Top November Garden Jobs: Prepare for a Beautiful Winter Garden

Introduction

As the colder months approach, November is the ideal time to prepare your garden for winter while also getting a head start on the upcoming growing season. Whether you’re planting new trees, protecting half-hardy plants, or cleaning out bird nesting boxes, November garden jobs are crucial for ensuring your outdoor space thrives through the winter and into spring.

Protect Half-Hardy Plants

This may be your last chance to save any half-hardy plants you’ve left outside. Bring in plants like begonias and petunias, which might not survive winter frost. Ensure they’re placed in sunny, frost-free locations to keep them thriving through the colder months.

Clean Out Bird Nesting Boxes

November is the perfect time to clean out bird nesting boxes. Disinfect them to prevent disease and prepare for next year’s nesting season. Removing old nesting material creates a healthier environment for wildlife in the spring.

Rake Up Leaves for Leaf Mould

Raking up fallen leaves not only keeps your garden looking tidy, but it also provides future soil nutrition. Stack leaves in wire netting or black plastic sacks to decompose into valuable leaf mould. For faster results, consider adding a leaf mould accelerator.

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Remove Pond Netting

Once the leaves have fallen, remove any netting from your pond. Leaving it on too long can trap wildlife and cause injury. Clear the debris and prepare the pond for winter while keeping it safe for birds and small animals.

Tidy Up Hostas

To deter slugs from taking over your garden, remove dead foliage from hostas. Clearing away decaying leaves reduces hiding places for pests, ensuring your hostas are healthy and ready for next spring.

Prune Roses to Prevent Wind Rock

Cut back the growth of well-established roses by half. This prevents wind rock, which occurs when strong winds loosen roots. Pruning your roses now will help them stay stable during winter storms.

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Plant New Roses

November is an excellent time to plant new roses. These hardy plants will establish strong roots over winter, providing you with beautiful blooms in the spring. Make sure to plant them in a well-prepared spot with plenty of organic matter.

Finish Planting Tulips

If you haven’t already, finish planting your tulips before the ground freezes. Tulips planted now will develop strong roots and reward you with vibrant blooms in the spring.

Plant Soft Fruit Canes

Now is the time to plant new soft fruit canes like raspberries and loganberries. These plants thrive when planted in late autumn, establishing themselves over the winter for a fruitful harvest next year.

Sow Early Broad Beans

For those looking to get a head start on next year’s harvest, November is the right time to sow early varieties of broad beans, such as ‘Aquadulce’ and ‘Jade’. These hardy beans will grow through winter, giving you an early spring crop.

Check Stored Fruits and Vegetables

As you work through your garden jobs, don’t forget to check stored fruits and vegetables. Remove any that show signs of spoilage to prevent the spread of decay and to ensure your produce lasts through the winter.

Start Planting Bare-Rooted Trees, Shrubs, and Hedges

At the end of the month, you can start planting bare-rooted trees, shrubs, and hedging. These plants establish well during the cooler months and will be ready to flourish once the warmer weather returns. Adding bare-root plants is a fantastic way to ensure your garden has structure and greenery next year.

For additional tips, check out the RHS Guide on Preparing Gardens for Winter.

Conclusion

November may signal the start of winter, but it also offers a great opportunity to set your garden up for success in the coming year. By taking care of these essential garden jobs, you’ll ensure your plants are protected, your garden is tidy, and your outdoor space is ready to thrive next spring.