Today we’ll be talking about essential gardening jobs for November in the UK. The weather may be colder, the days shorter, but there’s still plenty to do in the garden to prepare for winter and set yourself up for success in the spring. So grab your gloves, a warm drink, and let’s get started with November’s to-do list!
General Garden Clean-Up
As autumn leaves fall and temperatures drop, November is the time to tidy up your garden. It’s important to start with a general clean-up to keep things looking neat and prevent potential problems during winter. Here are some key tasks:
• Clear fallen leaves: Gather leaves from your lawn, paths, and borders. If left to pile up, they can block light and moisture from getting to your grass, which can lead to patchy, unhealthy lawns. Rake them up and either compost them or store them to create leaf mold, a fantastic soil conditioner.
• Tidy borders: Cut back any perennials that have finished flowering, but leave the seed heads of plants like echinacea or teasel, which will provide food for birds over winter. Remove any weeds you spot now before they get a chance to establish.
• Compost heap: If you have a compost pile, now’s the time to turn it over. It helps aerate the material and speeds up decomposition. Plus, add those leaves and garden waste to keep the cycle going.
Planting for Spring
November is an ideal time for planting spring-flowering bulbs and other cold-hardy plants. The soil is still workable, and bulbs planted now will benefit from a winter chill, which is necessary for many to bloom beautifully in the spring. Here’s what to focus on:
• Spring bulbs: Plant bulbs like daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths before the first frosts set in. Make sure to plant them at the correct depth – typically three times the height of the bulb. A sunny spot with well-drained soil will give you the best results.
• Bare-root trees and shrubs: November is also the perfect time to plant bare-root varieties of trees and shrubs, like fruit trees (apples, pears, and plums) or hedging plants. Bare-root plants are cheaper and often establish better when planted during their dormant season.
• Garlic and onions: It’s not too late to plant overwintering vegetables like garlic and onions. Varieties like ‘Solent Wight’ garlic or ‘Radar’ onions are hardy enough to handle the cold, and planting them now gives them a head start for early summer harvest.
Segment 3: Pruning and Cutting Back
November is a great time to prune certain plants, as we discussed in a previous episode. But let’s recap some key shrubs and trees that benefit from a good cut at this time of year:
• Fruit trees: If you have apple or pear trees, now is the time to give them a winter prune. The aim is to create an open shape, removing any crossing branches or dead wood. This allows more light and air to circulate, which will reduce the risk of diseases like canker or mildew next year.
• Roses: We touched on this in our pruning episode, but it’s worth mentioning again—prune your bush roses now to prevent wind-rock and improve their shape for next year. Don’t forget to remove any leaves that show signs of black spot or other diseases.
• Wisteria: If you have a wisteria, give it a second prune in November. Shorten the long summer growth to about 10cm from the main stems to encourage flowering next spring.
Segment 4: Protecting Plants for Winter
As temperatures drop, it’s crucial to think about protecting your garden from frost. Some plants are more sensitive than others, so here are a few key steps to take:
• Tender plants: Move pots of tender plants like geraniums, fuchsias, or agapanthus into a greenhouse or a sheltered spot. If you don’t have the space, wrapping them in horticultural fleece can help protect them from the cold.
• Mulching: Add a layer of mulch around the base of your plants, especially newly planted shrubs or perennials. Mulching insulates the soil, keeps moisture in, and protects roots from frost. Bark chips, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold are all great options.
• Greenhouse care: If you have a greenhouse, check that it’s well-insulated for winter. Clean the glass to maximise light and consider using bubble wrap to insulate the inside. It’s also a good idea to ventilate on warmer days to reduce humidity and prevent fungal diseases.
Lawn Care
While your lawn doesn’t need as much attention in November as it does in spring or summer, a little care now can help it survive the winter in good shape:
• Last mow: If the weather is mild and your grass is still growing, give it one final mow before winter sets in. Make sure the cut is higher than usual to protect the grass from frost damage.
• Aerate: If your lawn has been suffering from compaction due to heavy foot traffic, consider aerating it now. You can use a garden fork or an aerator to poke holes across the surface, allowing air and water to penetrate the soil more easily.
• Edge and tidy: Take the opportunity to tidy up the edges of your lawn. This not only makes the garden look neat but also helps prevent grass from invading your flower beds.
Segment 6: Wildlife Care
As we move into the colder months, it’s important to support wildlife in your garden. Here are a few ways to help out the birds, insects, and other creatures that visit:
• Bird feeders: Set up bird feeders with a mix of seeds, nuts, and fat balls. Birds like robins, blue tits, and blackbirds will appreciate the extra food source as natural food becomes scarcer. Don’t forget to keep water available for them too, especially in freezing conditions.
• Insect hotels: Create or buy an insect hotel to provide shelter for beneficial insects like ladybirds and solitary bees. A small pile of logs or a leaf pile in a quiet corner can also serve as a cozy habitat for wildlife.
• Frogs and hedgehogs: Leave some areas of your garden undisturbed, as frogs, toads, and hedgehogs will seek out sheltered spots to hibernate. Avoid disturbing compost heaps or leaf piles too much, as these are prime locations for these creatures.
Segment 7: Preparing for Next Year
Finally, November is the perfect time to start planning ahead for next year’s garden:
• Order seeds: Start browsing seed catalogues and ordering seeds for next year’s crops. It’s a great way to beat the winter blues and get excited about the growing season ahead.
• Clean tools and equipment: Give your garden tools a thorough clean and sharpen your secateurs and shears. This will make them last longer and help prevent the spread of diseases. Also, consider servicing your lawn mower and other equipment before storing them for the winter.
• Organise your shed: On those particularly cold or wet days, take the opportunity to organise your garden shed or greenhouse. Clear out any broken tools, pots, or bags of compost, and make a plan for the upcoming gardening year.
November may feel like the garden is winding down, but as you’ve heard, there’s still plenty to keep you busy! From planting spring bulbs to protecting tender plants and helping out wildlife, this month is all about preparing your garden for winter and giving it a head start for next spring.
