November is the month when the garden gradually goes into hibernation. But that doesn't mean there's no work left to do! On the contrary, with these 15 garden tips for November, you'll get your garden all set for winter.
15 gardening tips for November
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Leaf clearing: Rake up the fallen leaves. Pile them up in a sheltered spot in the garden. Here, hedgehogs and insects will find a warm refuge.
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Bird feeding: Set up a feeding station for birds. In November, food becomes scarcer, so help the birds through winter with some extra treats.
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Protect frost-sensitive plants: Wrap frost-sensitive plants in burlap or bubble wrap to shield them from cold nights.
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Pruning: November is a good month to prune fruit trees and bushes. Remove dead branches and ensure an open canopy.
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Planting bulbs: It's not too late to plant spring-flowering flower bulbs. Plant daffodils, crocuses, and tulips in the ground for a colourful spring.
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Lawn care: Mow the lawn one last time before winter sets in. Also, remove any moss and aerate the grass.
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Plant nutrition: Give your plants one last dose of nutrients before winter sets in. This will help them endure the cold period.
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Cleaning patio and paths: Remove algae and other dirt from your patio and garden paths. A clean surface prevents slippery situations.
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Pond maintenance: Remove dead plants from the pond and skim any leaves from the water surface.
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Protect garden furniture: Cover garden furniture with a tarp or store it indoors. This will help them last longer.
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Preparing the greenhouse: If you have a greenhouse, November is the month to clean it and potentially disinfect it.
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Filling flower pots: Plant hardy winter plants in your flower pots for some colour on your patio or balcony.
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Turning Compost Heap: Turn the compost heap one more time. This will yield richer compost for spring.
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Garden planning: Start making a rough plan for the next gardening season. Which plants do you want in your garden next year?
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Enjoying the garden: Take some time to enjoy your garden in November. With a cup of hot chocolate, you can even sit outside on crisp days.
Now that we've covered the basics of November garden maintenance, let's delve deeper into some specific tasks you can perform to prepare your garden for winter.
The value of fallen leaves
First and foremost, it's important to emphasize how valuable leaves can be for your garden, even after they've fallen from the trees. The raked-up leaves can serve as an excellent mulch layer that protects the soil from extreme temperature fluctuations and retains moisture. Moreover, it provides a shelter for beneficial insects and microorganisms that contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem.
Pond care in autumn
Additionally, it's essential to pay attention to your pond, if you have one. Removing dead plants and skimming leaves from the surface prevents organic material from accumulating and affecting water quality. Don't forget to use an air pump to maintain oxygen levels, especially in the colder months.
Lawn care in autumn
Regarding your lawn, consider aerating it. By poking small holes in the grass, you promote air and water circulation in the soil, which is crucial for healthy grass growth. Additionally, removing moss and dead plant material can help prevent fungal diseases.
Enjoy autumn!
Lastly, don't forget to take some time for yourself in the garden. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the tranquillity that autumn brings. A well-maintained garden is beautiful, but it's also important to truly savour it. With these comprehensive garden tips for November, you're fully prepared to make your garden winter-proof. Enjoy the preparations, and look forward to a beautiful gardening season in the coming year! Visit our garden centre in St Albans for all your garden tools, spring bulbs and fall decorations.
