November Garden Jobs

There are still a few jobs to be done before you put your garden to bed for the season. Wrap up and get outside to enjoy a bit of exercise and the crisp autumn air.

Here’s a summary, but scroll down if you want more information on any of these jobs!

In the vegetable plot

Check stored fruit and veg

Not strictly in your vegetable plot, but check on any stored fruit and potatoes and remove any that are starting to rot so that they don’t affect the others.

Tidy strawberry plants

Tidy up strawberry plants by removing dead leaves and any runners.

Harvest parsnips

Harvest parsnips after the first frost when they will be sweeter.

Keep an eye on weeds

If we are experiencing mild weather, keep your eye on those annual weeds!

In the flower beds

Cut back perennials

If you like to keep your beds looking neat and tidy, then you may wish to cut back perennials that have finished flowering. However, some have beautiful winter skeletons and seed heads that can add interest to your beds.

Lift Dahlias

Lift Dahlia tubers to store over the winter months. Cut stems down to the ground after the first frosts have blackened the leaves. If you live in a mild region, or have well drained soil, they can be left in the ground and covered with a deep layer of mulch. If not, use a fork to carefully lift the tubers from the ground. Rinse off any remaining soil and leave them upside down somewhere cool to dry. Then trim off any fine roots, put them in a shallow container of peat-free compost with just their crowns showing. Store somewhere dry, cool and frost free.

Plant trees and shrubs

Plant trees and shrubs now, whilst the soil is still quite warm, to allow them to settle before spring.

Around the garden

Frost Protection

If you grow exotic plants outside, such as tree ferns and palms, you will need to protect them from frost by wrapping their trunks and crowns in bubble wrap and hessian, or horticultural fleece.

Cover your compost heap

If you have a compost heap, place a bit of old carpet or cardboard over the top to help it maintain suitable temperatures for rotting down what’s inside.

Service your lawn mower

It should be the right time to retire your lawn mower for the winter, so spend a little time getting it cleaned up. Remove any mud and grass from the blades and underside with a stiff brush and give it a wash with soapy water.

For the wildlife…

Birds this month

Berries will make up a large proportion of a birds, if you have fruiting shrubs and trees – leave them be.

Ivy

Ivy can make a wonderful source of nectar for insects this month and birds later on, leave it be so wildlife can feast.

Bonfires

It is vital and important that bonfires are checked before lighting – small mammals such as Hedgehogs see them as a cosy area to hibernate and find shelter. Check your bonfires for wildlife before setting alight.

Keep bird feeders & baths topped up

Make sure you keep bird feeders and bird baths topped up and free from ice (do not use anti-freeze or other chemicals – float a lightweight ball on top instead).

Creating habitats

Create leaf and stick piles, or create a bug house out of old pots, bricks, pallets and garden debris – this encourages wildlife to create habitats and gives them a sheltered area to live.

What To Plant This Month