Understanding Climate Zones (Quick and Simple)
Before we look into what to plant now, it helps to know which climate zone you garden in. The timing of sowing and planting depends a lot on how cold your winters get and how long your soil stays workable. Understanding your zone makes it easier to follow advice that truly fits your garden — whether you’re in a mild winter area like Monchique or in a cooler, northern climate.
The Two Most Common Climate Zone Systems
Gardeners around the world often refer to climate zones to understand what can grow where. The two most common systems are the USDA Hardiness Zones, which are based on average minimum winter temperatures, and the Köppen Climate Classification, which groups regions by temperature and rainfall patterns. Together, they give a simple picture of how mild or cold a winter is, and how plants will behave through the seasons.
If you’re not sure which zone you’re in, it’s easy to find out online. The USDA Hardiness Zone Map is available on the USDA website, and many countries have local versions too.
For the Köppen system, several interactive maps are available — just search for “Köppen climate map” and zoom in on your region. A good starting point is this Wikipedia page. Together, these tools will help you understand which planting advice fits your garden best.
So now let’s look at the zones I’m talking about in this blog — because I’ve gardened in both of them. That’s why they’re always mentioned. It doesn’t mean that if you’re just outside these zones the garden planner won’t work, but it might need a little adaptation from your side.
Mild Winter Climate
- USDA Zone: 9–10
- Köppen: Csa (Mediterranean)
- Winters are cool and damp with only light frost
- Soil rarely freezes
- Many vegetables can continue slow growth through winter
- Includes: Hills of the Serra de Monchique (Algarve), Madeira, Southern Spain, Coastal Italy, Southern California, Central Chile, parts of South Africa and New Zealand.
Cooler Winter Climate
- USDA Zone: 7–8
- Köppen: Cfb (Temperate Oceanic)
- Winters are colder and daylight drops sharply
- Soil may freeze at times
- Plants pause growth until February
- Includes: Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Northern France, Northern Spain highlands, Oregon and Washington coast.
What to Sow and Plant in November (Mild Winter Climate, Zone 9–10)
Even though growth is slower now, many crops root beautifully in winter soil. They establish now and grow strongly as soon as the light returns in late January or February.
Sow Now
| Crop | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fava beans (Broad beans) | Sow directly into the bed |
| Parsley (Salsa) | Slow to sprout — be patient |
| Coriander | Will bolt quickly if sown in spring |
Plant Now
| Crop | Notes |
|---|---|
| Garlic | November is ideal — plant cloves pointy end up |
| Onions & Leeks | Seedlings transplant well in cool soil |
| Pak choi & Asian Greens | Grow slowly but reliably in winter light |
| Turkish Spinach / New Zealand Spinach | Good winter-hardy green |
| Turnips | Grow slowly but surely |
| Strawberries | Plant now for strong early summer yield |
These crops don’t rush — they rest and root. Think of the winter garden as a living pantry rather than a production machine.
For Cooler Winter Climates (Zone 7–8)
In cooler climates, November is not the time to sow most vegetables outdoors. Light levels have already dropped too far, and seedlings will simply sit still until February.
Instead, now is a month for:
- Sorting and checking seed packets for next season
- Planning crop rotation and companion planting
- Cleaning and repairing tools
- Sharpening and oiling secateurs and pruning knives
- Clearing edges and borders
- Protecting perennials and storing pots
- Turning compost and adding carbon-rich layers
- Mulching beds to protect microbes over winter
If a mild sunny day appears — work gently, without urgency. This is the season of preparation.
A Note on the Winter Garden Philosophy
A true winter garden isn’t planted in November — it’s prepared much earlier in the year. The idea is simple: sow and plant while there’s still enough daylight and warmth for young plants to grow strong before winter sets in. Once established, they pause or grow slowly through the cold months and are ready for harvest when the light returns.
In Mild Winter Climates (USDA 9–10, Köppen Csa)
In areas like the Serra de Monchique, the soil rarely freezes and many vegetables continue growing, just more slowly. A winter garden here starts in late September to October, when crops like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, chard, and peas can establish themselves. They’ll keep producing through the mild months and carry you into early spring with fresh harvests.
In Cooler Winter Climates (USDA 7–8, Köppen Cfb)
In colder, temperate regions, daylight becomes too short and soil too cold for germination by November. The winter garden there must be started earlier, usually from late August to early September. Hardy crops like leeks, kale, spinach, and winter lettuce grow before the cold sets in, then stay dormant through the darkest months. As days lengthen again in February, they begin growing anew — giving the first green harvests of spring.
This rhythm of planting ahead and harvesting late is the essence of winter gardening — working with the seasons instead of against them.
If You Want to Go Deeper
This November garden work is one of the foundations for year-round self-sufficient growing — the time when planning, soil tending, and quiet planting set up the early spring harvest.
If you’d like to learn how to create a productive garden that feeds you through all seasons, take a look at our vegetable gardening courses and workshops in Monchique. You’ll find the latest course dates, seasonal themes, and hands-on sessions that help you grow with confidence — whether you’re just starting out or expanding your skills.
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