As the days grow shorter and cooler in Fort Bend County, the November gardening season is well underway—bringing with it opportunities to plant, prep, and plan ahead. Whether you're growing vegetables, beautifying your landscape, or simply hoping to give your garden a break, local experts from the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners program are here to help.

The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, are trained volunteers passionate about sustainable and research-based gardening practices tailored to our local climate. Through educational outreach, community demonstration gardens, and seasonal tips, these green-thumbed neighbors help residents grow smarter, not harder.

Here’s a breakdown of November garden tasks based on their guidance—perfect for Zone 9 gardeners in Southeast Texas.

Smart November Garden To-Dos

1. Reuse Your Halloween Pumpkins

Don’t toss your jack-o’-lanterns! Break them up and place them at the back of your garden to feed wildlife like squirrels, or toss them in your compost pile. It’s a simple way to give back to your ecosystem.

2. Prep Your Garden Beds with Mulch

Cooler temps make this the right time to refresh your mulch. A 2–6 inch layer helps insulate roots from frost, retains soil moisture, and suppresses weeds. The type of mulch and depth depend on your specific garden beds.

3. Plant for the Future: Trees, Roses, & Shrubs

November is ideal for planting roses, woody ornamentals, and shade trees. Fall planting gives roots time to establish before spring growth. If you need to transplant shrubs, late November is a good time when plants are dormant and less likely to suffer transplant shock.

4. Don’t Bag Those Leaves

Instead of sending fallen leaves to the landfill, use them as mulch or compost material. It’s part of the Earth-Kind® approach to sustainable gardening practiced by Fort Bend County Master Gardeners.

Veggie Garden Tasks

If you’re growing cool-season crops, this is a great month to be outside:

• Plant now: Lettuce, carrots, onions, parsley, spinach, and radishes (early in the month).
• Fertilize your winter vegetables, and water when rainfall is low.
• Clear out old plants to make room for spring prep.

Be Frost-Ready

• Protect tender plants by digging them up and potting them for easy relocation during freezes.
• Stock up on frost cloths or other protective materials for shrubs and smaller plants.
• Turn off or reduce irrigation, especially if you’re seeing more rain and slower plant growth.

Important Garden Warnings

• No “Crape Murder”! While it may be tempting to cut back your crape myrtles, hard pruning in fall is not recommended. Wait until late winter or early spring to prune properly and preserve plant health.

• Trim your tropical milkweed to six inches during fall and winter to protect Monarch butterflies. This prevents them from laying eggs too late in the season, which can be fatal to the developing larvae.

Add Seasonal Color to Your Garden

Even in cooler months, your landscape can shine with the right plant choices. Fort Bend County Master Gardeners recommend these hardy, colorful additions:

• Tidal Wave™ Petunias – These Texas Superstars® are known for cold and heat tolerance, and their vibrant blooms continue into early spring.

• Johnny-Jump-Ups (Viola tricolor) – These miniature pansies bloom in cheerful tri-colors and are great for sun or part shade.

• Cool Season Euphorbias – Drought and pest-resistant, these winter annuals add texture and color.

• Ornamental Cabbage and Kale – Earth-Kind® plants with vibrant purple, white, and green rosettes that pop in the landscape.

• Lacey Oak – A smaller tree with striking yellow fall foliage, perfect for Fort Bend yards.

Get Involved or Get Inspired

The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners maintain demonstration gardens as hands-on examples of sustainable landscape techniques. Residents are welcome to visit—just remember to give volunteers space while they work.

As you plan your next steps in the garden, November offers the perfect mix of cooler weather and planting potential. Whether you’re sowing vegetables, laying mulch, or just taking in the fall color, gardening in Fort Bend County this season can be both productive and peaceful.

And remember, the Master Gardeners are always planting the seeds of knowledge to help your garden grow.

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.