What to Plant in November in the Philippines

What to plant in November in the Philippines centres on cool-season crops that thrive in the transition to dry weather. The northeast monsoon (amihan) brings drier, cooler air with temperatures dropping to 23 to 29 degrees Celsius. Rainfall decreases significantly to 100 to 200 mm, and the first truly dry weeks of the season arrive.

November is when Filipino gardeners shift into high gear. The conditions are ideal for leafy greens, root vegetables, tomatoes and herbs that struggle during the hot wet months. Plant as much as space allows because this growing window from November through February produces the best results of the entire year.

Best Vegetables to Plant in November

• Lettuce grows perfectly in November's cooler temperatures. Transplant seedlings started in October or direct sow seeds now. Choose loose-leaf, butterhead or romaine varieties. Harvest in 30 to 45 days. Succession plant every 2 weeks for continuous salad greens.
• Pechay produces its best crops in November's mild weather. Direct sow or transplant into prepared beds. Harvest in 25 to 30 days. Lower pest pressure means cleaner, healthier leaves with less effort.
• Repolyo (Cabbage) transplants from October seedbeds are ready for their permanent positions. Space 40 cm apart in rich, composted soil. Heads form tight and sweet in the cool weather. Harvest in 60 to 90 days.
• Carrots develop the sweetest roots in cool soil. Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep in loose, rock-free beds. Thin to 5 cm apart once seedlings appear. Harvest in 70 to 80 days. November-planted carrots are the sweetest of the year.
• Kamatis (Tomato) seedlings started in October are ready for transplanting. Plant in full sun with stakes or cages ready. November-transplanted tomatoes produce their heaviest fruit load through January and February.
• Bell Pepper grows well in November's warm days and cool nights. Transplant into rich, well-drained soil. Provide staking as fruit develops. Harvest in 60 to 80 days when fruit is firm and coloured.
• Labanos (Radish) matures in just 25 to 30 days. Direct sow 1 cm deep and thin to 4 cm apart. The fast harvest makes labanos perfect for filling gaps between slower-maturing crops.
• Mustasa (Mustard Greens) grows fast in cool weather with a slightly spicy flavour. Direct sow and harvest in 30 to 35 days. Pick outer leaves for continuous harvest or cut the entire plant at once.
• Spring Onion thrives in the cool dry season. Plant from bulb sets or kitchen scrap regrowth. Harvest green tops continuously or pull whole plants at 60 to 70 days.
• Petsay Baguio (Chinese Cabbage) forms elongated heads during the cool months. Transplant into fertile, well-drained soil. Keep consistently moist. Harvest in 50 to 60 days.

Best Herbs to Plant in November

• Wansoy (Coriander) grows best in the cool months. Direct sow seeds and keep soil moist. Harvest leaves at 30 to 40 days. Wansoy bolts fast in heat, so November's cool temperatures give the longest harvest window.
• Parsley germinates well in November's mild conditions. Soak seeds overnight before planting. Once established, parsley produces continuously for months. Both flat-leaf and curly varieties grow well.
• Rosemary prefers the drier conditions starting in November. Plant cuttings in well-drained soil with full sun. Avoid overwatering. Rosemary becomes a permanent garden addition with proper care.
• Basil grows steadily in November's warm days. Start from seed or cuttings. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushy growth. Harvest leaves regularly to prevent flowering and maintain flavour.
• Chives divide and replant well during the cool season. Space clumps 15 cm apart. Cut leaves regularly for kitchen use. The purple flowers are also edible and add colour to salads.

Ornamental Plants for November

• Petunia blooms prolifically as the dry season begins. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Deadhead spent flowers for continuous blooming. Cascading varieties are stunning in hanging baskets.
• Marigold is easy to grow and blooms within 45 to 50 days. The bright flowers also repel common garden pests. Plant around vegetable beds as companion plants.
• Cosmos produces airy, colourful flowers that attract butterflies. Scatter seeds in sunny borders. Cosmos tolerates poor soil and needs little care once established.
• Sunflower seeds planted in November bloom by January. Choose dwarf varieties for containers or tall types for dramatic garden borders. Sunflowers make excellent cut flowers.
• Zinnia produces bold, long-lasting cut flowers in a wide range of colours. Direct sow in full sun. November-planted zinnias bloom through the holiday season.
• Dahlia thrives in the cool dry season. Plant tubers 10 cm deep in rich, well-drained soil. The showy blooms appear in 8 to 12 weeks. Stake tall varieties for support.

Gardening Tasks for November

• Set up a regular watering schedule. As rainfall decreases, switch to manual watering. Water deeply every 2 to 3 days rather than lightly every day. Early morning watering is best to reduce evaporation and fungal disease risk.
• Apply thick mulch to all beds. Spread 5 to 8 cm of dried leaves, rice hull or straw around plants. Mulch conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds and keeps roots cool as the dry season progresses.
• Plant cover crops in empty beds. Sow munggo or other nitrogen-fixing crops in beds resting between plantings. Cover crops prevent erosion, suppress weeds and add nutrients when turned into the soil.
• Start tomato and pepper seedlings. Sow seeds in seed trays for transplanting in December. Start multiple successions for a continuous harvest through the dry season.
• Prune fruit trees after harvest. Remove dead branches and shape the canopy for good air circulation. Apply compost around the drip line. Pruning in November allows trees to recover before the next flowering cycle.
• Control aphids and whiteflies. Dry season pests emerge as humidity drops. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap at the first sign of infestation. Check the undersides of leaves where pests hide.

Frequently Asked Questions