November isn’t just the month for Thanksgiving and cozying up indoors—it’s also the ideal time to plant garlic and onions for a successful harvest the following year. While it may seem counterintuitive to plant these crops as the weather turns colder, the truth is that the cooler temperatures of late fall are actually beneficial for these hardy vegetables. In this blog post, we’ll explore why November is the best time to plant garlic and onions and how the cold weather supports their growth.

The Key Benefits of Planting Garlic and Onions in November

Planting garlic and onions in November offers several distinct advantages that make them flourish in the coming seasons. These crops are perfect for fall planting because they thrive in cold temperatures, which help their growth and improve the quality of the harvest. Here’s why November is the ideal time to get these crops in the ground.

1. Cold Weather Helps Garlic Develop Strong Roots

Garlic requires a period of cold weather to develop properly, known as vernalization. When garlic cloves are planted in November, they are exposed to the cold temperatures of winter, which triggers this essential growth process. The cold helps the garlic bulbs develop strong root systems during the winter months. This early root growth ensures that when the weather warms up in spring, your garlic plants are already off to a strong start.

In addition, the colder soil temperature prevents the garlic from sprouting prematurely, which can lead to weaker plants. By planting garlic in November, you ensure that it remains dormant over the winter, conserving its energy until the warmer months encourage it to grow vigorously.

2. Onions Benefit from Cold Soil for Root Development

Onions, like garlic, are also best planted in the fall when the soil is cool but not freezing. Planting onions in November allows the bulbs (or sets) to establish strong root systems before the weather turns too harsh. This early root development means that when spring arrives, your onions will already have a solid foundation and will be able to grow quickly and robustly.

While onions will not grow much above ground during the colder months, their roots continue to grow and prepare for the spring thaw. This gives your onions a head start, allowing them to grow faster and produce bigger bulbs when the warmer weather comes. Plus, planting them in the fall means fewer weeds and less competition for nutrients from other crops.

3. Planting in November Extends the Growing Season

One of the biggest advantages of planting garlic and onions in November is that it effectively extends your growing season. Garlic planted in the fall will begin to sprout early in the spring, and by summer, you’ll have a well-established plant ready for a great harvest. Onions, similarly, will grow strong roots during the winter and develop faster once the weather warms up, allowing for an earlier and more plentiful harvest in summer.

This extended growing season can make a significant difference, especially for those living in areas with shorter growing periods. By starting early in the fall, you can ensure that your garlic and onions mature by the time the warmer weather arrives.

4. Reduced Pest and Disease Pressure

Another benefit of planting garlic and onions in November is that cooler weather reduces the risk of pests and diseases. Insects like onion flies are less active during the colder months, and by planting in late fall, your crops face a lower likelihood of being affected by common pests. Additionally, the colder temperatures prevent the onset of certain fungal diseases that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as mildew and rust.

Furthermore, the mulch you use to protect your crops over the winter also acts as a barrier against weeds and pests, ensuring your garlic and onions are not disturbed by unwelcome guests.

5. Less Maintenance During Winter

Once garlic and onions are planted in November, they require minimal maintenance over the winter months. The cold temperatures naturally cause garlic to go dormant, while onions will grow slowly but steadily underground. This means that during the winter, your crops are essentially “self-sustaining,” with little need for extra attention.

While some gardening tasks, like watering and weeding, may still be necessary in warmer months, the fall and winter months allow you to relax and let nature take care of the plants while you prepare for next year’s harvest.

How to Plant Garlic and Onions in November

To make the most of your November planting, here’s a quick guide on how to plant garlic and onions successfully:

Planting Garlic:

Choose the Right Variety: Hardneck garlic varieties are ideal for colder climates, as they perform well in freezing temperatures.

Prepare the Soil: Garlic prefers well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. Add compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

Plant the Cloves: Separate the garlic bulbs into individual cloves, making sure to keep the papery skins intact. Plant the cloves about 2 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up, and space them around 6 inches apart.

Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch, such as straw or leaves, to insulate the garlic from frost and keep the soil temperature stable throughout the winter.

Planting Onions:

Choose Onion Sets: Onion sets (small bulbs) are easier to plant in the fall than onion seeds. Choose a variety suited for your climate and growing conditions.

Prepare the Soil: Onions prefer fertile, well-draining soil. Add organic matter, like compost, to improve soil structure.

Plant the Sets: Plant onion sets 1-2 inches deep, spacing them 4-6 inches apart. The tops of the onion sets should just peek above the soil surface.

Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to protect your onion sets from harsh winter weather and help regulate the soil temperature.

When to Harvest Garlic and Onions

Garlic typically takes 8-9 months to mature, so you can expect to harvest it in mid to late summer, depending on your climate. Onions planted in November will also be ready for harvest around mid to late summer, when the tops begin to yellow and fall over.

Planting garlic and onions in November is a smart decision for gardeners who want a head start on next year’s harvest. The cooler temperatures promote strong root development and help these hardy crops establish themselves before winter. With less pest pressure, reduced maintenance, and the advantage of an extended growing season, November offers the perfect environment for growing healthy, delicious garlic and onions. By following proper planting techniques, you’ll be setting yourself up for a bountiful harvest come summer.

So, if you’re ready to grow your own flavourful garlic and onions, grab your bulbs and sets and get planting this November!