November is one of the most exciting months in the New Zealand vegetable garden.

Summer is just around the corner, the days are longer, temperatures are rising and warm-season vegetables are beginning to grow quickly.

For many New Zealand gardeners, November is the month when tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, courgettes, pumpkins, capsicums, chillies and sweetcorn really start taking off.

There are also plenty of vegetables that can be sown throughout the month to keep your garden producing well into summer.

However, New Zealand’s growing conditions vary considerably.

A warm garden in Northland can have very different November conditions from a frost-prone inland garden in the lower North Island or South Island.

While many gardeners will now be able to grow summer vegetables outside, gardeners in colder locations should continue watching overnight temperatures and local weather conditions.

What Vegetables Can You Sow in November in New Zealand?

November is a fantastic month for growing vegetables from seed.

Depending on your local conditions and the particular varieties you’re growing, vegetables you can sow or get underway during November include:

• Beans
• Beetroot
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Capsicums
• Carrots
• Celery
• Chillies
• Coriander
• Courgettes
• Cucumbers
• Eggplants
• Lettuce
• Parsnips
• Pumpkins and squash
• Radishes
• Rocket
• Silverbeet
• Spinach
• Spring onions
• Sweetcorn
• Tomatoes
• Watermelon

November is particularly good for warm-season vegetables because soil temperatures are increasing throughout the country.

In many areas, seeds that needed protection earlier in spring can now be sown directly into warm garden soil.

Local conditions still matter, so always check the instructions for the particular seed variety you’re growing.

Seeds to Sow Directly Outside in November

By November, garden soil has warmed considerably in many parts of New Zealand.

This opens up plenty of opportunities for direct sowing.

Beans

November is a great month to sow beans.

Beans prefer warm soil and don’t tolerate frost well, so they are much happier once spring temperatures have increased.

Both dwarf and climbing beans can be sown directly where you want them to grow once conditions are suitable.

Dwarf beans form compact plants and don’t usually require large supports.

Climbing beans grow vertically and need a trellis, netting or another strong support.

If you’re growing climbing beans, put the support in place early so the plants have something to climb as soon as they begin producing vigorous growth.

Carrots

Carrots can continue to be sown during November.

Sow them directly where they will grow because their developing roots generally don’t respond well to being transplanted.

Prepare the soil so it is loose and free from large stones and clumps.

Keep the seedbed consistently moist during germination.

For a longer harvest, sow smaller amounts every few weeks rather than planting all your carrot seeds at once.

Beetroot

Beetroot is another excellent vegetable for November sowing.

Seeds can be sown directly into garden beds or sufficiently deep containers.

Beetroot works particularly well for succession sowing.

Plant a small amount now and another batch several weeks later to spread your harvest over a longer period.

Radishes

If you want something relatively quick and easy to grow, radishes are a great choice.

They don’t need a large amount of space and can be grown in garden beds or containers.

As temperatures rise, keep the soil consistently moist to encourage good growth.

Regular smaller sowings can provide fresh radishes over a longer period.

Lettuce

Lettuce can continue to be sown throughout November.

Rather than planting an entire packet at once, sow smaller amounts regularly.

This can help provide a continuous supply of fresh leaves.

As the weather becomes hotter, lettuce can benefit from some protection from intense afternoon heat, depending on your local conditions.

Keeping plants adequately watered also becomes increasingly important as summer approaches.

Spring Onions

Spring onions are another useful crop for regular sowing.

They take up relatively little garden space and can also be grown in containers.

Sow small amounts regularly if you’d like a continuous supply rather than one large harvest.

Silverbeet

Silverbeet is a productive vegetable for many New Zealand gardens.

Once plants are established, harvest the larger outer leaves while leaving the younger centre leaves to continue growing.

Regular harvesting can keep plants productive for an extended period.

Spinach

Spinach can still be grown during November, but variety choice becomes increasingly important as temperatures rise.

Some spinach varieties are better suited to warmer conditions than others.

Traditional spinach can bolt quickly during hot weather, so check the variety you’re growing and keep plants adequately watered.

November Is a Big Month for Summer Vegetables

November is when the summer vegetable garden really starts coming to life.

In many parts of New Zealand, conditions are now suitable for growing heat-loving vegetables outside.

