Open today 9:00 - 17:00
Open today 9:00 - 17:00
November brings shorter days, colder nights and increasingly wet weather, while many deciduous plants enter dormancy. It is an important month for planting bare-root trees, shrubs and hedging, planting tulips, starting winter pruning and protecting vulnerable plants and containers as the risk of frost increases.
The bare-root planting season gets underway as deciduous plants become dormant. Plant trees, shrubs and hedging promptly after purchase, provided the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged.
November is an excellent time to plant bare-root roses, while container-grown roses can also be planted if conditions are suitable. Avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged ground, and take care when replanting where roses have previously grown.
Plant new fruit trees and bushes during their dormant period if soil conditions are suitable. Delay planting during periods of frost or when the ground is saturated.
November is an excellent month for planting tulips in borders and containers for spring colour. Other spring-flowering bulbs can still be planted if you have not already done so.
Plant wallflowers, violas, primulas, forget-me-nots and other hardy bedding while conditions remain suitable. November is generally the last opportunity to get these established before winter.
Once established free-standing apple and pear trees are dormant and have lost their leaves, winter pruning can begin. November marks the start of the usual pruning period, which continues into early March.
Reduce tall or exposed shrub roses to lessen the amount of movement caused by strong winter winds. This helps reduce the risk of wind rock loosening the roots in the soil.
Remove collapsed or untidy perennial growth where necessary, but consider leaving sturdy stems and seedheads standing through winter. They can provide structure as well as shelter and food for garden wildlife.
On Christmas and Lenten rose types, remove old foliage as the new growth and developing flowers begin to emerge. This improves the display and helps reduce problems with hellebore leaf spot.
Apply a layer of well-rotted organic matter to beds and borders while the soil is workable. Mulching in late autumn can improve soil structure and provide additional protection around plants that are borderline hardy.
Garlic can be planted in November, particularly in mild areas with free-draining soil. Where winters are colder or soil stays wet, start cloves in modules in a cold frame and plant them out later.
In mild areas with well-drained soil, hardy broad beans can be sown outside for an earlier crop next year. In colder or wetter gardens, sow them in pots in an unheated greenhouse or wait until spring.
Sweet peas can be sown in autumn and overwintered under protection to produce strong plants for next year. Keep young plants in a cold greenhouse or cold frame rather than encouraging soft growth in excessive warmth.
Continue harvesting leeks, carrots, winter cabbages, beetroot, turnips, swedes and other hardy crops as required. Parsnips can remain in the ground until needed and often develop a sweeter flavour after cold weather.
As other food becomes scarcer, pigeons can cause serious damage to winter brassicas. Protect vulnerable crops with securely fixed netting or suitable crop covers.
Lift dahlias, cannas and tuberous begonias in colder gardens once frost has blackened their foliage. Dry and store them somewhere frost-free for winter.
Move tender container plants to a suitable frost-free position before damaging cold arrives. Plants that remain outside but are only borderline hardy may benefit from protection around their crowns or roots.
Put outdoor containers onto pot feet or bricks so excess water can drain freely. This reduces prolonged winter waterlogging and can help protect both roots and pots during freezing weather.
Insulate containers that are vulnerable to frost damage, particularly in colder or exposed gardens. Roots in pots are more exposed to low temperatures than those of plants growing in the ground.
Rake or collect fallen leaves regularly so they do not smother the grass by blocking light and moisture.
Grass may continue growing during mild November weather, so mow if needed when conditions are suitable. Keep the cutting height slightly higher than in summer and avoid mowing frozen or waterlogged ground.
If scarifying or aerating was not completed earlier in autumn, there may still be an opportunity during mild, reasonably dry weather. Avoid heavy lawn work when the ground is waterlogged, very wet or frosty.
Remove heavy accumulations of leaves from paths, ponds and plants that could be damaged by being covered. Collect suitable leaves to make leafmould, while leaving some beneath shrubs and in less formal areas where they can provide wildlife habitat and gradually break down.
Natural food becomes less abundant as winter approaches, so keep bird feeders clean and provide suitable high-energy foods. Maintain a supply of fresh water for drinking and bathing too.
Wet autumn weather can encourage algae on paving, steps and decking, making frequently used surfaces slippery. Clean affected areas where necessary.
Remove the remains of spent crops, clean pots and trays and clear away dead plant material that could harbour pests or disease. Clean glazing also helps maximise the limited light available during the shorter days.
Check heaters and insulation before prolonged cold weather arrives if the greenhouse contains frost-tender plants. Continue to ventilate during suitable mild weather to reduce condensation and fungal disease.
Clean and dry mowers and other machinery before long-term winter storage, and clean and sharpen pruning tools ready for winter work. Drain exposed irrigation lines where freezing could cause damage.
Visit us in Kington for plants, bulbs, seeds, pots, tools and garden care products, as well as seasonal advice for looking after your garden through winter.
