking. Our Fennel Essentials: Growing Tips, Cooking Ideas, and Health Benefits guide provides detailed cultivation advice, while recipes like Roasted Tomato and Fennel Soup and Roasted Fennel Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing showcase this herb’s versatility.
Top Herbs to Start Indoors in November
Indoor herb growing becomes essential for gardeners in colder zones, but even those in mild climates can benefit from maintaining a kitchen windowsill garden. Starting herbs indoors in November gives you fresh ingredients through winter while setting you up for spring transplanting success.
Creating Your Indoor Growing Setup
Before diving into specific herbs, let’s address the fundamentals of indoor growing. Your herbs need three key elements: adequate light, appropriate containers, and proper soil. A south-facing window provides the best natural light, but even this may not suffice for light-hungry herbs during November’s short days. Consider investing in full-spectrum LED grow lights positioned 6-12 inches above your plants for 12-14 hours daily.
Choose containers with drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix rather than garden soil, which compacts poorly in pots. Herbs grown indoors generally need less water than outdoor plants because they’re not exposed to wind and intense sun, but the dry air from heating systems can stress plants. Group herbs together to create a more humid microenvironment, and consider using a pebble tray filled with water beneath your pots to increase ambient humidity.
Basil: The Indoor Garden Star
Basil tops the list for indoor November planting because it grows relatively quickly and produces abundantly with proper care. However, basil demands high light levels and warm temperatures, making it one of the more challenging herbs to grow successfully indoors without supplemental lighting. Position basil in your sunniest window or place it under grow lights for 12-14 hours daily.
Start basil from seed or purchase small transplants. Seeds germinate in 5-7 days at temperatures around 70-75°F. Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushy growth instead of tall, leggy plants. With proper care, you’ll have fresh basil for recipes within 4-6 weeks. The Ultimate Guide to Basil covers everything from choosing varieties to troubleshooting common problems.
Once your basil plants are producing, you’ll appreciate having fresh leaves for Homemade Fresh Pesto, warming Instant Pot Garden Fresh Tomato Basil Soup, or soothing Basil Tea on cold November evenings.
Rosemary: The Slow But Steady Grower
Rosemary presents unique challenges for November indoor growing. Starting this herb from seed requires patience—germination can take 2-3 weeks, and seedlings grow slowly. Most gardeners achieve better results by purchasing a small plant rather than starting from seed. Rosemary needs excellent drainage and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings, making it more forgiving of occasional neglect than water-loving herbs.
This Mediterranean herb appreciates cool temperatures (60-70°F) and good air circulation. Place rosemary near a window where it receives bright light, and rotate the pot regularly to ensure even growth. Once established, rosemary becomes quite resilient. Our Rosemary: A Versatile and Aromatic Herb guide provides detailed care instructions.
Fresh rosemary elevates winter cooking dramatically. Try it in hearty dishes like One Skillet Lemon-Rosemary Chicken Thighs with Broccoli, crispy Air Fryer Rosemary Garlic Potatoes, or impressive Lemon & Herb Roasted Chicken with Rosemary Potatoes.
Lemon Balm: The Easy Indoor Herb
Lemon Balm ranks among the easiest herbs to grow indoors, tolerating lower light conditions better than many alternatives. This member of the mint family produces lemon-scented leaves that add brightness to teas, desserts, and summer beverages. Start lemon balm from seed in November, and you’ll have harvestable leaves by late winter.
Lemon balm grows vigorously once established, often requiring regular trimming to maintain a compact shape. It prefers consistent moisture and benefits from regular pinching to encourage bushy growth. The plant’s forgiving nature makes it perfect for beginning indoor gardeners. Discover creative ways to use your harvest in Discover the Magic of Lemon Balm with These Irresistible Recipes.
Dill: The Window Garden Specialty
Dill grows surprisingly well on sunny windowsills when given adequate light. This herb’s delicate, feathery foliage adds visual interest to your indoor garden while providing fresh flavor for cooking. Start dill from seed in November, sowing directly into containers since it dislikes transplanting. Choose compact varieties like ‘Fernleaf’ that reach only 18 inches tall rather than full-size varieties that can grow 3 feet or more.
Provide dill with at least 6-8 hours of bright light daily and keep soil consistently moist. The herb grows relatively quickly, producing harvestable leaves within 4-6 weeks. Fresh dill shines in dishes like our Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream Dressing, where its distinctive flavor complements the crisp vegetables perfectly.
