Gardening Chores - November

November:

November brings cold, wet weather with a risk of high frost and short, grey days. Winter protection is key: move tender plants indoors and wrap containers to prevent cracking. This is also the perfect time to plant tulip bulbs, bare-root roses, trees and shrubs. Finish your autumn clear-up and get your tools cleaned and stored away for the off-season.

In the Flower Garden

Now is your last chance to plant your spring bedding plants, such as wallflowers, primulas, and pansies.
Plant lily and tulip bulbs in pots or containers now to ensure a great display next year.
Divide or lift perennials that are clogging up any borders.
Remove fallen leaves from plant borders to prevent disease.
If you have any remaining snow, gently brush it off trees and shrubs to prevent damage to branches.
Bring any tender plants inside to a greenhouse or conservatory to protect them from the cold.
Apply a winter mulch to protect 'borderline' hardy plants from the frost.

The Vegetable Plot & Fruit Garden

Harvest your main crops and store them for winter. This includes leeks, kale, winter cabbages, and cauliflower.
Plant out garlic for a delicious early harvest next year.
Prune your raspberries, blackberries, and hybrid berries and plant any bare-rooted canes you have bought.
Harvest carrots and parsnips.
Dig over the soil and spread it with manure to enrich it for next year.

Trees, Shrubs & Hedges

If the ground has not yet frozen, you can still plant out trees, shrubs, and bare-root hedges.
Prune your apple and pear trees and spread a mulch around their base.
Check that stakes are firmly in the ground to secure young trees during the winter months.
Check tree ties and ensure climbers are securely attached to their stakes and structures.

Lawns & Hedges

Your lawn needs little care now, but you should clean up any remaining leaves with a leaf blower.
Service and clean your mower before putting it away for the winter.
Try to avoid walking on frosted lawns to limit damage to the grass.