November in the Garden

November marks the quieting of the garden year. The last leaves fall, frosts begin to bite, and most plants are preparing for rest. It’s a month for tidying, protecting, and planning ahead — setting the stage for spring while enjoying the calm beauty of late autumn.

Planting and Sowing

While growth slows, there’s still plenty you can do to prepare for next year:

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  Tulips: Now is the perfect time to plant tulip bulbs for a vibrant spring display.
  
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  Garlic, onions, and shallots: Finish planting before the soil becomes too cold or wet.
  
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  Trees, shrubs, and hedges: Continue planting while the ground is workable — the cool, moist soil helps roots establish.
  
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  Bare-root plants: November is the start of bare-root season — ideal for fruit trees, roses, and hedging plants.
  
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  Hardy winter salads: Sow under cloches or in greenhouses for fresh leaves through winter.
  

Soil Care and Mulching

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  Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around perennials, shrubs, and fruit trees to protect roots from frost.
  
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  Dig over vegetable beds and add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil for next spring.
  
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  Rake and collect fallen leaves, turning them into leaf mould for future use.
  

Cutting Back and Protecting Plants

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  Cut back dead or damaged growth from perennials and tidy borders.
  
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  Leave some seed heads for structure and to provide food for birds.
  
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  Lift and store tender plants like dahlias, cannas, and begonias in a dry, frost-free place.
  
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  Move potted plants into sheltered spots or wrap them with fleece to protect from frost.
  

Lawn Care

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  Clear leaves regularly to prevent moss and rot.
  
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  Avoid mowing if the grass is wet or frosty, but give one last light cut if conditions allow.
  
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  Brush off worm casts and apply autumn lawn feed if not yet done.
  

Fruit and Vegetable Maintenance

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  Harvest remaining crops such as leeks, parsnips, cabbages, and hardy greens.
  
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  Check stored produce (apples, potatoes, and squashes) regularly for signs of rot.
  
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  Prune apple and pear trees while dormant, avoiding very frosty days.
  
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  Mulch around fruit bushes and trees for winter protection.
  

Pests and Diseases

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  Watch for grey mould (botrytis) in greenhouses and damp areas.
  
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  Keep an eye out for slugs and snails sheltering in leaf litter or under pots.
  
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  Clean and disinfect greenhouses and tools to prevent disease build-up over winter.
  

Garden Structures and Upkeep

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  Clean and insulate greenhouses for winter use.
  
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  Check fences, sheds, and supports for storm damage and make repairs early.
  
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  Store garden furniture and tools in a dry place.
  
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  Cover water features and taps to protect from freezing.
  

Planning Ahead

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  Continue planting spring bulbs if the ground isn’t frozen.
  
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  Create winter containers with pansies, violas, heathers, and evergreen foliage.
  
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  Order seeds, bare-root plants, and seed potatoes for the year ahead.
  
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  Review this year’s successes and make plans for next season’s layout and crops.
  

Final Thoughts

November is a month of winding down and quiet preparation. It’s about protecting what you’ve nurtured, making space for nature to rest, and laying the groundwork for spring. Wrap up warm, enjoy the stillness, and take pleasure in the simple tasks that keep your garden thriving through winter. 🌿