What to Do in the Garden in November

November brings the first real cold of winter. While the garden slows down, there's still important work to do - planting bare-root stock, protecting tender plants, and preparing for the dormant season ahead.

Key Garden Tasks for November

Plant bare-root trees, shrubs and roses
Protect tender plants from frost
Continue clearing fallen leaves
Plant tulip bulbs - ideal month
Take hardwood cuttings
Dig over empty vegetable beds

Flowers

Planting season continues for dormant bare-root stock. Protect borderline hardy plants.

November Flower Tasks

Plant bare-root roses, hedging and trees
Plant tulip bulbs - November is ideal
Protect tender perennials with fleece or mulch
Move container plants to sheltered positions
Take hardwood cuttings from deciduous shrubs
Cut back died-back perennial foliage
Cover crowns of tree ferns with straw
Wrap containers with bubble wrap
Continue planting spring bulbs
Plant winter-flowering pansies and violas

Fruit and Vegetables

Dormant season work begins. Plant fruit trees and improve soil.

November Fruit and Veg Tasks

Plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes
Dig over empty beds, adding compost
Protect winter brassicas with netting
Harvest remaining root vegetables
Cover rhubarb with forcing pots
Plant garlic if not done in October
Prune apple and pear trees
Check stored crops and remove any rotting
Order seed catalogues for planning
Cover leafy crops with cloches

Greenhouse

Keep the greenhouse frost-free and well-ventilated. Growth is minimal now.

November Greenhouse Tasks

Check heater is working efficiently
Add insulation with bubble wrap
Water sparingly - overwatering causes rot
Ventilate on mild days
Remove dead and dying leaves promptly
Watch for grey mould and botrytis
Bring in chrysanthemums for indoor flowers
Force hyacinth and amaryllis bulbs
Clean and organise for winter
Prepare labels and plan spring sowings

House Plants

Winter care regime begins. Watch watering and positioning carefully.

November House Plant Tasks

Reduce watering - check soil before adding water
Move to the brightest positions available
Keep away from cold windows at night
Group plants for humidity
Avoid placing near radiators
Don't feed until spring growth begins

Garden Maintenance

Complete autumn tasks and prepare for winter.

November Maintenance Tasks

Continue clearing leaves from lawns and beds
Turn and add to compost heaps
Clean and store mowers and equipment
Check ties and stakes on trees
Install wind barriers in exposed spots
Lag outdoor taps and insulate water butts
Put up bird boxes before winter
Clean bird feeders and tables