November Garden Jobs

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.