November brings the rainy season into full force and the first frost risk to much of Santa Cruz County. Average rainfall jumps to around 3 to 4 inches, nighttime lows drop into the upper 30s along the coast and the low 30s in mountain areas, and the garden settles into its winter rhythm. UC Master Gardeners note that November is one of the best months for soil building and tree planting, since the rain does the heavy lifting and cool temperatures reduce transplant shock.
What to Plant in November
Bare-root season begins. Plant bare-root roses, deciduous fruit trees (apple, pear, stone fruit), and berry canes (raspberry, blackberry, boysenberry) as soon as they become available at nurseries. The earlier you plant in the dormant season, the more root growth happens before spring.
Continue planting California natives, perennial herbs, and shrubs. The rains establish these plants with minimal irrigation. This is also the last good window for planting spring-blooming bulbs (daffodils, ranunculus, anemones) and for putting pre-chilled tulips in the ground.
Direct-sow fava beans if you did not get to them in September or October. They will still produce a spring crop, just a week or two later. Sow sweet pea flowers (Mammoth Mix, Old Spice) for spring blooms. They need the cold months to develop strong root systems.
Along the coast, you can still direct-sow lettuce, arugula, and radishes for winter harvesting, especially in raised beds that warm faster and drain better than in-ground plots.
What to Harvest in November
Kale, chard, and collard greens are at their flavor peak after a frost or two. Cold temperatures convert starches to sugars, producing sweeter leaves. Brussels sprouts are ready when the sprouts are firm, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and bright green. Harvest from the bottom of the stalk up.
Late-season citrus comes into its own. Satsuma mandarins and Meyer lemons are both ready now. Kumquats begin producing. Navel oranges on inland valley trees start coloring up.
Persimmons continue through November. Fuyu persimmons at the farmers market are one of the great pleasures of fall in Santa Cruz. Winter squash stored from the September harvest should be checked monthly and used before any soft spots develop.
What to Maintain and Protect
Protect frost-tender plants in mountain areas and cold inland pockets. Young citrus, avocado, and tropical plants need frost cloth when temperatures drop below 32F. Wrap trunks of young citrus trees with burlap or commercial tree wrap for the first three winters.
Spread 4 to 6 inches of mulch around fruit trees, berry patches, and perennial beds. This insulates roots, prevents soil erosion during heavy rains, and feeds the soil biology as it breaks down. Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks to prevent crown rot.
Clean, sharpen, and oil garden tools before storing them for the slower months. A sharp pair of pruners makes cleaner cuts and reduces disease transmission. Wipe blades with rubbing alcohol between plants when pruning anything with signs of disease.
Rake and compost fallen leaves. If you have oak trees, the leaves make excellent acidic mulch for blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons.
What to Watch Out For
Root rot (Phytophthora) is the primary threat to plants in poorly drained soil during the rainy season. Avocados are especially vulnerable. UC IPM recommends planting avocados on mounds or in raised beds, never in low spots where water collects. If established trees show wilting despite wet soil, root rot is the likely cause.
Snails and slugs return in force with the rains. Check under pots, boards, and debris where they shelter during the day. Iron phosphate bait remains the safest option for gardens with pets and wildlife.
Sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum) spreads during cool, wet weather and affects bay laurels, tan oaks, and coast live oaks. If you see oozing cankers on oak trunks or dead branch tips on bay trees, contact the UC Santa Cruz Cooperative Extension for guidance. Do not move infected plant material.
Winter weeds germinate rapidly after the first rains. Hoe or hand-pull them when they are small. One pass now saves five passes in February.
This month: Get your bare-root fruit trees ordered or reserved at the nursery. The best varieties sell out by mid-December.
For more help with fruit tree selection, check out our free California Fruit Tree Starter Guide at Your Garden Toolkit.
