In our regular blog feature, we’re here to give you a gentle nudge on the key gardening tasks you should be ticking of your to-do list for November…
Garden bed preparation
Although it may feel like a faint blip in the distance, November is the time to really get into prepping your garden for spring. Try to clear dead plant material this month, removing any remaining annuals and dead perennials to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.
Add a lovely thick layer of mulch (like compost, leaf mold, or bark) around your beds to insulate the soil and protect roots from frost.
Last chance planting
It’s your last chance to plant spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses this month, ideally in well-draining soil. November is also a good time to plant garlic cloves and overwintering onions for a delicious spring or summer harvest.
If the soil doesn’t freeze, it’s also an ideal time to plant bare-root trees and shrubs.
Prune and cut back
Prune roses down by a third to prevent wind rock over winter. Prune apple and pear trees too, as well as currants and gooseberries, but avoid plums, cherries, and apricots as they’re prone to silver leaf disease.
Cut back perennials like asters and peonies to prevent disease spread.
Continue that lawn care
It’s not everyone’s favourite job, but it’s advisable to rake fallen leaves off the lawn to prevent moss from spreading. And if the grass is still growing, you can give it a final light mow, so long as the weather is mild and dry. The dry bit not looking so likely right now!
Protect plants in case of frost
Always best to play it safe, so move tender plants like dahlias, begonias, and cannas indoors or cover them with fleece. Lift containers onto bricks or pot feet to prevent waterlogging.
Support your garden friends!
Leave some seed heads and fallen leaves for shelter for insects and small animals and set up bird feeders and water sources to support wildlife over the winter. You know where to come for all that essential wild bird kit!
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