It’s November, the last month of spring, and with the weather warming up we see plenty of sunny days and lots of new green growth emerging in our gardens.
This month along the eastern coast severe thunderstorms and heavy hail are possible, along with gale force winds, heavy rain and increased humidity, but with hot dry periods also occurring.
Rainfall increases in the north, with an average of 12 rainy days in Brisbane and Sydney, often with thunderstorms.
Right throughout Australia this month there’s the possibility of very sudden hot weather striking without warning, so it’s important to protect plants from sun and wind. Very high temperatures can occur almost anytime, increasing the risk of bushfires.
Newly planted trees and shrubs need to be watered regularly as the hot weather and strong winds can quickly dry out the soil.
Things to Do This Month:
- Mulch around fruit trees and plants to retain soil moisture and prevent water loss from evaporation (keep mulch away from stems and trunks as this can cause stem rot/collar rot).
- Mulch strawberries by placing straw underneath to keep the berries off the soil.
- Propagate strawberries from runners.
- Plant potted fruit trees and vines (having roots, they can be planted anytime, best planted in spring & autumn).
- Tie growing vines back to supports or wires.
- Propagate plants by taking softwood (green) cuttings from now till January (after which they harden off).
- Last chance to plant evergreen shrubs and trees (this includes citrus trees).
- In ponds and water gardens, thin out existing aquatic plants, continue planting new ones, fertilise aquatic plants and feed fish regularly.
Vegetables and Herbs to Grow in November (Subtropical Climate)
| November Seeds to Sow and Seedlings to Plant (Subtropical Climate Australia) | Sow/Plant | Harvest (weeks) |
| Amaranth | dst | 7-8 |
| Angelica | dt | 18 months |
| Asparagus | plant crowns | 2-3 years |
| Asparagus Pea | d | 8-11 |
| Basil | st | 10-12 |
| Beans (Climbing) | dst | 9-11 |
| Beans (Dwarf, Bush) | dst | 7-10 |
| Beetroot | dst | 7-10 |
| Borage | dt | 8-10 |
| Burdock | d | 17-18 |
| Cabbage | t | 8-15 |
| Cape Gooseberry | dst | 14-16 |
| Capsicum | st | 10-12 |
| Carrot | d | 12-18 |
| Celery | t | 17-18 |
| Chilli | st | 9-11 |
| Chives | dst | 7-11 |
| Choko | plant tubers | 17 |
| Cucumber | dst | 8-10 |
| Eggplant | dst | 12-15 |
| French Tarragon | t | 30-40 days |
| Ginger | plant root | 25 |
| Globe Artichokes | dt | 42-57 |
| Lemon Balm | dt | 8-10 |
| Lettuce | dst | 8-12 |
| Luffa | dst | 11-12 |
| Marrow | dst | 12-17 |
| Mint | dt | 8-12 |
| Mustard Greens | dst | 5-8 |
| NZ Spinach (Warrigal Greens) | dt | 8-10 |
| Okra | dst | 11-14 |
| Oregano | dst | 6-8 |
| Pumpkin | dst | 15-20 |
| Radish | d | 5-7 |
| Rockmelon (Cantaloupe) | dst | 10-16 |
| Rosella | dst | 21-25 |
| Sage | dt | 18 months |
| Salsify | d | 14-21 |
| Silverbeet (Swiss Chard) | dst | 7-12 |
| Squash | dst | 7-8 |
| Sunflower | dst | 10-11 |
| Sweet Corn | dst | 11-14 |
| Sweet Marjoram | t | 8-10 |
| Sweet Potato (Kumara) | plant crowns | 15-17 |
| Taro (Cocoyam) | plant tubers | 28 |
| Thyme | t | 42-52 |
| Tomatillo | dst | 10-14 |
| Tomato | dst | 8-17 |
| Turnip | d | 6-9 |
| Watermelon | dst | 9-14 |
| Yam/Oka | plant tubers | 15-20 |
| Zucchini (Courgette, Marrow) | dst | 6-9 |
Key:
d = sow seeds directly into ground
s = sow seeds into seed tray
ds = sow seeds directly into ground or seed tray
t = transplant seedlings (small plants) into larger pots or plant into ground
*= frost tender
**= sow after frost
Download printable PDF version of Gardening Calendar (Australian Subtropical Climate) – November
To help improve these garden calendars, feedback and additional information from readers is greatly appreciated! Australia’s climate varies considerably, and local knowledge of when particular things need to be done in the garden are most helpful to others living in those area, so please feel free to share.