Gardening in Saint John, New Brunswick in November
By November, Saint John has usually experienced its first frost, which typically arrives in October. The gardening season shifts from growing to preparing for winter and next spring.
What You Can Still Do in November
Plant Garlic
November is an excellent time to plant garlic cloves. They will establish roots before winter and emerge early next spring.
Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs
If the ground isn’t frozen, you can still plant:
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Crocuses
- Hyacinths
These bulbs need winter chilling to bloom in spring.
Mulch Perennials
Apply 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) of mulch around:
- Hostas
- Daylilies
- Peonies
- Roses
Mulch helps protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles.
Clean Up Garden Beds
Remove:
- Dead annuals
- Diseased plant material
- Weeds
Leave some leaf litter and seed heads for birds and beneficial insects.
November Harvests
You may still harvest hardy crops such as:
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Parsnips
- Carrots (if mulched)
- Leeks
Many of these actually improve in flavor after light frosts.
Protect Plants for Winter
- Wrap young trees against rodent damage.
- Add compost to empty beds.
- Move tender container plants indoors.
- Drain hoses and rain barrels before freezing temperatures arrive.
Saint John Gardening Tip
The Bay of Fundy gives Saint John one of the longest growing seasons in New Brunswick, but by November soil temperatures are dropping quickly. Focus on garlic, bulbs, mulching, cleanup, and winter protection rather than new vegetable planting.
Best November projects for Saint John gardeners:
- Plant garlic.
- Plant spring bulbs.
- Mulch perennial beds.
- Protect roses and shrubs.
- Add compost and prepare next year’s garden plan.