These include:

• Tomatoes
• Capsicums
• Chillies
• Beans
• Cucumbers
• Courgettes
• Pumpkins
• Squash
• Sweetcorn
• Eggplants
• Watermelon

If your garden still experiences unusually cold nights or late frosts, continue protecting tender plants until conditions are suitable.

Growing Tomatoes in November

November is an important month for tomato growers.

In many New Zealand gardens, tomato plants can now be growing outside in their permanent positions.

Choose a warm, sunny location with well-draining soil.

Tomatoes can be grown in traditional garden beds, raised beds or sufficiently large containers.

Many tomato varieties require support.

Stakes, cages or other supports are best installed while plants are still relatively small.

This reduces the risk of damaging established roots later.

Can You Still Sow Tomato Seeds in November?

Tomato seeds can still be sown in November.

However, tomatoes need time to grow, flower and ripen fruit, so plants started later in the season have less growing time than seedlings started earlier in spring.

In warmer parts of New Zealand, the long growing season can make later sowings more practical.

Gardeners in cooler areas may prefer established seedlings if they haven’t already started tomato seeds.

Growing Capsicums and Chillies in November

Capsicums and chillies love warmth.

By November, established seedlings can be growing outside in many New Zealand gardens.

Choose a sunny, sheltered position and give the plants plenty of light.

Capsicums and chillies can also grow successfully in suitable containers.

Container growing can be particularly useful in smaller gardens, courtyards and patios.

If your plants were raised indoors or in a greenhouse, make sure they have been gradually hardened off before moving them permanently outside.

Growing Cucumbers in November

November is an excellent month for cucumbers.

Once conditions are warm, cucumber seeds can be sown directly into the garden or established seedlings can be planted outside.

Choose a sunny position and keep plants consistently watered.

Some cucumber varieties produce long vines that can be trained vertically.

Growing cucumbers up a suitable support can save valuable ground space and can make fruit easier to find and harvest.

Growing Courgettes in November

Courgettes love the warmer conditions November brings.

Seeds can be direct sown once the soil is warm, or established seedlings can be planted into their final positions.

Give courgette plants plenty of room.

A tiny seedling can become a surprisingly large plant once summer growth begins.

You generally don’t need a huge number of courgette plants to produce a useful harvest.

Once plants begin producing fruit, check them regularly because courgettes can grow very quickly in warm weather.

Growing Pumpkins and Squash in November

Pumpkins and squash are perfect crops for gardeners with enough space.

Seeds can be sown directly into warm soil during November when local conditions are suitable.

Most varieties produce vigorous vines, so consider where those vines will grow before planting.

If garden space is limited, check the mature size and growth habit of the variety before sowing.

Pumpkins appreciate plenty of sunshine, fertile soil and consistent moisture while actively growing.

Growing Sweetcorn in November

November is an excellent month for getting sweetcorn established.

Sweetcorn enjoys warm soil and plenty of sunshine.

One of the most important things to remember when growing sweetcorn is that it is wind pollinated.

Instead of planting one long row, grow several shorter rows together to create a block.

This gives pollen a better chance of reaching neighbouring plants and can improve cob development.

Sweetcorn is a hungry crop, so prepare the soil well and make sure plants have adequate water as they grow.

Growing Watermelon in November

Watermelon needs warmth and a long growing season, making November an important month for getting plants underway.

Gardeners in warmer parts of New Zealand generally have the best conditions for growing watermelon successfully.

Choose the warmest, sunniest position available.

Watermelon plants produce spreading vines and need plenty of room.

In cooler locations, a warm, sheltered microclimate can help, but gardeners should choose suitable varieties and recognise that the growing season may be more challenging than in warmer northern areas.

Growing Basil in November

November is also a great time to grow basil.

Basil loves warmth and grows well alongside the summer vegetable garden.

Seeds can be sown once conditions are warm enough, and established plants can be grown in garden beds or containers.

Basil doesn’t enjoy frost or cold conditions, so gardeners in particularly cool areas should wait until conditions are suitable.

Regular harvesting encourages plants to produce more fresh growth.

Succession Sow for a Longer Harvest

November isn’t only about planting summer vegetables.

It’s also an excellent month to continue succession sowing.

Instead of sowing an entire packet at once, sow smaller amounts every few weeks.

