Gardening Jobs for November

The end of the calendar year may be fast approaching, but the garden still has plenty to keep you busy. November is the perfect time to clear leaves, check structures, shield delicate plants from frost, tidy up perennials, and plant bulbs for spring. Let’s take a closer look at the key jobs that will keep your garden healthy through winter and ready to burst into life in the new year.

Your November garden to-do list

• Plant and sow for spring colour
• Lift, divide and tidy perennials
• Protect tender plants from frost
• Prune and support trees and shrubs
• Take hardwood cuttings and collect seeds
• Clear leaves and prepare for wet weather
• Maintain garden structures and tools
• Plan ahead for winter and early spring

Gardening jobs for flowers

Finish planting spring bulbs

November is your last chance to plant tulip bulbs before the frost sets in. In fact, this is the ideal month, as the cooler soil helps prevent tulip fire disease. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and plant them at least twice their bulb height deep.
You can also pot up lily bulbs now for sheltered spots or greenhouse growing, giving them a head start for next summer’s display.

Tip: Mix different tulip varieties for a longer-lasting burst of spring colour.

Look after winter bedding

Keep your winter bedding plants, such as pansies, violas, wallflowers and cyclamen, looking their best by regularly removing dead flowers and clearing away soggy leaves. This keeps displays fresh and can prevent rot during wet spells. If there are still gaps in your beds, you can add a few extra plants to brighten up dull patches.

Tip: Feed lightly on mild days to give your bedding a boost.

Cut back flowers after frosts

As herbaceous perennials fade, cut them back to keep borders neat and reduce the risk of overwintering pests or rot. Penstemons can be deadheaded to encourage a few extra blooms if the weather stays mild. Once the first frosts arrive, lift and store dahlias, cannas and tuberous begonias in a cool, dry place.

Tip: Label lifted tubers before storing them - it’ll make replanting easier in spring.

Divide and tidy perennials

If the soil is still workable, divide overgrown clumps of perennials such as daylilies or hostas to reinvigorate them and create new plants for spring. Once done, remove faded annuals and clear fallen leaves from beds to keep slugs and snails at bay.

Tip: Replant divisions promptly and water them in well to help them establish before winter sets in.

Mulch and protect borders

Once the ground is damp but not frozen, spread a layer of compost, bark chips or well-rotted manure over your borders. This helps to protect roots from frost, suppress weeds, and conserve soil moisture over winter. Cover tender plants with fleece or move them to a sheltered spot if possible.

Tip: Collect fallen leaves to make leaf mould - an excellent, free soil improver for next year.

Gardening jobs for trees and shrubs

Establish new trees and shrubs

November is still a good month for planting bare-root trees, hedges and shrubs while the soil is workable. Container-grown plants and semi-mature specimens can also be planted now. If you need to move deciduous trees or shrubs that have outgrown their space, this is the time to do it.

Tip: Water in well after planting and add a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid letting polythene or fleece touch foliage to prevent rot.

Set out bare-root roses

Bare-root roses can be planted this month. Avoid reusing the exact spot where old roses grew to prevent soil-borne diseases. Refresh the soil with plenty of well-rotted organic matter if replanting in an existing bed.

Tip: Mulch around new roses to protect roots from frost and retain soil moisture over winter.

Shape and tidy woody plants

Once leaves have fallen, prune deciduous trees and shrubs to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Summer-flowering shrubs can be trimmed, but avoid pruning spring-flowering varieties - you’d remove next year’s flower buds.

Tip: Leafless plants make it easier to see and remove problem branches, helping shape hedges or trees neatly.

Propagate hardy shrubs

Take hardwood cuttings from shrubs such as hydrangea, currant, dogwood or viburnum. Insert them into pots or a sheltered outdoor trench so they can root over winter.

Tip: Keep cuttings moist but well-drained, and label them clearly to track different varieties.

Shield plants from frost

Check stakes and ties on young trees to make sure they’re secure against strong winds. Brush heavy snow off evergreen shrubs to prevent branch breakage. Protect tender or newly planted shrubs with mulch or fleece to insulate roots.

Tip: Temporary windbreaks using straw or netting can save exposed or young plants from winter damage.

Maintenance jobs for garden structures

Reinforce garden structures

Check fences, gates, trellises and pergolas for loose joints or weak points. Strengthen or repair them so they can withstand winter winds and heavy rain.

Tip: Tighten screws, replace worn fixings, and use weatherproof sealant where needed.

Protect sensitive surfaces

Apply protective coatings or covers to wooden furniture, sheds and metal structures to prevent frost damage and decay over winter.

Tip: Use breathable covers for furniture to avoid trapping moisture, which can lead to rot.

Clear and store seasonal items

Remove planters, tools and decorations that won’t be used in winter. Store them in a dry, sheltered spot to prevent weather damage.

Tip: Label storage boxes or toolkits for easy retrieval in spring.

Prepare for winter weather

Inspect structures for potential snow or ice damage, and clear gutters, downpipes and paths to prevent ice build-up or blockages.

Tip: Keep a small supply of grit or sand handy for icy walkways around sheds or greenhouses.

Stay on top of these November tasks to keep your garden healthy and ready to flourish in spring.

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