November in the Garden

November can be a busy month for gardeners as they prepare their gardens for winter. The last of the autumn fruits need to be harvested, leaves swept up, polytunnels and greenhouses cleared and dead plants and weeds composted. All the effort now will be worth it next spring when your garden wakes up from its winter hibernation.

Pears

Jobs in the Garden in November

  • This is a good time to transplant or move existing plants to new areas of your garden.
  • Get those bulbs planted now to ensure a good show of colour next spring - Narcissus, Daffodils, Tulips, Bluebells, Snowdrops and Crocuses.
  • Patios, driveways and house slates can be treated with Patio Magic to remove green moss and lichen if there is a spell of dry weather this month.
  • Cut back summer flowering Roses and cottage garden plants including Lupins, Delphiniums, Hostas, Phlox and Geraniums.
  • Plant bare root hedging plants such as Laurel and Beech.
  • Broad leaved trees can be planted for REPS: Whitethorn, Willows, Mountain Ash, Blackthorns and Maples can all be planted now as young whips.
  • Apples, Pears, Plums and Cherries can be planted this month. Remember to add organic compost when planting and to stake all newly planted trees to ensure strong rooting during the winter.
  • Rhubarb and Strawberries can also be planted this month. You’ll need to add plenty of organic farm compost to the planting hole and enrich the soil with blood, fish and bone meal when planting.
  • Winter flowering shrubs including Mahonia Charity, Viburnum Eve Price, Christmas Roses, Sweet Box and Witch-Hazel can be planted this month for some welcome colour during the winter and spring months.
  • Green Manure seed can be sown during November on bare patches of soil in your veg and fruit garden. The Green Manure seed will germinate during the winter months producing a green carpet of organic fertiliser that you simply dig in next spring before planting your summer vegetables. Green Manure also helps to prevent weeds from growing.