Read by Matilda Longbottom
Dear Gardeners,
Welcome to the November 2025 issue of Food Gardening Magazine!
Here in the Northeast, November is a month of letting go–and holding on. The outdoor garden is winding down, frost has settled in for the season, and I’m tucking my beds under their winter blankets of mulch and leaves. But even as the garden sleeps, my kitchen windowsill is coming alive. I’ve brought in rosemary, basil, and thyme, and I’m experimenting with a small hydroponic lettuce setup that’s already making me feel like a mad scientist.
I love this seasonal shift. November asks us to pause, reflect, and pivot indoors–to trade the shovel for the grow light and the raised bed for the countertop herb garden. This year, I’m leaning into that transition instead of resisting it. I’m also preserving what I can: drying herbs, roasting squash, and freezing the last of the garden tomatoes for soups that will warm us in January.
And yes, I’m already planning next year’s garden. November may feel like an ending, but for gardeners, it’s also a beginning.
Fresh Takes
November looks different depending on where you grow. For some, it’s the final harvest. For others, it’s prime planting season. We’ve created zone-specific guides to help you make the most of this transitional month:
- What to Plant in November in Zones 4–6: Put your garden to bed with care and start planning your indoor growing setup.
- What to Plant in November in Zones 7–8: Sow cool-season crops and protect tender perennials from cold snaps.
- What to Plant in November in Zones 9–10: Enjoy prime planting weather for greens, root vegetables, and herbs.
Cover Stories
This month, we’re celebrating the resourcefulness of urban gardeners and the quiet power of fresh herbs to transform everyday cooking:
- Herbal Harmony in the City: How urban gardeners are growing fresh herbs all year long–from balconies to basements.
- Best New Herbs for 2026: The fresh faces of urban herb gardening that are redefining what’s possible in small spaces.
- A Week of Herbal Delights: Seven days to infuse more herbs into your life, with meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beyond.
Plant Close-Ups
Whether you’re solving a squash mystery, choosing the right basil, or drying rosemary for winter, this month’s plant profiles dig into the practical and the curious:
- The Curious Case of Cross-Pollinated Squash: Why your zucchini might look a little… unusual.
- Do Self-Pollinating Pear Trees Really Exist?: The truth about pear pollination and what it means for your orchard plans.
- 5 Different Types of Basil Gardeners and Chefs Love: From sweet to spicy, discover the basils that deserve a spot in your garden.
- How to Dry Fresh Rosemary and Use It in Oils, Teas, and More: Preserve the harvest and enjoy herbal goodness all winter long.
- Can Garlic Protect Your Plants? Exploring the Science Behind the Folklore: Does companion planting with garlic really work? Let’s find out.
Get Your Free Indoor Gardening Special Issue
As outdoor growing winds down, we’re offering a complete Indoor Gardening Special Issue to help you keep growing through the colder months. From herb propagation to microgreens to hydroponic setups, this guide will show you how to turn any sunny window or spare corner into a productive indoor garden. Download it now and keep the harvest going!
Featured Videos
This month’s videos are all about extending the season, bringing the garden indoors, and cooking up comfort:
- How to Build a Simple Hydroponic System: Grow greens and herbs indoors without soil–easier than you think.
- How to Propagate Rosemary and Other Herbs Indoors: Turn one plant into many and keep fresh herbs on hand all winter.
- Growing Microgreens: Kits vs. DIY: Compare your options for fast-growing, nutrient-packed greens.
- Easy Maple Roasted Potatoes and Squash with Bacon: A cozy side dish that celebrates the season’s best root vegetables.
- 5 Home-Grown Comfort Foods: Recipes that make the most of your garden’s bounty–even in November.
Apple Recipe Collection
November and apples go hand in hand. Whether you’re baking, roasting, or stirring them into breakfast, here are our favorite ways to celebrate this seasonal favorite:
- Upside-Down Maple Apple Cake: A topsy-turvy take on a classic favorite.
- Rustic Apple and Cheddar Galette: Where sweet meets savory in perfect harmony.
- Apple Cinnamon Chia Pudding: A wholesome treat for any time of day.
- Cinnamon Apple Overnight Oats: A breakfast hug in a jar.
- Apple and Onion Tarte Tatin: A savory twist on a French classic.
Let the Season Guide You
Don’t forget to download your Indoor Gardening Special Issue–it’s packed with everything you need to keep growing through winter. Gold Members can also explore the Gardening Kits tab for additional seasonal resources:
Check them out now, and download your favorites!
November reminds us that gardening isn’t just about what grows in the ground–it’s about adapting, experimenting, and staying curious through every season. Whether you’re drying herbs, building a hydroponic system, or baking your way through a bushel of apples, this month is about honoring the harvest and preparing for what’s next.
Happy growing–indoors and out!
Warm regards,
Christy Page
Editor & Publisher
P.S. Have you made the leap to indoor growing yet? I’d love to hear what you’re growing on your windowsills or under grow lights this winter–and whether you’ve had any hilarious failures along the way! Share in the comments below!
