What to Do in the Garden in November
November is for planting and protecting. Get bare-root plants in the ground and protect tender specimens from cold.
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
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