Vegetables particularly suited to this approach include:

• Beetroot
• Carrots
• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Rocket
• Spring onions

Succession sowing can prevent your entire crop becoming ready at the same time and help keep your vegetable garden productive throughout summer.

November Means More Watering

As temperatures increase and days become longer, your vegetable garden can dry out much faster than it did earlier in spring.

New seedlings and recently transplanted vegetables need particular attention.

Water deeply enough to reach the root zone rather than only wetting the surface.

The best watering frequency depends on your soil, rainfall, temperature and whether you’re growing in garden beds or containers.

Containers generally dry out considerably faster than garden soil.

Check them regularly during warm weather.

Mulch Your Vegetable Garden

November is also a useful time to mulch established vegetables.

A suitable layer of mulch can help:

• Reduce moisture loss from the soil
• Suppress weeds
• Protect the soil surface
• Reduce large fluctuations in soil temperature

Keep mulch away from direct contact with plant stems to reduce the chance of moisture-related problems around the base of plants.

Watch for Pests as the Weather Warms

Your vegetables aren’t the only things becoming more active during November.

Warmer weather can also bring increased pest activity.

Regularly inspect your vegetable plants, including the undersides of leaves.

Keep an eye out for:

• Aphids
• Slugs
• Snails
• Caterpillars
• White butterfly eggs and caterpillars on brassicas

Finding problems early is usually much easier than dealing with a large infestation later.

Healthy plants, good airflow, sensible watering and regular garden checks can all help keep your summer vegetable garden growing strongly.

Get Ready for Summer

November is the final month of spring in New Zealand, and summer is almost here.

This is the time to get your warm-season vegetables established, continue sowing quick-growing crops and prepare your garden for hotter, drier weather.

Keep planting, watering, weeding and checking your plants regularly.

The work you put into your vegetable garden during November can set you up for an abundant summer harvest.

November Planting in Different Parts of New Zealand

By November, summer is getting close and most New Zealand vegetable gardens have a huge range of planting options.

However, growing conditions still vary significantly around the country.

A sheltered garden in Northland or Auckland can be considerably warmer than an inland garden in the central North Island, Canterbury, Otago or Southland.

Even gardens within the same region can have different conditions because of altitude, wind, shelter and frost.

Instead of relying only on where you live, pay attention to the conditions in your own garden.

Warmer and Low-Frost Areas

Warmer parts of New Zealand are usually well into the summer vegetable growing season by November.

This can include parts of:

• Northland
• Auckland
• Bay of Plenty
• Gisborne
• Other warm and sheltered coastal locations

November is an excellent time to grow heat-loving vegetables in these areas.

Depending on your local conditions, crops you can sow or plant include:

• Beans
• Beetroot
• Capsicums
• Carrots
• Chillies
• Coriander
• Courgettes
• Cucumbers
• Eggplants
• Lettuce
• Pumpkins and squash
• Radishes
• Rocket
• Silverbeet
• Spinach
• Spring onions
• Sweetcorn
• Tomatoes
• Watermelon

Basil and other warm-season herbs can also thrive as temperatures rise.

With warmer weather comes an increased need for watering.

Keep an eye on newly sown seeds, young seedlings and vegetables growing in containers because they can dry out quickly.

Temperate Areas With Changeable Spring Weather

Many parts of New Zealand experience warm days during November but can still have cool nights and rapidly changing weather.

There is a huge range of vegetables you can grow during the month.

Depending on your local conditions, these can include:

• Beans
• Beetroot
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Celery
• Coriander
• Courgettes
• Cucumbers
• Lettuce
• Parsnips
• Radishes
• Rocket
• Silverbeet
• Spring onions
• Sweetcorn
• Tomatoes

Capsicums, chillies, eggplants and pumpkins can also be grown once conditions are sufficiently warm.

If your garden occasionally experiences unusually cold November nights, keep an eye on the weather forecast and protect tender plants when necessary.

Cooler and Frost-Prone Areas

November opens up many more planting opportunities in colder New Zealand gardens.

This can include inland, southern and higher-altitude locations where spring arrives later.

Vegetables that may be suitable during November include:

• Beans
• Beetroot
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Celery
• Coriander
• Courgettes
• Cucumbers
• Lettuce
• Parsnips
• Radishes
• Rocket
• Silverbeet
• Spring onions
• Sweetcorn
• Tomatoes

Summer vegetables such as capsicums, chillies, eggplants, pumpkins and squash can also get underway when your local conditions are suitable.

