As the air turns crisp and autumn fully settles in, Harris County residents are finding joy in transitioning their gardens from summer to fall. Whether you're tending ornamental grasses or prepping your veggie beds for spring, November brings a unique window of opportunity to nurture your landscape and plan ahead.

Local gardening expert and Harris County Master Gardener Karen Shook shares timely insights and practical advice in the latest Urban Dirt Gardening Calendar, tailored specifically for Southeast Texas’ climate zones.

Preparing Your Garden for Cooler Weather

With average rainfall above normal this year but a dry streak from August through October, Shook recommends that gardeners remain mindful of watering. “Keep your beds mulched and continue to check for ‘too wet, too dry, just right’ and water accordingly,” she advises. Mulch helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds, which can be especially helpful as temperatures fluctuate.

Now is also the perfect time to put those falling leaves to work. Instead of bagging them up for trash pickup, use them as mulch or the brown material in compost. Just remember: if collecting leaves from neighbors, be cautious—they may contain grass clippings or chemical treatments.

Watch the Frost Dates

Harris County spans two USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 and 9. That means the first frost could arrive anywhere from November 7 to December 13, depending on where you live. “Be sure to have your frost supplies ready,” says Shook. This includes frost cloths, mulch for insulation, and possibly bringing sensitive potted plants indoors.

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Monthly Planting & Maintenance Tips

From perennials to edibles, here’s what to focus on in November.

Perennials, Ornamental Grasses & Native Plants

• Wrap up dividing spring-blooming perennials—these benefit from thinning every couple of years.
• Cut back chrysanthemums and other spent blooms to the ground.
• Consider leaving ornamental grasses intact for a decorative tan seedhead display through winter.
• Spread wildflower seeds by gently raking them into the soil for spring beauty.

Cool-Season Annuals

• Plant cheerful pansies, violas, snapdragons, dusty miller, and stock.
• Fertilize only if plants show signs of deficiency and always mulch to retain warmth.

Bulbs

• Plant spring-flowering bulbs now, except tulips and hyacinths, which need to chill until December.
• Mark bulb locations to avoid disturbing them later and apply bone meal to iris rhizomes when cutting back foliage.

Shrubs and Woody Ornamentals

• November is ideal for planting or relocating shrubs, roses, trees, and vines.
• Keep azaleas moist to prevent winter damage.
• Delay pruning spring-blooming shrubs until after their bloom cycle; pruning now may trigger new growth vulnerable to frost.

Lawns

• If you didn’t apply a pre-emergent herbicide in October, early November is your last chance.
• Use a mulching mower to incorporate fallen leaves back into your lawn as a natural soil cover and weed deterrent.

Edibles

• Oranges and satsumas may be ready for harvest—pick them before they turn fully orange for peak flavor.
• Begin prepping vegetable beds for spring by removing spent plants and tilling.
• Consider a cover crop to enrich the soil and suppress weeds.
• For a detailed planting schedule, consult the Harris County Vegetable Planting Guide.

Groundcovers & Vines

• Divide and replant hardy groundcovers now.
• Delay planting perennial vines until December.
• Mulch the roots and stems of tender vines to protect them from the cold.

Trees

Celebrate Texas Arbor Day on Friday, November 7, 2025 by planting a tree in your yard or neighborhood green space. Fall is the best time to plant trees in Harris County so they can establish roots before summer’s heat returns.

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About the Harris County Master Gardeners

The Harris County Master Gardener Association (HCMGA) is a nonprofit organization of trained volunteers who work in partnership with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. These dedicated local experts help residents make environmentally responsible and research-based gardening choices suited for the region.

Master Gardeners like Karen Shook donate thousands of hours annually to provide public education through workshops, community events, and publications like the monthly Urban Dirt newsletter. Their work plays a vital role in promoting sustainable urban gardening and landscape practices throughout Harris County.

To learn more about the HCMGA or sign up for future gardening classes and events, visit the Harris County Master Gardeners website at txmg.org/hcmga. 

Whether you’re sowing wildflowers, dividing perennials, or dreaming of a spring vegetable harvest, November is a crucial month in your gardening calendar. As Karen Shook puts it best, quoting Oscar Wilde, “And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” With cooler days ahead, it’s the perfect time to dig in.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.