How The Old Farmer's Almanac Thanksgiving Prediction May Affect Your Garden

As we approach Thanksgiving, it looks like there's still plenty of sunshine to spare in some areas, with select regions experiencing snow in the United States. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac Thanksgiving Travel Weather Forecast 2025, we're set to experience an array of weather conditions across the nation, with some areas steadily shifting into cooler weather while others are still unseasonably warm. If you're in a cold, wet region, now is a great time to start shifting into preservation mode and get started on your winter garden clean-up. If the weather still looks warm, you're on track to enjoy a few more weeks of growing before putting your garden to bed. 

This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27. Forecasts report that the Northeast region, especially Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, will dip into colder temperatures and experience snow flurries. States like Minnesota and Michigan are predicted to see mild weather, but may also need to brace for snow and wind. Further south, the Rocky Mountain region is anticipating sharp temperature drops and snow in higher elevations. Alaska is set to see snow showers and winter conditions. 

Much of the rest of the United States is looking at temperate, mild weather during Thanksgiving week. The Southwest, South, Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the East Coast look like they're set to have a sunny, warm holiday. However, those in the Pacific Northwest should anticipate heavy rainfall and possibly even some snow. 

So what does this mean for gardeners across the nation? Well, there are two broad categories you'll fall into depending on the projected weather conditions: Those starting their overwintering tasks and those who have some time to spare for a few more weeks of regular growth. If you need some more guidance on where you fall, you can look into your fall to-do list by growing zones. You can also consult The Old Farmer's Almanac on your region's first frost date for more localized information.

If you find that you're in one of the regions experiencing a more temperate Thanksgiving, you can likely allow your garden to grow as normal through the end of November or potentially even December in some zones. Continue to keep an eye on weather conditions so you're not caught off guard when it's finally time to put your garden to bed.

If you're in a region that is experiencing frigid temperatures and maybe even snow, you should complete the last of your harvest before the cold has a chance to damage your crops. In some cases, you can still allow your late-season plants to grow for a bit longer if you are far enough out from a hard freeze, just cover them with cloches or row covers. Now is the time to kick into overwintering mode, too. Clean up your yard, amend your soil, and protect plants and bulbs that are spending the winter in the ground.