If you’re still experiencing late frosts, continue protecting tender summer plants.

Don’t rush plants outside simply because gardeners elsewhere in New Zealand already have established summer vegetable gardens.

Waiting until conditions are suitable in your garden can result in stronger plants than putting them outside too early.

November Vegetable Seed-Sowing Guide

The following table provides a general starting point for vegetable seed sowing during November.

Your local climate and the instructions for the particular variety you’re growing should always take priority.

Vegetable	Sow in November?	General Starting Method
Beans	Yes	Direct sow once conditions are warm
Beetroot	Yes	Direct sow
Broccoli	Variety and climate dependent	Direct sow or start in trays
Cabbage	Variety and climate dependent	Direct sow or start in trays
Capsicums	Yes	Sow or transplant in warm conditions
Carrots	Yes	Direct sow
Celery	Yes in suitable areas	Direct sow or start in trays
Chillies	Yes	Sow or transplant in warm conditions
Coriander	Yes	Direct sow
Courgettes	Yes	Direct sow in warm soil
Cucumbers	Yes	Direct sow in warm soil
Eggplants	Yes	Sow or transplant in warm conditions
Lettuce	Yes	Direct sow or start in trays
Parsnips	Yes	Direct sow
Pumpkins and squash	Yes	Direct sow in warm soil
Radishes	Yes	Direct sow
Rocket	Yes	Direct sow
Silverbeet	Yes	Direct sow or start in trays
Spring onions	Yes	Direct sow
Sweetcorn	Yes	Direct sow in warm soil
Tomatoes	Yes	Sow seed or transplant established seedlings
Watermelon	Yes in warm conditions	Direct sow or start in pots

Choose Varieties Suited to Summer

As temperatures increase, choosing the right vegetable variety becomes increasingly important.

Some varieties perform better in cooler conditions, while others have been bred to cope with warmer weather.

This is particularly important for leafy vegetables.

Traditional spinach, for example, can bolt as temperatures rise.

If you want to continue growing spinach during summer, look for a variety suited to warmer conditions.

The same principle applies to broccoli and some lettuces.

Always check the seed packet before sowing.

Growing Vegetables in Pots in November

November is a great month to establish a container vegetable garden.

You don’t need a large backyard to grow food.

A sunny deck, patio or courtyard can provide enough space for a surprisingly productive garden.

Vegetables and herbs suitable for containers can include:

• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Rocket
• Spring onions
• Silverbeet
• Basil
• Chillies
• Capsicums
• Dwarf beans
• Tomatoes

Choose your container based on the mature size of the plant.

A lettuce plant needs considerably less root space than a tomato.

Tomatoes, capsicums and other larger vegetables need suitably large containers with good drainage.

Container plants also need more frequent watering because potting mix can dry out quickly during warm and windy weather.

Growing Tomatoes in Pots

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables for container gardens.

Choose a sufficiently large container with drainage holes and position it somewhere that receives plenty of sunlight.

Some tomato varieties are much better suited to pots than others.

Compact or bush varieties can be easier to manage in smaller spaces.

Larger or vigorous tomato varieties need more room and strong support.

Keep container-grown tomatoes consistently watered.

Large fluctuations between very dry and very wet conditions can cause problems as plants begin producing fruit.

Growing Capsicums and Chillies in Pots

Capsicums and chillies are also excellent candidates for container growing.

They enjoy warm, sunny conditions and don’t take up as much space as sprawling vegetables such as pumpkins.

Choose a good-sized container with adequate drainage.

Place plants in a sunny, sheltered position and check the soil regularly during hot weather.

Containers can heat up and dry out quickly during summer.

Make the Most of Vertical Space

If your vegetable garden is small, grow upwards.

Climbing vegetables can produce a surprising amount of food without using much ground space.

Good candidates include:

• Climbing beans
• Cucumbers
• Some tomatoes

Use trellises, stakes, netting or other suitable supports.

Installing supports while plants are young is much easier than trying to add them once the garden is full of vigorous vines.

Don’t Plant Too Many Courgettes

Courgettes are extremely productive once they’re happy.

A common beginner mistake is planting far more than the household needs.

A few healthy plants can produce plenty of courgettes during summer.

