Your November garden to-do list, plus a new garden game for little ones and free printable plant markers.
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From my garden in Oregon's Willamette Valley · November 7, 2026
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Hi, gardeners,
The dahlias a friend gave me are still blooming this week, even in November. Their bright colors are a happy sight on these gray fall days.
Soon we'll spread aged manure from our neighbor's cattle on the garden, so the winter rains can wash it into the soil. Here's how we feed our garden the old farm way.
This week: your November garden to-do list, plus two new things on the site, a garden game for little ones and free printable
plant markers, and our favorite winter soup.
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Your November Garden To-Do List
Spread aged manure or compost on empty beds. Winter rain carries the goodness down into the soil, and it's ready to turn in when you work up the garden next spring.
Leave leeks in the ground. They stand
right through the winter, so you can dig them as you need them for a pot of soup.
Pull up your stakes and plant markers. Clean them, let them dry, and store them flat with your seed packets for next year.
Want a list made for your own area? Type in your zip code and get every garden job for the month.
Get Your Garden To-Do List →
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NEW GAME FOR LITTLE ONES
Little Gardener: A Garden Game for Kids
Count the tomatoes, name the flowers, and plant a garden. Little Gardener is made for children ages 3 to 6, with big buttons, a "Read to me" button, and gold stars for right answers.
There's no buzzer for a wrong answer. The game just says "Good try! Look again," so little ones never feel bad.
When they plant their raised bed, they can print it with their name on top, along with a Junior Gardener certificate. For older children, try the Seed Matching Game, with real seeds next to a quarter.
Play Little Gardener →
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NEW FREE PRINTABLE
Free Printable Plant Markers
Pick a picture, type the plant name, and print. Add the variety and the date you planted, because by July nobody remembers which tomato was which.
Choose your style: tall pot stakes for seed trays, row signs for the garden, or narrow labels that fit wooden paint stirrers.
For something prettier, pick from 30 colorful seed packet paintings. A potted seedling with its own marker makes a sweet little gift.
Make Plant Markers →
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FROM MY KITCHEN
Norman's Cheese and Leek Soup
This hearty soup comes from our friend Norman in Northern Germany. He even sent me step-by-step photos of how he makes it, and he kindly said I could share it with you.
Leeks, ground beef, cheese, and cream simmer into a creamy soup that warms you up on a cold, rainy evening. It is so delicious that I plan to make it every week or two this winter.
Get the Recipe →
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FOR CHRISTMAS
Watercolor Christmas Ornaments to Print
A snowman, a cardinal, an amaryllis, a sled, and a snowy cottage, all in soft watercolor, ready to print, cut, and hang on the tree.
Children can decorate them with yarn, dried beans, and noodles. It's a happy classroom craft, or a cozy afternoon project with the grandchildren.
Print the Ornaments →
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