Tips for the garden - November

Remember, remember to garden in November!

October was over in a flash, but there is still plenty of gardening to do in November. The days are definitely getting darker, but November is normally full of blue skies and bright sunshine, even if it is just a little chillier!

If you haven’t completed all the jobs you wanted to do in October, don’t panic. Most of October’s jobs can move seamlessly into November and December if needs be.

November is a time to garden outside in the day and garden indoors at night whilst wrapped up looking at all those new seed catalogues.

If you want to remain active in the garden, take a look at some of the jobs you could do this month – but only if you want to.

Winter harvest

• Lift root vegetables at the sign of early frosts.
• Put netting over brassicas and if growing tall, insert stakes or canes to support against breakage as they grow.
• Bring potted herbs indoors.
• Plant hardy spring onions, onion and garlic sets.
• Chillies can be grown indoors or in the greenhouse.
• Salad leaves can also be grown in pots indoors, either in the greenhouse or windowsill where they will benefit from natural light. Sow little and often for fresh leaves throughout the months ahead.
• If you still have plenty of summer crops stored, check regularly for rot and remove those that have started to decay.
• Bare-root fruit bushes and trees can now be planted. Cherries, blackcurrants and raspberries will now be available for planting.
• Divide mature clumps of rhubarb whilst dormant.
• Protect fruit trees against pests by applying a winter tree wash, tree bands and fruit tree grease to prevent infestations. Take a look at the ‘Protect trees in winter for summer success’ to help keep those fruit trees in tip-top condition.

Protect and plant

• Protect dahlias for next season by lifting tubers and storing in a dry place.
• Move pots and containers to sheltered positions to protect against the elements.
• Less hardy plants such as agapanthus need to be protected as the weather gets colder.
• Clear and cutback climbers.
• Plant tulips in beds and borders, but make sure they are well covered with soil and mulch.
• Plant out winter bedding such as cosmos and marigolds.
• Plant bare-root roses, trees and shrubs.
• Prepare new flower beds and add a good soil conditioner such as 6x Natural Fibrous Plant Feed.

• Make more of your plants by taking cuttings.
• Keep an eye on houseplants and make sure they don’t dry out now that the heating may be on.
• Keep an eye on pots and containers and prune and replace as needed. Take a look at the ‘Planting Pots for Autumn and Winter’ blog for more tips.  

In the greenhouse

• Keep an eye out for pests. They love the snug warmth of the greenhouse, so check plants regularly for infestations. If needed, spray with Organic Plant Guard to protect against larvae and other bugs.
• Give the greenhouse and tools a good clean with Greenhouse Disinfectant.
• Check for damage and repair any holes or breakages.

General jobs around the garden

• Clean and cover garden furniture.
• It’s time to get that rake out and collect those fallen leaves.  If disease free, compost or use as a mulch.
• Clear leaves from the lawn on a regular basis to enable the lawn to breathe.
• Look after the wildlife by ensuring feeders are kept full and water baths are clean to prevent disease.

If you haven’t ordered your bulb and seed catalogues yet, now is the time. And then, relax. November can be as busy or as relaxing as you want it to be – the choice is yours.