Think about how many you actually eat before planting a large number of seeds.

This also leaves valuable garden space for other vegetables.

Give Pumpkins Room to Grow

Pumpkins are another crop where planning ahead makes a big difference.

Many pumpkin varieties produce long vines that can quickly travel across garden beds and paths.

Before sowing pumpkin seeds, think about where the vines can spread without smothering smaller plants.

If you have limited space, choose varieties with a more manageable growth habit.

Plant Sweetcorn in Blocks

Sweetcorn should ideally be planted in blocks rather than one long single row.

Sweetcorn relies on wind to move pollen from the tassels at the top of the plants to the silks on developing cobs.

Growing plants in several shorter rows together increases the chance of successful pollination.

Poor pollination can result in cobs with missing kernels.

If you have enough space, plant several rows together rather than spreading plants along the entire length of the garden.

Feed Hungry Summer Vegetables

As summer vegetables begin growing rapidly, they need access to adequate nutrients.

Tomatoes, sweetcorn, pumpkins, courgettes and cucumbers can all produce a large amount of growth during the warmer months.

Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive vegetable garden.

Before planting, improve soil with compost or other suitable organic matter where necessary.

Once plants are established, follow feeding recommendations suitable for the particular crop and product you’re using.

Avoid assuming that more fertiliser automatically means more vegetables.

Too much of some nutrients can encourage excessive leafy growth instead of flowers and fruit.

Water Your Garden Wisely

As New Zealand moves towards summer, watering becomes increasingly important.

Rather than giving established plants a tiny amount of water every few hours, aim to water thoroughly so moisture reaches deeper into the soil.

The exact amount and frequency will depend on:

• Your soil type
• Temperature
• Rainfall
• Wind
• Plant size
• Whether you’re growing in containers or garden beds

Check the soil rather than relying only on a fixed watering schedule.

Seedlings and newly germinated seeds need particular attention because their small root systems can’t access moisture deep in the soil.

Mulch Before Summer Heat Arrives

Late spring is a useful time to mulch established vegetable plants.

Mulching can help conserve soil moisture and reduce weed growth as temperatures rise.

Organic mulch also helps protect the soil surface from harsh summer conditions.

Water the garden before applying mulch if the soil is dry.

Leave some space immediately around plant stems rather than piling mulch directly against them.

Keep Sowing Throughout November

Don’t think of November planting as something that needs to happen on one weekend.

Continue sowing throughout the month.

Succession sowings of vegetables such as carrots, beetroot, lettuce and spring onions can help provide harvests over a longer period.

When one crop finishes, think about what could take its place.

Keeping productive garden space planted is one of the best ways to get more food from a small vegetable garden.

Check Your Vegetable Garden Regularly

November growth can be surprisingly fast.

Try to walk through your vegetable garden regularly.

Check for:

• Dry soil
• Weeds
• Slugs and snails
• Aphids
• Caterpillars
• Damaged leaves
• Plants that need staking
• Vegetables ready to harvest
• Overcrowded seedlings

Problems are much easier to deal with when you notice them early.

Regular garden checks also mean you’re less likely to discover a giant courgette hiding underneath the leaves weeks later.

November Is the Beginning of the Summer Garden

By the end of November, many New Zealand vegetable gardens are beginning to look completely different from just a few months earlier.

Tomatoes are growing rapidly, beans are climbing, courgettes are spreading and sweetcorn is reaching upwards.

At the same time, you can continue sowing carrots, beetroot, lettuce, radishes and other vegetables to keep your garden producing throughout summer.

Don’t worry about matching someone else’s garden.

Plant according to your own climate, available space and the vegetables your household enjoys eating.

A few well-cared-for plants can be much more productive than a garden overcrowded with vegetables you don’t have time to look after.

November Vegetable Garden Checklist

November can be one of the busiest months in the New Zealand vegetable garden.

Use this checklist to keep your garden growing strongly as summer approaches.

