November Gardening Tasks: A UK Gardener's Guide to a Productive Late Autumn Garden

1 Nov

November marks a transition period in the UK garden, where the vibrant hues of autumn give way to the colder, quieter days of winter. While the growing season is coming to a close, there are still plenty of tasks to keep a gardener busy. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you should do in your UK garden this November.

1. Preparing the Garden for Winter

One of the main focuses in November is preparing your garden for the winter months. This involves protecting plants, tidying up, and ensuring everything is in place to withstand the cold weather.

Preparing Tips:

Clear Fallen Leaves: Rake up fallen leaves from lawns, paths, and flower beds. Leaves can harbour pests and diseases, so keeping areas clear is best. Add leaves to the compost heap or use them to make leaf mould.
Clean Up: Remove any dead or decaying plant material from beds and borders. This helps prevent the spread of disease and keeps your garden looking tidy.
Protect Delicate Plants: Move tender plants into greenhouses or conservatories. For plants that can’t be moved, use cloches, fleece, or mulch to protect from frost.
Drain Water Features: Clean and drain ponds and water features to prevent damage from freezing. If you have fish, consider using a pond heater or floating a ball on the surface to keep a small area ice-free.

2. Planting and Sowing

Although the growing season is winding down, there are still opportunities for planting and sowing to ensure a beautiful garden next spring and summer.

Planting Tips:

Spring Bulbs: November is your last chance to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Plant bulbs in well-drained soil at a depth of about three times their height.
Garlic and Onions: Plant garlic and overwintering onions. These crops benefit from cold weather to develop properly.
Bare-Root Plants: Plant bare-root roses, shrubs, and trees. November is an ideal time because the soil is still warm enough for roots to establish before winter sets in.

3. Pruning and Cutting Back

Pruning and cutting back plants in November help maintain their health and shape, and prepare them for the next growing season.

Pruning Tips:

Deciduous Trees and Shrubs: Prune deciduous trees and shrubs now that they have lost their leaves. This makes it easier to see the shape of the plant and remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
Roses: Prune hybrid tea and floribunda roses to prevent wind rock, cutting stems back by around half.
Fruit Trees: Prune apple and pear trees to maintain their shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. Avoid pruning stone fruit trees like cherries and plums until summer to prevent silver leaf disease.

4. Feeding and Mulching

Although plant growth slows in winter, applying mulch and feed now can protect roots and improve soil fertility.

Feeding and Mulching Tips:

Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Mulch helps to insulate roots, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Use organic materials like compost, bark chips, or well-rotted manure.
Feed: Feed the soil with organic matter. Adding compost or well-rotted manure enriches the soil and improves its structure, preparing it for next year’s planting.

5. Protecting Wildlife

A garden can be a haven for wildlife even in the colder months. Taking steps to protect and support wildlife helps maintain a balanced ecosystem.

Wildlife Tips:

Bird Feeders: Keep bird feeders stocked with high-energy foods like suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Clean feeders regularly to prevent disease.
Bird Baths: Ensure bird baths are kept clean and filled with fresh water. Use a floating ball to prevent the water from freezing over.
Hedgehogs and Frogs: Create log piles, leaf piles, or dedicated hibernation shelters to provide safe havens for hedgehogs and frogs. Avoid disturbing these areas during the winter months.

6. Planning and Preparing for Spring

November is a great time to reflect on the past growing season and start planning for the next. This includes reviewing successes and failures, and preparing for the upcoming year.

Planning Tips:

Garden Diary: Keep a garden diary to note what worked well and what didn’t. Record planting dates, weather conditions, and any pest or disease issues.
Seed Orders: Start ordering seeds for the next growing season. This ensures you have your favorite varieties ready for spring sowing.
Tool Maintenance: Clean and sharpen garden tools. Well-maintained tools make gardening tasks easier and more efficient. Oil wooden handles and store tools in a dry place to prevent rust.

7. Indoor Gardening

As outdoor gardening activities slow down, you can turn your attention to indoor gardening. Houseplants can bring a touch of green to your home during the winter months.

Indoor Gardening Tips:

Houseplant Care: Move houseplants to a bright location, away from drafts and direct heat sources like radiators. Reduce watering and feeding as growth slows.
Christmas Plants: Start caring for festive plants like poinsettias and Christmas cacti. Ensure they get enough light and water them sparingly to avoid root rot.
Indoor Sowing: Consider sowing herbs and salad greens indoors for a fresh supply during the winter months. Use a windowsill or a grow light to provide adequate light.

8. Lawn Care

Your lawn also needs attention in November to ensure it stays healthy through the winter and comes back strong in the spring.

Lawn Care Tips:

Final Mow: Give your lawn a final mow if the weather is mild, setting the mower blades higher than usual. This helps to keep the grass tidy without stressing it.
Aeration: Aerate compacted areas to improve drainage and allow air to reach the roots. Use a garden fork or a lawn aerator.
Remove Debris: Clear fallen leaves and other debris from the lawn to prevent it from becoming smothered and developing diseases like mold.

9. Greenhouse and Polytunnel Tasks

For those with a greenhouse or polytunnel, November is a key month for maintenance and preparation.

Greenhouse Tips:

Clean and Insulate: Clean the glass to maximize light and check for any damage that needs repairing. Insulate with bubble wrap to retain heat and protect tender plants.
Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation on sunny days to prevent humidity buildup and reduce the risk of disease.
Sowing: Sow winter crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes in the greenhouse for a fresh supply of greens.

10. Pest and Disease Management

Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that can still affect your garden even as the temperatures drop.

Pest and Disease Tips:

Inspect Plants: Regularly check plants for signs of pests like aphids and whitefly. Remove any affected foliage and use organic treatments if necessary.
Clean Greenhouses: Thoroughly clean greenhouses and cold frames to remove any pests or fungal spores that could overwinter and cause problems next year.
Compost Diseased Material: Dispose of diseased plant material carefully, ideally by burning or taking it to a municipal composting facility, to prevent spreading diseases.

Conclusion

November is a month of preparation, protection, and planning in the garden. By focusing on these essential tasks, you can ensure your garden stays healthy through the winter and is ready to burst into life come spring. From clearing leaves and planting bulbs to feeding the soil and caring for wildlife, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Embrace the cooler days and enjoy the opportunity to reflect on the past growing season while laying the groundwork for a successful year ahead. Happy gardening!

Andrew J Smart