What to do in November
November is a time when the garden begins to slow down for winter, but there are still important tasks to be done to prepare for the cold months ahead. By getting these tasks done, you'll help your garden stay healthy and prepare it for the cold winter months, ensuring it bursts back into life come spring:
Things to do in November:
- Wash or discard any old pots and trays that you’re not intending to reuse.
- Clean out nesting boxes and put food out for the birds on a regular basis.
- Check for hibernating creatures before lighting bonfires.
- Have the lawnmower serviced and check tools.
- Keep off the lawn in frosty weather.
- Install heaters in the greenhouse and insulate if necessary.
- Press on with winter digging.
- Plant bare-root trees, shrubs and roses.
- Protect all tender and newly planted shrubs from frost and wind and the alpines from winter rain.
- Insulate pots that will remain outside during winter.
- Plant fruit trees and bushes and winter-prune established plants.
- Lift and divide rhubarb crowns.
- Heel in a winter supply of home grown leeks by the back door ready to use.
Last Chance:
- Lift and store your dahlias if not already done.
- Start off amaryllis bulbs to flower for Christmas.
Getting Ahead:
- Order seed catalogues.
- Begin winter-pruning deciduous trees and shrubs.
- Renovate hedges and prune greenhouse vines.
The Weather
- Cool to cold with frost and fog becoming more frequent as it transitions into winter. Average day time temperatures ranging from 8°C to 10°C and night time temperatures between 3°C and 5°C.
- Rainfall tends to be higher, with wet spells and occasional heavy downpours.
- Sunshine becoming more limited as the days shorten, mostly cloudy weather.
General Tasks
Vegetables & Herbs
Fruit
The Flower Garden
The Greenhouse
Containers
Trees & Shrubs
Hedges
The Lawn
Wildlife and the Pond
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