• Sow beans once the soil is warm enough.
• Continue sowing carrots, beetroot, lettuce and spring onions for future harvests.
• Plant or sow cucumbers, courgettes and pumpkins when local conditions are suitable.
• Get sweetcorn established for summer.
• Plant hardened-off tomatoes, capsicums and chillies outside once conditions are warm enough.
• Check tomato plants and add stakes or supports where needed.
• Install supports for climbing beans and cucumbers.
• Keep newly sown seedbeds consistently moist.
• Check containers regularly because they can dry out quickly.
• Mulch established vegetables to help conserve soil moisture.
• Remove weeds before they become large.
• Check brassicas for white butterfly eggs and caterpillars.
• Look underneath leaves for aphids and other pests.
• Thin crowded seedlings where necessary.
• Harvest vegetables regularly to encourage continued production.
• Make another succession sowing of suitable vegetables.
• Give pumpkins, courgettes and other large plants enough room to spread.
• Check the garden regularly as growth can be very fast at this time of year.

What Vegetable Seeds Should I Sow in November?

November gives New Zealand gardeners plenty of choices.

If you’re starting a vegetable garden now, you don’t need to grow everything.

Choose a mixture of vegetables that suit your available space and what your household actually enjoys eating.

For regular sowings throughout the warmer months, consider:

• Beetroot
• Carrots
• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Rocket
• Spring onions

For your summer vegetable garden, consider:

• Beans
• Tomatoes
• Capsicums
• Chillies
• Cucumbers
• Courgettes
• Pumpkins
• Squash
• Sweetcorn

If you have a particularly warm and sunny garden, you may also want to experiment with heat-loving crops such as eggplants and watermelon.

Buy Vegetable Seeds Online in New Zealand

November is a great time to get your summer vegetable garden growing.

The Seedy Collection has a range of vegetable seeds available for gardeners throughout New Zealand.

Growing from seed gives you the opportunity to choose different varieties and produce plenty of plants from a packet of seeds.

Whether you’re filling a large vegetable garden, raised beds or a few containers, there are plenty of vegetables you can start growing this month.

Grow Tomatoes From Seed

Tomatoes are a favourite in New Zealand summer gardens.

Growing tomatoes from seed allows you to choose from different fruit sizes, shapes, colours and varieties.

Tomatoes can be grown in garden beds, raised beds and sufficiently large containers.

Choose a sunny position and give larger varieties strong support as they grow.

Grow Capsicums and Chillies

Capsicums and chillies enjoy the warm conditions that arrive during late spring and summer.

They can be grown in vegetable gardens as well as suitable containers.

Choose a warm, sunny and sheltered position.

Growing from seed also allows you to experiment with different capsicum and chilli varieties rather than being limited to the seedlings available locally.

Grow Beans From Seed

Beans are a fantastic summer vegetable to grow from seed.

Dwarf varieties can be useful for smaller gardens, while climbing beans make excellent use of vertical space.

Once the soil is warm enough, beans can be sown directly where they will grow.

Climbing varieties need sturdy support.

Grow Your Own Summer Vegetables

Growing vegetables from seed can turn a small packet into months of home-grown food.

Some crops provide a single main harvest, while others can continue producing when they’re regularly picked and well cared for.

Summer favourites include tomatoes, beans, courgettes, cucumbers, capsicums and chillies.

Choose varieties that suit your garden and don’t feel as though you need to plant large quantities.

A small number of healthy, productive plants can provide an impressive harvest.

Frequently Asked Questions About November Planting in NZ

What vegetables can I plant in November in New Zealand?

November is a major vegetable planting month in New Zealand.

Depending on your local climate, you can sow or plant vegetables including beans, beetroot, carrots, lettuce, spring onions, tomatoes, capsicums, chillies, cucumbers, courgettes, pumpkins, squash and sweetcorn.

Other crops may also be suitable depending on your region and the particular variety you’re growing.

What vegetable seeds can I sow directly in November?

Once the soil is warm enough, many vegetable seeds can be direct sown.

These can include:

• Beans
• Beetroot
• Carrots
• Courgettes
• Cucumbers
• Lettuce
• Pumpkins
• Radishes
• Rocket
• Spring onions
• Sweetcorn

The exact timing depends on your local conditions.

Can I plant tomatoes in November in New Zealand?

Yes.

November is an important tomato-growing month in New Zealand.

In many areas, established tomato seedlings can be growing outside by November.

Tomatoes need warm conditions and are frost tender, so gardeners in unusually cold or frost-prone locations should continue monitoring local conditions.

Is November too late to sow tomato seeds in NZ?

Tomato seeds can still be sown during November, particularly in areas with a long, warm growing season.

