Seasonal Advice for November 2012: Recipes, Gardening, Folklore, Tips

Assorted autumn leaves taken in my yard.

As daylight lessens, the leaves change. Share your fall photos! Enter our Sun Photo Contest.

Credit: Karen Ramsdale

It's the month of November 2012, which we like to think of as the month of food, when the best of cooks can shine and the best of eaters will surely get their fill. It's time to start thinking about holiday preparations.

And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,
No longer blown hither and thither;
The last lone aster is gone;
The flowers of the witch-hazel wither . . .
–Robert Frost (1874-1963)

Calendar

November comes from the Latin word novem meaning "nine" because this was the ninth month of the early Roman calendar.

November 1 is All Saints' Day. This is the day when the saints are honored, especially those who do not have a day of their own. See more about this day.
Don't forget! On Sunday, November 4, Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 A.M. (ET). Set your clocks back Saturday night! Find out more about Daylight Saving Time.
This year, Election Day (U.S.) is Tuesday, November 6—and it's a Presidential election! Don't forget to vote!
Veteran's Day (U.S.) is November 11. We honor all the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States. See more about Veteran's Day. Remembrance Day (Canada) also falls on this day.
If you're fortunate, you may experience Indian Summer in November; but it can only come between November 11-20. What is Indian Summer? Find out.
Thanksgiving Day (U.S.) arrives this year on the 22nd! Understand the history and origins of Thanksgiving.

Recipes for the Season

Consult our collection of Thanksgiving recipes—from the big bird to stuffing to deserving side dishes to desserts!

You may also enjoy these make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes; they can be prepared ahead of the big feast day.

If you're serving turkey, here's tips on how to roast the bird. Leftovers? Try this Day-After-Turkey-Dinner Hash!

For more recipes, use our Recipe Search.

Gardening

Use small stakes or markers where you've planted bulbs or late-starting plants in the perennial garden to avoid disturbing them when you begin spring soil preparation.