Thyme: The Compact Container Herb
Thyme adapts beautifully to indoor container culture, maintaining a compact growth habit that suits windowsill gardens. This Mediterranean herb requires less water than most others, preferring soil that dries out slightly between waterings. Thyme appreciates good air circulation and bright light but tolerates partial shade better than rosemary or basil.
Start thyme from small plants rather than seed for faster results. The herb grows slowly but steadily, eventually forming a small, bushy plant. Harvest regularly by snipping stem tips, which encourages branching and maintains the plant’s attractive shape. Thyme’s robust flavor complements winter roasts, soups, and stews.
Zone-Specific November Planting Strategies
Success with November herb planting depends heavily on understanding your specific climate zone’s opportunities and limitations. Here’s how to approach November growing based on where you live.
Zones 3-5: Indoor Focus with Spring Planning
Gardeners in the coldest zones should concentrate exclusively on indoor growing in November. Outdoor conditions are too harsh for establishing new herbs, but this month offers the perfect opportunity to start herbs indoors that you’ll transplant outdoors in spring. Focus on getting your indoor growing system established and starting seeds for cold-hardy herbs that benefit from early starts.
Use November to start parsley, which germinates slowly and benefits from the extra growing time. Chives started from seed now will be ready for spring transplanting. This is also an excellent time to plan next year’s outdoor herb garden, taking advantage of winter’s quieter pace to research varieties and design your growing spaces. Our Early Spring Herbs: Your Guide to Getting Started provides valuable planning information.
Zones 6-7: The Transition Zone Advantage
These zones occupy the sweet spot where both indoor and protected outdoor planting remain viable. Focus outdoor efforts on the most cold-hardy herbs like chives, parsley, and garlic. Use cold frames, cloches, or row covers to protect plantings from severe weather. These simple structures trap heat during the day and provide several degrees of frost protection at night.
Simultaneously maintain an indoor herb garden featuring basil, cilantro, and other tender herbs. This dual approach ensures fresh herbs regardless of weather fluctuations. Monitor local weather forecasts closely and be prepared to add extra protection when temperatures drop unexpectedly.
Zones 8-9: Peak Cool-Season Growing
These zones experience November as prime herb-planting time for cool-season varieties. Most herbs mentioned in this guide can go directly into the garden with minimal protection. Take advantage of these conditions to establish a robust herb garden that will produce through winter and spring.
Focus on herbs that struggle in summer heat, like cilantro and parsley. These cool-season specialists thrive in November’s mild days and cool nights. Add light frost protection (floating row covers work well) for unexpected cold snaps, but otherwise, expect excellent results from outdoor plantings.
Zones 10-11: Ideal Growing Conditions
Gardeners in the warmest zones can plant virtually any herb in November. This month offers relief from summer’s intense heat, creating perfect conditions for establishing new plants. Focus on herbs that struggled during the hottest months, and take advantage of November’s favorable conditions to expand your herb collection.
Consider this an opportunity to start Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano that appreciate the mild temperatures. These herbs establish robust root systems during the comfortable weather, preparing them to handle next summer’s heat.
November Planting Methods and Protection Strategies
Success with November herb growing requires more than just choosing the right herbs—you need to understand how to provide optimal conditions for establishment and growth.
November Herb Garden Care Calendar
| Week | Tasks | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 |
|
Planning and preparation phase. Take inventory of what you have and what you need. |
| Week 2 |
|
Get seeds started and systems in place. Install grow lights if using them. |
| Week 3 |
|
Main planting week. Focus on getting cold-hardy herbs in the ground before mid-month. |
| Week 4 |
|
Protection and monitoring. Watch weather forecasts and be ready to cover plants. |
Outdoor Cold Protection Techniques
Cold frames transform marginal outdoor growing conditions into productive spaces. These simple structures consist of a transparent top (often an old window) set over a frame, creating a miniature greenhouse effect. Cold frames trap solar heat during the day, raising temperatures 10-20 degrees above ambient air. They also shield plants from drying winds and light frosts.
Row covers offer a simpler protection option. These lightweight fabrics drape over plants, providing 2-4 degrees of frost protection while allowing light, air, and water to penetrate. Use hoops or stakes to keep fabric from touching plant leaves, and secure edges with soil, rocks, or landscape staples. Remove covers during warmer periods to prevent overheating and ensure adequate air circulation.
Indoor Growing Light Requirements
Light intensity becomes the limiting factor for indoor herb success in November. Even the brightest window provides substantially less light than outdoor conditions, and herbs positioned more than 3 feet from windows receive minimal usable light. Understanding each herb’s light needs helps you position plants appropriately or determine whether supplemental lighting is necessary.
