As autumn deepens and the first frosts begin to bite, November is the month when the garden starts to rest — but that doesn’t mean gardeners can! While the days are shorter and the air crisper, there’s still plenty to do to prepare for winter and set the stage for a strong start next spring.
This is a time for quiet progress: tidying up, planting ahead and giving a little care to the spaces and tools that work hard all year long. Here’s how to make the most of your November garden.
A Gentle Tidy-Up
It’s tempting to clear away every fallen leaf and withered stem, but a little mess can do a world of good for your garden’s wildlife. Piles of leaves provide shelter for hedgehogs and insects, while standing seed heads feed hungry birds through the colder months. Rake paths and lawns to keep them clear and safe, but allow some leaves to stay tucked under hedges or in borders, where they’ll act as a natural mulch. Cut back perennials that have collapsed or turned mushy, but leave those with sturdy structure — like echinacea and ornamental grasses — for their beautiful winter silhouettes.
Plant for Spring Colour
November is your last real chance to plant bulbs before the ground freezes, so if you haven’t already tucked your tulips, daffodils or crocuses into the soil, now’s the time. Choose a well-drained spot and plant tulips about three times their bulb height deep. Mixing early and late-flowering varieties will reward you with months of continuous spring colour. For containers, try “lasagne planting,” layering different bulbs at various depths in a single pot to create a tiered display that blooms in succession.
Trees, Shrubs, and Roses
Bare-root trees, hedges and roses can all be planted from now until early spring, as long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged. This is also the perfect moment to check the health of your existing plants. Examine tree stakes and ties, replacing or loosening them if they’ve become tight. Spread a thick layer of mulch around the base of shrubs to help the soil retain warmth and moisture during the cold months. Once deciduous trees have dropped their leaves, prune them to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth next year.
The Kitchen Garden
In the vegetable patch, activity slows down but doesn’t stop. Root crops such as carrots, parsnips and beetroot can be harvested as needed, while any remaining potatoes should be lifted and stored before the frost gets them. November is also a great time to sow broad beans, garlic, and onion sets for an early spring crop. Keep an eye on tender plants — a layer of fleece or a simple cloche can protect them from early frosts and cold winds, giving them the best chance to thrive.
Lawn and Tool Care
Your lawn is preparing to rest, so give it a good send-off before winter sets in. Rake up fallen leaves to prevent them from smothering the grass and aerate compacted soil if conditions are dry enough. Neatening lawn edges and tidying borders can make a huge difference to the garden’s overall appearance, even as the growing slows.
This is also the ideal time to look after your tools. Clean and oil secateurs, spades and shears to prevent rust. Drain and store hoses to avoid frost damage, and sharpen mower blades or arrange for a winter service so everything’s ready for the busy months ahead.
Welcoming Wildlife
November is a challenging month for wildlife, and small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Keep bird feeders topped up with seed and suet, and ensure there’s always a source of fresh, unfrozen water. Leaving a corner of your garden wild provides essential shelter for insects and small mammals. You might even build a simple bug hotel or hedgehog house — little gestures that help create a thriving ecosystem, even when the rest of the garden seems to sleep.
A Peaceful Pause
November may feel like the end of the gardening year, but really it’s the beginning of the next. A little care and preparation now — tidying, planting and protecting — will pay off with a vibrant, healthy garden when spring returns. So pull on your gloves, wrap up warm, and savour the earthy, golden calm of these final days before winter. Your garden is resting, but your efforts today are quietly nurturing tomorrow’s growth.
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