November in the Garden

As autumn draws to a close, November brings shorter days, colder temperatures and an increase in wind and rain. While it’s tempting to retreat indoors, a little work in the garden now can make a big difference to its health and appearance throughout winter and into spring.

From planting spring-flowering bulbs to protecting tender plants from frost, here are ten important gardening jobs to tackle in November.

1.Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs Now

There’s still time to plant spring-flowering bulbs and create a spectacular display for next year.

Tulips can be planted throughout November, while daffodils, crocuses and narcissi are best planted before the soil loses the last of its summer warmth.

Plant bulbs in well-drained soil, positioning them at a depth approximately three times their height. Grouping bulbs together in clusters often creates a more natural and eye-catching display than planting them individually.

2. Rake Up Fallen Leaves

A blanket of fallen leaves may look attractive, but it can block sunlight and airflow from reaching lawns and plants. Damp leaf piles also create ideal conditions for slugs, snails and fungal diseases.

Use a leaf rake regularly throughout the month and add healthy leaves to your compost heap or create your own leaf mould.

Top Tip:

If rose bushes suffered from blackspot or rust this year, remove and dispose of infected leaves rather than composting them. This helps reduce the risk of reinfection next season.

3. Create Colourful Winter Containers

Brighten patios, entrances and windowsills with winter planters packed with seasonal colour and texture.

Excellent choices include:

• Violas
• Pansies
• Primulas
• Polyanthus
• Heucheras
• Ornamental grasses
• Skimmia
• Euonymus
• Box plants

Combining evergreen foliage, flowering bedding plants and spring bulbs provides interest throughout winter and early spring.

A well-designed winter planter can deliver months of colour when much of the garden is dormant.

4. Protect Tender Plants from Frost

If you haven’t done so already, move tender perennials into the shelter of the greenhouse or garage and water less to bring on a state of semi dormancy.

In colder areas, tuberous-rooted cannas and dahlias should be dug up and stored in just-damp compost in a cool, airy place.

In warmer areas, an ample mulch of compost or leaf mould should protect them and they can stay put.

5. Prevent Wind Rock Damage

Stake top-heavy brassicas and draw up some soil around the base of the stem to prevent wind rocking the plant and causing damage to the roots.

Lightly prune bush roses now, if not done already, as reducing their height will prevent wind-rock. Roses are generally shallow rooted and can become loose in the soil if buffeted by strong winds.

6. Look After Your Lawn Before Winter

November is often your final opportunity to prepare the lawn before winter.

Essential Lawn Care Tasks:

• Aerate compacted soil using a garden fork or lawn aerator.
• Continue removing fallen leaves.
• Raise the mower cutting height for winter mowing.
• Avoid walking on waterlogged grass.

Aeration improves drainage and allows oxygen to reach grass roots, helping lawns stay healthier throughout winter.

7. Raise Containers to Prevent Waterlogging

Potted plants are especially vulnerable during periods of heavy rainfall.

Raise containers on pot feet or bricks to improve drainage and prevent roots from sitting in water.

It’s also advisable to remove saucers from beneath outdoor pots, as trapped water can freeze during frosty weather and crack containers.

8. Prune Fruit Bushes

Prune pear and apple trees anytime between now and February. But don’t be tempted to prune your plum trees now as they will be susceptible to the silver leaf fungus – wait until midsummer.

9. Help Garden Birds Through Winter

Remember winter can be a tough time for birds and they require high energy (high fat) foods during the cold winter weather to maintain their fat reserves to survive the frosty nights.

At this time of year, put out food and water on a regular basis. In severe weather, feed twice daily if you can: in the morning and in the early afternoon.  Black sunflower seeds are an excellent year-round food, and in many areas are even more popular than peanuts.

The oil content is higher in black than striped ones, and so they are much better. Nyjer seeds also have a high oil content and are particular favourites with goldfinches and siskins.

Peanuts are rich in fat and are popular with tits, greenfinches, house sparrows, nuthatches, great spotted woodpeckers and siskins. Crushed or grated nuts attract robins, dunnocks and even wrens.  Feeding birds is also an ideal way to enthuse children about wildlife.

10. Care for Houseplants

Now that many plants are returning indoors for the winter, regularly check for pests such as aphids, red spider mite, mealy bug and scale insects.

When moving them indoors remember not to put it too close to the radiators. Reduce the amount of water you give to houseplants and keep your cacti and succulents barely moist.

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We’re Here To Help

Whether you’re planting bulbs, preparing the lawn for winter or protecting plants from frost, the team at your local Tirlán CountryLife branch is here to help.

Our horticultural experts can offer practical advice, seasonal recommendations and product guidance to help your garden thrive throughout winter and beyond.

SHOP PRODUCTS

All products mentioned in the above blog can be bought on countrylife.ie or in you local Tirlán CountryLife branch. To find your nearest store click here.

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