Indoor Herb Lighting Requirements for November
| Herb | Light Needs | Hours per Day | Window Placement | Grow Light Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | High | 12-14 hours | South-facing window | Highly recommended for November |
| Rosemary | High | 8-10 hours | South-facing window | Recommended, especially in northern zones |
| Cilantro | Medium | 6-8 hours | South or west-facing window | Optional, but helpful |
| Parsley | Medium | 6-8 hours | South or west-facing window | Optional, but helpful |
| Chives | Medium | 6-8 hours | Any bright window | Not necessary in most cases |
| Mint | Low-Medium | 4-6 hours | East or west-facing window | Not necessary |
| Lemon Balm | Low-Medium | 4-6 hours | East or west-facing window | Not necessary |
| Dill | Medium | 6-8 hours | South-facing window preferred | Helpful for stockier growth |
Note: In November, natural daylight hours are shorter. Even south-facing windows may not provide enough light for high-need herbs without supplemental grow lights.
Basil and rosemary demand the highest light levels—at least 6-8 hours of direct sun or 12-14 hours under grow lights. Parsley and cilantro tolerate moderate light, succeeding with 4-6 hours of direct sun or 10-12 hours of artificial light. Mint and lemon balm prove most forgiving, growing acceptably with less intense light.
Full-spectrum LED grow lights provide the most efficient and effective supplemental lighting. Position lights 6-12 inches above plant tops and adjust height as plants grow. Use a timer to maintain consistent daily light periods—herbs benefit from darkness for proper growth and development, so avoid the temptation to leave lights on 24 hours.
Container Selection and Soil Considerations
Proper containers make enormous difference in herb success. Choose pots with drainage holes—herbs sitting in waterlogged soil quickly develop root rot. Container size matters too: herbs need adequate root space to develop properly. Small herbs like thyme and chives grow well in 6-inch pots, while larger herbs like basil and rosemary need 8-10 inch containers minimum.
Use high-quality potting mix formulated for containers rather than garden soil. Container mixes provide proper drainage while retaining appropriate moisture, and they remain loose rather than compacting over time. Add perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage if needed, especially for Mediterranean herbs like rosemary that prefer drier conditions.
Common November Herb Growing Mistakes
Understanding what can go wrong helps you avoid frustrating failures and disappointing results.
The Overwatering Trap
Overwatering ranks as the number one killer of indoor herbs. November’s lower light levels and cooler temperatures mean herbs use water more slowly than during summer’s growth peak. The combination of reduced water uptake and typical potting soil moisture retention leads many gardeners to overwater, creating soggy conditions that promote root rot and fungal issues.
Check soil moisture by inserting your finger an inch deep—if it feels moist, wait to water. Let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings for most herbs, and allow Mediterranean herbs like rosemary to dry more thoroughly. Reduce watering frequency from your summer schedule, sometimes by half or more. Better to underwater slightly than to drown your herbs in misguided kindness.
Insufficient Light Syndrome
Leggy, pale plants stretching desperately toward windows signal insufficient light. Many gardeners underestimate herbs’ light requirements, expecting windowsill conditions alone to suffice. While this sometimes works in summer, November’s weak sun rarely provides adequate illumination without supplemental lighting.
Watch for these warning signs: elongated stems with large gaps between leaf sets, leaves smaller than normal, pale or yellow-green foliage instead of rich color, and plants leaning dramatically toward light sources. Address light deficiency by moving plants closer to windows, adding reflective surfaces to bounce more light onto plants, or installing grow lights.
Poor Timing in Cold Zones
Planting too late is the outdoor gardener’s common November mistake. Even cold-hardy herbs need time to establish roots before severe weather arrives. In zones 6-7, complete outdoor planting by mid-November at the latest. Wait too long, and herbs don’t develop sufficient root systems to survive winter dormancy.
Pay attention to your area’s average first hard frost date (when temperatures drop into the low 20s or teens). Count backward 4-6 weeks from that date to determine your latest safe planting window for establishing new herbs outdoors. Seeds need even more time—plant these 6-8 weeks before hard frost for adequate establishment.
Forgetting Hardening Off
This mistake affects gardeners who start herbs indoors in November intending to transplant them outdoors in spring. Indoor-grown plants develop soft, tender growth adapted to stable conditions. Moving them directly outside shocks plants, often causing severe leaf burn, stunted growth, or death.
