November is the time to tuck your garden in for its winter rest. It might seem like the growing season is over, but there’s still plenty you can do to protect plants, prepare soil, and even sow the seeds of next year’s success.
Flowers 🌼
Plant tulip bulbs in pots and borders, covering them with at least twice their depth of soil or compost.
Plant bare-root hedging, roses, trees, and shrubs before the weather turns really cold.
Cut down faded perennials and mulch the surrounding soil with garden compost.
Garden Maintenance 🌿
Continue to mow the lawn in mild spells if the grass is still growing, but raise the height of the blades.
Collect fallen leaves and leave them to decompose into leaf mould.
As winter approaches, look after garden wildlife by providing additional food and shelter.
Clean out and scrub bird feeders regularly to maintain hygiene.
Greenhouse 🌱
Insulate the greenhouse walls and roof.
Make sure tender plants are safely under cover and kept frost-free.
Sow leafy crops such as rocket in small seed trays on a warm sunny windowsill, for winter pickings.
Scrub down greenhouse staging, glazing and framework with disinfectant.
Fruit and Vegetables 🍎
Use cloches to protect winter peas, beans and salads, but leave the ends open as good ventilation is vital.
Prune autumn-fruiting raspberries to the ground after harvesting.
Plant garlic, shallots and onions in free-draining soil or raised beds, then cover with fleece.
Prune fruit bushes once dormant, including blackcurrants, redcurrants and gooseberries.
House plants 🌵
Water house plants less frequently and move them off particularly cold windowsills at night.
Plant amaryllis bulbs in pots for spectacular flowers over the festive season.
Repot any house plants that have become top-heavy or pot-bound into larger containers.
Check house plants regularly for pests like aphids.
