From Autumn to Winter: November in the Garden
By Alicia Paaso - Gardenscape Sales Team/RHS Level 3 Horticulturalist
As the branches grow bare and fallen leaves carpet the lawns, November signals the transition from autumn to winter. There are still plenty of autumnal hues around, with colourful stems and structural plants gradually taking the spotlight. November gardening is about garden maintenance, supporting wildlife, and getting ready for the colder days ahead. It’s also a good reminder to stock up on winter essentials like logs and rock salt before the first frost arrives. Read on below for some ideas on what to do in your garden this month!
November is a busy month for garden maintenance as you prepare your garden for the season ahead. If you haven’t already, mulch your beds and borders now to protect the soil structure over winter. Rake up fallen leaves from your lawn to prevent mould and yellowing grass. Once collected, add the leaves to your compost bin or fill a waste bag for collection. Mould can also develop in greenhouses, especially if you haven’t cleared out this summer’s planting yet. Give your greenhouse a good tidy by removing old growth and debris, then wipe down the bench and glass surfaces. You’ll free up valuable space for sheltering your frost-tender plants when the cold arrives!
Once your garden is tidy and ready for winter, turn your attention to winter containers and baskets. As garden growth slows down, they make a great addition for a boost of colour and seasonal interest. Some suitable flower options include crocuses, winter pansies, cyclamen and heathers. Include some evergreens such as conifers, ivy, stonecrops, heuchera and perennial grasses for displays that will last throughout winter. Top your baskets and containers with some decorative stone or bark for a decorative finish. For best results, use a planting mix of John Innes No. 3 and Peat Free Compost or Multipurpose Compost. Add a layer of shingle or grit to the bottom of the containers to improve drainage and prevent water logging during wet spells.
Wildlife in your garden needs extra support when the temperatures drop and food sources become limited. Supporting wildlife in your garden encourages natural pest control, which will be helpful come next spring. You can support birds by letting ivy grow so its berries can develop, providing food throughout winter. A bonus of not cutting back your ivy is that you can use it for making Christmas wreaths in December!
If you have the space, consider planting a crab apple tree to boost biodiversity in your garden. It’ll provide habitats, nectar for insects in spring, and fruit for birds in winter. If space is limited, create a log or brick pile to provide shelter for amphibians and beneficial insects.
And lastly, don’t forget to stock up on your winter essentials! We stock kindling and hardwood logs, perfect for keeping your home warm through the colder months. And remember to get some rock salt too, so you’re prepared once the icy weather arrives.
Enjoy your November Gardening!