By November, the direct-sow windows for cool-season crops have closed in mild-winter zones — those cutoffs landed back in September and early October. This month is about establishment rather than planting: onion transplants are settling in, and it's a good time to plant garlic and shallot cloves.

Indoors (fresh harvests):

• Microgreens: peas, broccoli, sunflowers, arugula
• Sprouts: alfalfa, broccoli, radish, mung
• Herbs & greens under lights: chives, parsley, mint

Transplants to move outdoors: If any transplants from October are still hardening off, get them in the ground in the first week or two of November, before nights turn consistently cold.

Short-day onion transplants: Onions transplanted in September and October are established and growing. Keep them consistently watered — they have a long season ahead of them before bulbing next spring.

Garlic & shallots: November is a good month to plant garlic and shallot cloves in mild-winter zones. Both need a stretch of cool weather to develop properly, and planting now gives them time to root in before the coldest part of winter, for harvest next summer.

Cover crops: Crimson clover, field peas, and oats are good choices for any beds finishing up production — sow in the first couple of weeks of the month so they have time to establish before nights turn consistently cold.

Tip: An Olympia, WA zone 8 is very different from a Jackson, MS zone 8. Consider checking with your state Extension Service office for more specific recommendations and guidelines.

Use your USDA zone as a guide. Microclimates matter; coastal/urban spots run warmer; high-elevation spots run colder.