What to do in your garden in November
November is the perfect time to put the garden in order for winter. Clearing the last of the fallen leaves, planting tulips and composting the last of the summer borders.
Winter is looming – Leaves are falling rapidly, and wind and rain are on the increase. Move plants into the greenhouse, or into a sheltered spot, but if you can’t, it is worth wrapping plants or pots in situ. Remember winter can be a tough time for birds in terms of water and food, so keep supplies well topped up.
It is also a great time for reflection, review the previous seasons successes and failures, and plan for next year.
- Clear up fallen leaves – especially from lawns, ponds and beds
- Raise containers onto pot feet to prevent waterlogging
- Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display
- Prune roses to prevent wind-rock
- Plant out winter bedding
- Lift and divide herbaceous perennials
- Insulate outdoor containers from frost – bubblewrap works well
- Stop winter moth damage to fruit trees using grease bands around the trunks
- Fill your bird feeders for winter
- Use a seasonal bonfire – to dispose of excess debris unfit for composting (make sure you check for hedgehogs)
Sources: www.rhs.org.uk / www.houseandgarden.co.uk