At this time of year gardening is largely about clearing up and protecting your garden for the winter, but November also marks the start of the tree and hedge planting season. Here’s a quick rundown on what you could be doing this month:
Prepare for winter by checking anything that is at risk of cold, wind or water logging. Raise pots on bricks or feet so they can drain freely. Insulate terracotta, glazed and stoneware pots.
Lag outdoor taps and insulate glasshouses. Move worm bins to a frost-free place or insulate them. Put away or protect garden furniture – in particular wooden furniture should not be left in contact with the soil, as this can lead to rotting.
Remove dead leaves from the tops of plants and netting on a regular basis. If you have snow, make sure to remove it before any damage is done to plants or structures such as fruit cages.
Keep a regular supply of food & water for the birds.
TREES, HEDGES & ROSES
Plant bare-rooted trees, shrubs, roses and hedging plants. Make sure you stake any large plants, including root-ball hedging. If you’d like more information before you start, take a look at my blogs on planting hedging and choosing the right trees for your garden.
SHRUBS & CLIMBERS
Now is a good time to move plants that you have been meaning to shift. Large deciduous shrubs are easier to move than you think if you have the manpower. Leave evergreens until the spring.
If you don’t want to risk your Dahlias by leaving them in the ground over winter, dig up tubers after the first frost (when the foliage has blackened), dry them and store them either wrapped in newspaper or in dry compost. Don’t forget to label them!
Take root cuttings from perennials with thick fleshy roots (such as Echinops and Oriental poppies).
Apply a layer of compost mulch to borderline hardy plants such as Agapanthus, Salvia patens and Melianthus Major to protect them over winter.
Plant Tulip and Hyacinth bulbs, and finish planting any other spring bulbs providing the ground is not water logged or frozen.
Continue to cut the grass if it continues to grow but raise the blades. Stay off the grass if you can.
Clean and store submersible pumps.
PESTS & DISEASES
Check for pests and diseases before bringing outdoor plants in the glasshouse
Picture credits: Janet Bligh & Firgrove Photographic