Late autumn is when nature slowly drifts into dormancy. The ground is often frosted, and the days grow shorter. But even during this time, there's still plenty to do in the garden, vegetable beds, and with indoor plants. To make these tasks more effective, you can follow the moon calendar gardening for November. The phases of the Moon influence the growth and development of plants. This is crucial to consider when pruning, fertilizing, repotting, or even preparing plants for winter.
Moon Phases in November 2025
Understanding the moon phases helps plan all gardening tasks better. During the waxing Moon, energy rises — stems, leaves, and crowns grow actively. During the waning phase, root development improves. In November 2025, the Moon will go through the following phases:
- Nov 1–4 — Waxing Gibbous;
- Nov 5 — Full Moon;
- Nov 6–11 — Waning Gibbous;
- Nov 12 — Last Quarter;
- Nov 13–19 — Waning Crescent;
- Nov 20 — New Moon;
- Nov 21–27 — Waxing Crescent;
- Nov 28 — First Quarter;
- Nov 29–30 — Waxing Gibbous.
During the waxing Moon, the above-ground parts of plants grow better. In the waning phase, roots develop more actively. Full Moon and New Moon are periods of rest — avoid major gardening during these times.
Moon Calendar Gardening in November: Garden Tasks
Even after the main season is over, there's still garden work to do. November is the month of preparing for winter. What exactly to do and when is outlined by the moon calendar gardening in November:
- Pruning fruit trees. In the first half of the month (November 6–11, waning phase), prune dry, broken, or excess branches. Sap flow slows down during this period, making pruning less stressful for trees.
- Whitewashing trunks. It should be done before frost to protect the bark from sunburn and cracking during temperature swings. The best time is during the waning Moon (before November 19).
- Preventive spraying. If the temperature is above +41°F (+5°C), you can spray trees with iron sulfate to prevent fungal diseases.
- Covering shrubs and young trees. After the cold sets in steadily (after November 20), cover heat-loving plants with agrofiber, branches, or straw.
- Protection from rodents. Wrap the lower trunks with mesh or special materials. It's best to do this during the waning Moon, for example, between November 13–19.
Moon Calendar Gardening in November: Vegetable Garden Tasks
Most vegetable beds are already empty, but a few essential tasks remain. The moon calendar gardening for November helps you finish them:
- Planting winter garlic and onions. If hard frosts haven't hit yet, you can still plant winter garlic during the waxing Moon (November 1–4). It's important the bulbs root before the frosts, but don't start sprouting.
- Sowing green manure. In regions with mild autumns, you can sow mustard or phacelia. It's best to do this during the waning Moon, for example, November 13–15.
- Fertilizing. Organic matter, compost, or ash can be worked into the soil before winter. The ideal time is mid-month (waning Moon).
- Mulching beds. Covering the soil with straw, leaves, or peat protects it from freezing and erosion. November 13–19 is a good time for this work.
Moon Calendar Gardening in November: Houseplant Care
At the end of autumn, houseplants enter a resting phase. But they shouldn't be completely neglected. Several tasks can still be done, and the moon calendar gardening for November helps pick the right time:
- Repotting. If a plant needs to be repotted, it's better to do this during the waxing Moon (November 21–30), especially after the 28th, when active growth resumes.
- Feeding. Frequent feeding isn't necessary during the cold season. However, if a plant is actively growing, you can fertilize it during the waning Moon (November 13–19), when nutrients are absorbed better.
- Pruning and shaping. If you need to shape a plant or cut off dry leaves, do it during the waning phase (November 6–19).
- Spraying and pest control. Dry air encourages spider mites on houseplants. Treatments work best during the waning Moon.
- Lighting. Natural light is limited in late autumn, so plants may need extra light. This is especially true for light-loving species (like citrus or hibiscus).
What the Moon Calendar Gardening for November Doesn't Recommend
There are days in the lunar calendar for gardening when it's better not to touch plants at all. These are times when energy is unstable or declining:
- November 5 — Full Moon. Plants are especially sensitive and may not handle transplanting, pruning, or feeding well.
- November 20 — New Moon. Avoid planting or watering. The soil is "asleep," and all processes slow down.
- November 12 — Last Quarter. It's a balancing day, but active work might not yield good results.
Use these days for planning or inventory instead.
Conclusion
The lunar calendar for gardening for November is a convenient guide, but it shouldn't be your only source of advice. Always consider the weather, soil conditions, and specific plant needs. In autumn, it's not just about planting or pruning but also about protection. Prepare your garden for winter — insulate, mulch, and clean up debris. Everything you do now will benefit your garden in spring. Even a few small actions today will help ensure a healthy harvest and a blooming garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the New Moon in November 2025?
The New Moon will occur on November 20. That's when the Moon is barely visible. It's best to avoid gardening work on this day.
What can you plant on the New Moon?
It's not recommended to plant anything during the New Moon. It's a resting time for plants. Better to wait a few days after the New Moon.
When should you plant garlic and onions for winter in November?
Plant garlic and onions for winter during the waxing Moon. The first few days of the month, until November 4, are best. Just make sure it's before hard frosts.
What can you plant in November?
At the end of autumn, you can plant winter garlic and onions. You can also sow green manure to improve the soil. In greenhouses, you can plant greens and some vegetables during the waxing Moon.
