Heat and Humidity Build.

November is one of the strongest warm-season planting months in the SGGS calendar. Plant tomatoes, capsicum, Lebanese cucumber, zucchini, Kent pumpkin, climbing beans, sweet corn and sweet potato. Herbs rated strongly for November include basil, culantro, curry leaf, ginger, lemongrass, mint, Thai basil, turmeric and Vietnamese mint. Chives, oregano and rosemary are also suitable where conditions allow.

November can bring strong harvests from established spring and winter plantings. Garlic, onions and potatoes may be ready as plants mature, while climbing beans, Lebanese cucumber, zucchini and tomatoes can begin producing regularly. Beetroot and carrots may also still be harvested from earlier sowings, along with established herbs.

Lebanese Cucumber — Lebanese cucumber can move quickly in November warmth. Check plants often and pick fruit while it is young and crisp — frequent harvesting helps keep plants productive and prevents oversized fruit.

Basil — Basil thrives as conditions warm and is one of the most useful herbs to keep harvesting regularly through summer. Pinch or cut stems above a pair of leaves to encourage bushier growth and remove flower spikes if you want to keep the plant focused on leaf production.

Check every stake, trellis and plant tie before the next summer storm. Tighten loose supports and give vigorous tomatoes, beans and cucurbits enough room to keep growing without stems rubbing or snapping.

Watch soft new growth and developing fruit for pests as temperatures and humidity rise. Check the undersides of leaves, remove badly damaged growth and keep plants open enough for good airflow. Cucumbers, zucchini and pumpkins should also be watched closely for powdery mildew.

Mulch helps reduce evaporation, buffers soil temperature and protects the soil surface from the impact of heavy rain. Apply it around established crops while keeping it slightly clear of stems and crowns.

Choose one bed this week and check how well the soil is protected. Fill bare areas with mulch, remove weeds and make sure water can soak into the bed rather than running straight off the surface.

Learn how humidity changes plant care in the subtropical garden. As conditions become wetter, spacing, airflow, morning watering and regular inspection become increasingly important for keeping warm-season crops healthy.