November
Dull November brings the blast; Then the leaves are whirling fast.
— Sara Coleridge, The Garden Year (1834)
The garden prepares for winter
November brings shorter days, colder nights and the first real signs of winter. Growth is slowing, but there is still plenty to do.
This is a good month for planting while the soil remains workable, protecting vulnerable plants and preparing the garden and equipment for colder weather.
Plant bare-root trees and hedging
The dormant season is an excellent time to plant bare-root trees, shrubs and hedging plants.
Plant whenever the ground is neither frozen nor waterlogged, giving roots the opportunity to establish before strong growth begins again in spring.
Plant your tulips
If your tulip bulbs are still waiting to go into the ground, November is an ideal time to get them planted.
Choose well-drained positions and containers where excess winter moisture will not collect around the bulbs.
Prune climbing roses
Autumn winds can catch the long stems of climbing roses and cause damage.
Shorten excessively long stems and secure remaining growth to its supports, reducing movement during winter storms. More detailed pruning can be carried out at the appropriate time.
Mulch beds and borders
Apply a layer of compost or well-rotted manure around established plants.
Autumn mulching helps protect roots from changing temperatures, adds valuable organic matter and gradually improves the structure of the soil.
Clear leaves from lawns
Fallen leaves left lying on grass can block light and trap moisture.
Rake leaves from lawns regularly to help prevent damaged or bare patches developing during prolonged wet weather. Collected leaves can be put to good use making leaf mould.
Protect tender plants
Don't wait for a severe frost before thinking about vulnerable plants.
Use horticultural fleece to protect tender specimens or move containers into more sheltered positions. Pots can be particularly vulnerable because their roots have less insulation from cold temperatures.
Lift tender bulbs and tubers
If any tender bulbs or tubers remain outside, lift and store those that need protection from freezing conditions.
Allow them to dry appropriately and store them somewhere cool, dry and frost-free until they can be brought back into growth.
Look after your tools
As regular gardening work begins to slow, give your equipment some attention.
Clean and sharpen secateurs, loppers and other tools, checking for anything that needs repairing or replacing before the busy spring season arrives.
Protect hoses and irrigation equipment
Water remaining inside hoses and irrigation equipment can freeze and cause damage.
Empty hoses, clean them and store them somewhere protected from frost. Drain other irrigation equipment that will not be needed during winter.
Wildlife to look out for
November is an important transition month for garden wildlife.
Robins, blackbirds, blue tits, great tits and wrens become increasingly dependent on reliable sources of food as natural supplies decline. Keep feeders topped up and provide fresh, unfrozen water.
You may also begin seeing winter visitors such as redwings and fieldfares, particularly where gardens contain berries or fallen fruit.
Hedgehogs will be preparing for or entering hibernation. Leaf piles, log piles and other sheltered areas can provide valuable winter refuges, so check carefully before disturbing them.
Frogs, toads and newts are also seeking protected places for winter. Take care when moving logs, pots, compost or accumulated vegetation.
Leaving some seed heads, hollow stems and undisturbed vegetation provides both food and shelter for birds and overwintering insects.
One last tip
November doesn't have to mean clearing everything away.
Prepare vulnerable plants and equipment for winter, but leave some natural shelter and food for wildlife. A slightly untidy corner can be one of the most valuable parts of a winter garden.
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