Dreaming of Homegrown Fruit? These 7 Trees and Bushes Are Perfect for Planting This November

You can plant container-grown fruit trees and bushes throughout the main growing season, but planting bare-root specimens over the winter months can prove far more cost-effective.

From apple trees to raspberries, I have regularly used the dormant season to plant fruit, especially in large numbers, at the gardens I have managed over the years. Not only because bare-root trees and bushes tend to be cheaper, but also because they have time to develop root systems before new growth in spring.

However, if you are wondering what else you can plant in November, the list is surprisingly long and includes hardy vegetables, flowers, and spring-flowering bulbs. Having gardened professionally year-round for nearly two decades, I’ve learned the hard way that the wrong kit, especially gloves, can make tasks miserable. When choosing winter gloves, choose something warm and waterproof but with enough dexterity for the task at hand, like these Thinsulate waterproof insulated gloves, available from Amazon.

Apples

Picking a fresh, crisp apple straight off the tree is something I always look forward to. From ‘Honeycrisp’ to ‘Fuji’, there is a wide array of varieties to choose from, and that is before you even consider cooking types. Furthermore, you can choose between standards, cordons and espaliers, depending on the space you have available.

For the best yields, you will want to plant your apple tree in full sun and on fertile, well-drained soil. If your apple tree requires cross-pollination, make sure you plant it in close proximity to a compatible tree.

You can plant a bare-root apple tree anytime during its dormancy, which typically falls between November and March, depending on your USDA zone. However, don't plant when the soil is frozen, as this can damage roots and keep trees from thriving.

When planting any tree, you will want to support it and prevent any wind rock until its roots establish a strong anchoring system. A single slanted stake and tree tie strap, available from Amazon, is generally adequate. For exposed areas and taller trees, a crossbar attached to two posts will provide more support.

Bare-root dwarf apple ‘Fuji’ trees are available to purchase from The Home Depot.

Pears

Pear trees are surprisingly easy to look after and growing one in your backyard will mean you can pick your own sweet fruit come harvest time.

Thriving in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10, pear trees are available on different rootstocks, which determine their final size. You can choose free-standing specimens, trained trees to grow along a wall or fence, or dwarf varieties suitable for a container.

With trees just entering dormancy now, November is an ideal time to plant bare-root specimens. This is because dormant plants' root systems continue to grow during winter, albeit far more slowly than in the growing season, unless the ground freezes.

To aid root penetration and establishment, dig a hole two to three times as wide as the roots and as deep. Digging can be laborious, but a sharp spade, like this AgroPro flat shovel, available from Amazon, will help make the task easier.

For the best yields, plant pear trees in full sun and on fertile, free-draining soil. You can purchase bare-root dwarf ‘Comice’ pear trees from The Home Depot.

Plums

Another fruit tree to plant in November is the plum. Delicious when eaten fresh or in compotes or jams, a plum tree is a great investment in your garden.

Container-grown plum trees can be planted throughout most of the year, but November is a great month for bare-root planting as long as the ground is not frozen hard.

Plum trees grow best in a sunny spot, but being one of the first trees to blossom in spring, you will want to protect them from harsh winds and late frosts.

When choosing a plum variety, you can pick between those for eating fresh and those intended for cooking, although there are some that are dual-purpose.

Plum trees generally require less pruning than other top fruit, but knowing when to prune them is key. Spring is usually considered best for pruning young trees and mid-summer for established specimens. Either way, sharp and sanitized secateurs, like these Okatsune 103 bypass pruners, available from Amazon, will help make clean cuts and minimize the risk of infection.

Cherries

Cherries are a seasonal delight and taste so much better when they are eaten straight off a tree. Furthermore, their blossom will add interest and beauty to your spring garden.

Cherry trees vary in hardiness, so before buying, it is wise to check that the variety suits your hardiness zone.

As with the other trees mentioned, November is a perfect time to plant a bare-root cherry tree as the ground, depending on your location, is generally not frozen solid and allows time for roots to establish before spring arrives. That said, in colder areas, where hard freezes have already begun, you may want to wait until early spring or when the soil is more workable.

To give your cherry tree (sweet types) the best chance of fruiting well, plant it in a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Water in after planting and keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, if conditions are dry until established.

If your soil is poor, you can mix some well-rotted manure into the planting soil, which will help enrich it. You can purchase Harvest Company premium aged manure from Lowe’s.

Raspberries

You can plant container-grown raspberries at any time during the growing season. However, a far more cost-effective way to grow raspberries is to buy them as bare-root plants and plant them anytime during dormancy, from November to March.

Raspberries are well suited USDA zones 3-9 (depending on variety) and you can choose between summer-fruiting and fall-fruiting varieties or a combination of the two to provide a succession of fruits over the growing season.

Raspberries thrive when they are grown in full sun and on a fertile soil. If your soil is lacking in nutrients, you can amend the soil by digging in garden compost or well-rotted manure ahead of planting.

Bare-root raspberries are often on sale from your local garden nursery. Alternatively, you can purchase pot-grown plants such as Carolina Raspberry from Plant Addicts.

Currants

Currants (or Ribes) are healthy, delicious fruits that are easy to grow. I have planted them in nearly all the kitchen gardens I have managed over my career and have found currants to be among the most reliable croppers and great for making cordials and desserts.

Currant growing was banned nationwide in the US in the past because they can harbor a fungus which harms native pine trees. Although this ban was lifted in 1966, some states still restrict them, so check with your local horticultural extension office before purchasing. Some current varieties are incredibly cold-hardy and can be grown in USDA zones 2-3, which makes them an excellent choice for cooler areas.

Currants fruit best in full sun and fertile soil. When planting bare root, November is a great month, as this allows time for roots to establish before new growth bursts forth in spring.

Bare-root ‘Red Lake’ currant plants are available to purchase from Burpee.

Gooseberries

Another Ribes banned until 1966, you can now grow gooseberries in most states, but it is worth checking with your local extension first. Traditionally bright, translucent green, gooseberries are now available in shades of red, yellow and purple. Typically tasting sharp and tangy, they are used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Although they will tolerate some shade, they grow best in full sun and in fertile, well-drained soil. You can buy pot-grown gooseberries throughout the growing season, but why not take advantage of the cheaper bare-root plants available now? Having just entered dormancy, November is a good time to plant bare-root specimens, as long as the soil is workable.

Gooseberries are generally grown as bushes. However, you can also train them against a wall or grow them in a container. If growing in a pot, choose a container around 16 inches wide and deep with plenty of drainage holes and backfill with a soil-based compost.

Suitable for growing in zones 3-8, Bare-root gooseberry ‘Pixwell’ is available to purchase from Burpee.

Shop Fruit Planting Kit

Using sharp and clean tools not only makes gardening tasks easier but can also reduce the risk of plants or trees becoming infected. With less to do in the garden, this time of year is ideal for a stock check and any garden tool maintenance.

From cleaning off dried mud to oiling and sharpening, our guide to servicing tools will help your pruners and hedge cutters be something you will look forward to using when the time comes.

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