Hardening off involves gradually exposing indoor plants to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Start by placing plants outside in a protected, shaded location for just an hour or two. Gradually increase outdoor time and light exposure each day until plants stay outside full-time. This process toughens plants’ cell structure, prepares them for temperature fluctuations, and acclimates them to stronger light and wind.
Planning Ahead: Using November for Spring Success
November offers more than immediate growing opportunities—it’s the perfect month for planning and preparation that will pay dividends when spring arrives.
Starting Herbs for Spring Transplanting
Several herbs benefit enormously from November indoor starts that you’ll transplant outdoors when weather warms. Parsley, with its notoriously slow germination, gains a huge advantage from a November start. Seeds started now produce robust plants ready to go into the garden in early spring, giving you a harvest weeks ahead of spring-sown seeds.
Consider starting perennial herbs like oregano, thyme, and sage indoors in November too. These slow-growing herbs appreciate the extra time, developing into substantial plants by spring transplanting time. While you won’t harvest much from these plants their first season, the head start ensures vigorous growth once they’re established in your garden.
Seed Stratification for Specific Herbs
Some herb seeds require stratification—a cold period that breaks dormancy and triggers germination. November provides the perfect opportunity to begin this process for spring planting. Lavender seeds benefit from cold stratification, as do some varieties of thyme and sage.
Place seeds in slightly moistened sand or vermiculite inside a sealed plastic bag, then refrigerate for 4-6 weeks. This mimics winter conditions, preparing seeds for spring germination. Start this process in November, and your stratified seeds will be ready for planting when spring arrives.
Garden Planning and Design
Use November’s indoor time to plan next year’s herb garden in detail. Research varieties you’d like to try, considering growth habits, sun requirements, and culinary uses. Sketch out garden layouts that place herbs appropriately based on their height, spread, and cultural needs. Our Planning Your Perfect Herb Garden: The Complete Guide walks you through the complete planning process.
Order seeds and supplies in November while selection is still good. Many popular varieties sell out by late winter, and November ordering ensures you get exactly what you want. Take time to research seed companies and read reviews—quality seeds from reputable sources make a tremendous difference in germination rates and plant vigor.
Recipe Inspiration for November Herbs
Growing herbs in November means having fresh ingredients for the season’s hearty, comforting dishes. The herbs you plant or grow this month pair beautifully with winter cooking’s rich flavors.
Rosemary stands out as November’s superstar herb for good reason—its robust, piney flavor complements winter proteins perfectly. Feature it in elegant preparations like One Skillet Lemon-Rosemary Chicken Thighs with Broccoli for an easy weeknight dinner, or showcase it in Rosemary Lemon Boneless Chicken Thighs for special occasions. The herb’s sturdy leaves hold up beautifully to roasting and long cooking times.
Fresh parsley brightens winter’s heavier dishes with its clean, slightly peppery flavor. Chives add mild onion notes that enhance without overwhelming. Both herbs shine in Crispy Salmon with Herb Butter, where their fresh flavors cut through the fish’s richness.
Don’t forget about herbal teas during November’s chilly evenings. Our Warming Winter Herb Teas: Your Guide to Seasonal Comfort explores how herbs you’re growing now can become soothing beverages. For heartier fare, try incorporating multiple herbs into dishes like One Pot Mushroom and Herb Rice, where their combined flavors create depth and complexity.
Maintaining Your November Herb Garden
Herbs planted or started in November require attention to specific details that differ from spring and summer growing conditions.
Watering Adjustments for Cooler Weather
November’s cooler temperatures and lower light levels dramatically reduce herbs’ water needs compared to summer’s demands. Indoor herbs often require half as much water or less than during their active growing season. Check soil moisture regularly but resist the urge to water on a schedule—let the plants’ actual needs determine timing.
Outdoor herbs in mild climates face different challenges. Fall rains may provide all the water they need, but periods without rain require supplemental watering. Newly planted herbs need consistent moisture for root establishment, though established perennials tolerate dry spells better. Water outdoor herbs in the morning so foliage dries before evening, reducing disease risk.
Fertilization During Slow Growth Periods
Most herbs grow slowly or enter semi-dormancy during November, reducing their fertilizer needs dramatically. Indoor herbs receiving supplemental light and maintaining active growth benefit from light feeding at half the summer rate. Skip fertilizer entirely for outdoor herbs in zones where frost occurs—fertilizing now encourages tender new growth that frost will damage.
If you do fertilize indoor herbs, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Feed every 4-6 weeks rather than the 2-week schedule appropriate during peak growing season. Watch for signs of nutrient deficiency (yellowing leaves, slow growth) but err on the side of underfeeding rather than overfeeding.
