Gardening Jobs for November

November is here. As we move on from spooky season and into the grip of winter, it’s time to start winter-proofing your garden.

From planting bulbs and bare-root trees to adding winter colour and protecting tender plants, this is the month to set your garden up for a strong, thriving start come spring.

Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. Read on for tips to keep your garden flourishing through the colder months.

What to plant in November

Plant tulip bulbs for spring

November is perfect for planting tulips, as cooler soil reduces the risk of tulip fire - a fungal disease caused by planting too early. Whether filling borders or pots, choose a sunny spot with free-draining soil to ensure a vibrant spring display.

Start garlic and overwintering onions

Now’s the time to plant garlic, which needs cold weather to form strong cloves. Use well-drained soil in a sunny spot, avoiding soggy ground. Overwintering onions and shallots can also go in - especially in milder areas or under cloches - to establish before spring.

Add colour with winter bedding

Brighten bare spots and containers with hardy bedding plants such as pansies, violas, primroses and polyanthus. These thrive through winter, and for added texture and interest, mix in cyclamen or evergreen grasses to keep things lively until spring.

Raise seedlings under cover

Hardy flowers like sweet peas and calendula are best sown now in a cool greenhouse or cold frame to develop strong roots. Broad beans and winter salad leaves can also be started in trays, giving you a valuable head start for early harvests next year.

November in the veg patch

Although there’s less sowing to do now, there are still a few rewarding jobs in the kitchen garden.

Protect crops from frost

Cover vulnerable vegetables like lettuce, spinach and brassicas with cloches, fleece or horticultural mesh to reduce frost damage and deter pests. Protect crops while they’re still in the ground - a top-priority job for November.

Harvest and tidy

Lift remaining root crops such as carrots, beetroot and parsnips before hard frost sets in, or mulch over them to leave in the ground a little longer. Harvest leeks, cabbages and Brussels sprouts as needed, removing yellowing leaves and spent plants to reduce disease.

Feed and improve soil

Spread well-rotted compost or manure over cleared beds to improve structure and fertility. Worms and winter weather will help work it in, leaving the soil rich and ready for next season.

Prepare for spring

Remove old stakes, supports and plant debris. Once beds are cleared, make notes about crop performance, sharpen tools, and organise supplies so you’re ready to sow early next year.

Garden jobs for November

Clear fallen leaves from lawns, beds and ponds

Autumn leaves are beautiful on the trees, but left on lawns or flower beds, they can smother growth, block light, and trap damp against vulnerable plants. Rake them up regularly to keep garden surfaces clear and compost them to make rich, crumbly leaf mould for future use.

Tip: Use a rotary mower to collect leaves from the lawn - it chops them up as it goes, helping them break down more quickly in the compost heap.

Raise and insulate pots to protect from frost and waterlogging

As rain and cold weather set in, container plants become more vulnerable to root rot or frost damage. Raise pots onto bricks or pot feet to allow water to drain freely, and wrap tender ones with fleece, bubble wrap or hessian to keep out the cold.

Tip: Group pots together in a sheltered spot near a wall or fence to create a microclimate and simplify winter care.

Prune roses and tidy wind-sensitive shrubs

Wind rock can damage the roots of roses and other tall shrubs, so now is a good time to cut back long stems and remove any dead, damaged or crossing growth. Doing so maintains shape, prevents disease and reduces stress from winter storms.

Tip: Always cut just above an outward-facing bud at a slight angle, and sterilise secateurs between plants to avoid spreading disease.

Mulch beds and borders to protect soil and feed roots

Once beds are cleared and perennials cut back, apply a thick layer of organic matter such as compost or leaf mould. This helps to retain soil structure, suppress weeds, and feed the roots of plants during their dormant period.

Tip: Avoid piling mulch directly against stems or crowns - leave a small gap to prevent rot in wet weather.

Support garden wildlife through the colder months

Birds, insects and small mammals need extra help in late autumn. Leave some seed heads standing, create log piles or leaf shelters, and put out food and fresh water regularly to encourage winter visitors and support biodiversity.

Tip: Clean bird feeders weekly with hot, soapy water to prevent the spread of disease, and position them near cover to keep feeding birds safe from predators.

Protect tender plants and lift tubers before frost hits

Frost-sensitive plants like cannas, dahlias and pelargoniums should be lifted or covered now. Move what you can indoors and store tubers in a cool, dry place after drying them out. Wrap anything left outside in fleece or cloches for added protection.

Tip: Label stored tubers clearly before packing them in sawdust or dry compost so you can replant the right varieties in spring.

Clean greenhouses, tools and water features

As growth slows, take time to clean and tidy your gardening spaces. Wash greenhouse glass to maximise light levels, disinfect tools and seed trays, and check gutters, ponds and water butts for blockages and debris.

Tip: Apply a little oil to secateurs and spade blades after cleaning - it keeps rust at bay and tools in good working order for the season ahead.

And more…

Check structures and supports

Before winter storms set in, inspect fences and supports to make sure everything’s secure. Replace worn ties, firm in loose posts, and check tree stakes to stop young trunks from rocking in strong winds.

Plan for next year

With the garden slowing down, take a step back and think about your layout and planting ideas for next season. Order seeds early, sketch out designs, and jot down any new varieties you’d like to try.

NEW PLANTS FOR NOVEMBER

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Lumen Gold’
Supplied as 9cm Pot Grown Plants
Shop now

Rhododendron (Azalea) Premium Collection
Supplied as 9cm Pot Grown Plants
Shop now

NEW TOOLS FOR NOVEMBER

Plant Warming Fleece Covers
1.2 x 0.9m (3 Pack)
Shop now

Potting & Sowing Sieve
Supplied as pack of 1
Shop now

Growing guides for November

Alliums | Crocus | Hyacinth | Tulips

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