However, plants started in November have less time to grow and ripen fruit than plants started earlier in spring.

Gardeners in cooler locations who haven’t started tomatoes may prefer established seedlings if they want an earlier harvest.

Can I plant beans in November?

Yes.

November is an excellent time to sow beans in many New Zealand gardens.

Beans prefer warm soil and don’t tolerate frost.

Dwarf beans and climbing beans can both be grown, but climbing varieties need suitable support.

Can I plant sweetcorn in November?

Yes.

November is a good month for growing sweetcorn.

Sweetcorn enjoys warm conditions and plenty of sunlight.

Plant it in several shorter rows together rather than one long single row where possible to help with wind pollination.

Can I plant cucumbers in November?

Yes.

Cucumbers thrive in warm conditions and November is a great month to get them growing.

Seeds can be direct sown once the soil is sufficiently warm, or established seedlings can be transplanted outside.

Keep cucumber plants consistently watered as they grow.

Can I plant courgettes in November?

Yes.

Courgettes grow very quickly once conditions become warm.

Seeds can be direct sown in suitable conditions or established seedlings can be transplanted.

Give plants plenty of room because mature courgettes can become quite large.

Can I plant pumpkins in November?

Yes.

November is a good month to grow pumpkins and squash.

They need warm conditions, plenty of sunlight and enough room for their vines to spread.

If your garden is small, check the growth habit of the variety before planting.

Can I grow carrots in November?

Yes.

Carrots can continue to be direct sown during November.

Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and consider sowing smaller amounts regularly for a longer harvest.

Can I grow lettuce in November?

Yes, but increasing temperatures can make lettuce more challenging as summer approaches.

Keep plants adequately watered and consider varieties suited to warmer growing conditions.

In hot locations, some protection from intense afternoon sun may help.

Can I grow broccoli in November?

Broccoli planting in November is more dependent on your climate and the variety you’re growing.

Some New Zealand regions and suitable varieties allow November planting, while warm conditions can make other broccoli crops more difficult.

Check the seed packet for the particular variety and consider your local growing conditions before sowing.

What can I grow in pots during November?

Plenty of vegetables can be grown in containers.

Options include:

• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Rocket
• Spring onions
• Herbs
• Dwarf beans
• Chillies
• Capsicums
• Tomatoes

Choose a container large enough for the mature plant and make sure it has adequate drainage.

Containers can dry out quickly during warm weather, so check them regularly.

What Should I Plant in December?

December marks the beginning of summer in New Zealand.

By then, the summer vegetable garden is usually well underway.

Tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, courgettes, capsicums, chillies, pumpkins and sweetcorn can all be growing strongly.

December is also an important month for succession sowing.

Rather than filling every available space with more large summer plants, continue sowing smaller quantities of suitable vegetables to provide future harvests.

As temperatures increase, watering, mulching, harvesting and pest management become increasingly important.

Keep Your Vegetable Garden Productive Through Summer

Getting plants into the ground is only the beginning.

As November turns into December, your garden will need regular attention.

Harvest vegetables when they’re ready.

Continue tying tomatoes to their supports as they grow.

Pick beans and courgettes regularly.

Keep an eye on soil moisture.

Remove weeds before they compete with your vegetables.

Look underneath leaves for pests and signs of damage.

Continue succession sowing where appropriate.

A few minutes spent checking the vegetable garden regularly can prevent small problems from becoming much bigger ones.

Start Your November Vegetable Garden

November is one of the best times of the year to grow vegetables in New Zealand.

Warm soil and longer days make it an excellent month for establishing the summer vegetable garden.

Sow beans, carrots, beetroot and other suitable vegetables.

Get your tomatoes, capsicums, chillies, cucumbers, courgettes, pumpkins and sweetcorn growing.

Continue sowing smaller amounts of vegetables such as lettuce, carrots and spring onions to provide harvests later in the season.

Most importantly, grow according to the conditions in your own garden.

New Zealand’s climate varies considerably, so what works in one location may need to be adjusted in another.

Choose vegetables you enjoy eating, give them the conditions they need and enjoy watching your garden move from spring into summer.

Ready to get growing? Browse The Seedy Collection’s range of vegetable seeds available for delivery throughout New Zealand.

What to Plant in September in New Zealand

What to Plant in October in New Zealand