Monitoring for Pests and Diseases
Indoor herbs face increased pest pressure during November because many insects move indoors as outdoor conditions deteriorate. Check plants regularly for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests reproduce quickly in warm indoor conditions, and early intervention prevents major infestations.
Fungal diseases become more common when herbs stay wet too long or air circulation is poor. Space plants adequately to ensure air moves freely around foliage. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves promptly, as these provide entry points for disease organisms. If you notice white powdery coating or dark spots on leaves, improve air circulation and reduce humidity around affected plants.
Your November Herb Growing Calendar
Breaking November into weekly tasks helps you stay organized and ensures you don’t miss critical timing windows.
Week 1 focuses on assessment and planning. Evaluate your current growing spaces, determine what can still be planted outdoors in your zone, and decide which herbs to grow indoors. Check your local first frost date and count backward to determine safe planting windows. Order seeds and supplies if needed, and gather containers, potting mix, and lighting equipment for indoor setups.
Week 2 shifts to action mode. Set up your indoor growing area with proper lighting and staging. Start basil and other quick-growing herbs from seed. In zones 6 and warmer, plant garlic cloves outdoors—they need to go in the ground before mid-month for proper development. Prepare containers with fresh potting mix and ensure everything drains properly.
Week 3 represents prime planting time for outdoor herbs in mild climates. Get cilantro, parsley, and chives in the ground. Mulch around new plantings to moderate soil temperature and retain moisture. Start slower-germinating herbs like parsley indoors if you haven’t already. Move tender perennial herbs inside if you’ve been delaying this task—frost can arrive suddenly.
Week 4 concentrates on protection and monitoring. Install row covers or cold frames over outdoor herbs if temperatures are dropping. Watch newly planted herbs for signs of germination or establishment stress. Adjust watering schedules as needed—soil dries more slowly now. Harvest mature herbs from existing plants before hard frost damages them. If you have herbs that won’t survive winter outdoors in your zone, take cuttings now to propagate new plants indoors.
Growing Beyond November
The herbs you plant or start in November set you up for months of fresh flavors, but success requires following through with proper care as seasons progress.
Indoor herbs started now need consistent attention through winter. Maintain your lighting schedule, adjust watering to plants’ actual needs, and watch for pest problems. These plants will reward you with fresh leaves through the darkest months when grocery store herbs are expensive and often poor quality.
Outdoor herbs in mild climates enter their prime growing season. Cool-weather herbs like cilantro and parsley produce abundantly through winter and early spring in zones 8-11. Protect them from occasional frost, harvest regularly to encourage new growth, and enjoy the fresh flavors they provide.
For gardeners using November to prepare for spring, your planning and early starts will pay off dramatically. When your neighbors are just planting seeds in April, your November-started herbs will already be producing. This head start extends your growing season at both ends, maximizing harvest potential from your garden space.
If you haven’t already explored hydroponic growing, consider checking out our Hydroponic Herb Growing in Mason Jars guide. This method works exceptionally well for indoor winter growing, providing excellent results with minimal space requirements. Having the right tools also makes a significant difference in your growing success—our Beginners Herb Gardening Tools Guide helps you invest in equipment that actually matters.
November herb growing challenges some assumptions about gardening seasons, but it opens doors to year-round fresh flavors and spring success. Whether you’re planting cold-hardy varieties in your garden or creating an indoor windowsill oasis, the herbs you establish this month will serve your kitchen well in the months ahead. Start with one or two varieties that appeal to you most, get them established, and then expand your November herb garden in future years as you gain confidence and experience.
Continue Your Journey
Ready to expand your herb growing expertise? These resources will help you make the most of your November plantings:
Planning Your Perfect Herb Garden: The Complete Guide – Design a comprehensive herb garden that produces year-round with strategic planning and zone-appropriate plant selection.
Early Spring Herbs: Your Guide to Getting Started – Discover which herbs to prioritize as winter transitions to spring, building on your November plantings.
How to Grow Cilantro from Cuttings: A Step-by-Step Guide – Learn an alternative propagation method for this cool-season favorite.
Hydroponic Herb Growing in Mason Jars: A Comprehensive Guide – Explore soil-free growing methods perfect for indoor winter herb cultivation.
Beginners Herb Gardening Tools Guide – Equip yourself with the essential tools that make herb growing easier and more successful.
Which herbs are you most excited to plant this November? Share your plans in the comments below—we’d love to hear about your herb growing goals!
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