In many areas of the country, November is a time when vegetable gardeners can only dream about their next crops as they wait for spring to arrive. Here in north Florida November is a remarkably busy month for those of us who strive to grow what we eat.

This month plant such cool weather crops as beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, collards, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, mustard, onions, radishes, spinach and strawberries.

Strawberries? Yes, strawberries! Here in north Florida strawberries are planted in the fall and the berries are harvested in the spring. The plants are treated as annuals – you replant every year. They will grow to full size over the winter (they are very cold hardy). In north Florida, plant only “short day” varieties.