Despite the current higher-than-usual temperatures, November signals the true arrival of winter in the garden. The last of the leaves are falling, most plants are settling into dormancy and many parts of the UK typically see the first frosts of the new season.
But before you hang up your gardening gloves for the year, there are still a few jobs worth tackling. Composite decking brand Trex has worked with TrexPro and outdoor living expert Simon Parry (who owns Birmingham-based Simon Parry Landscaping & Gardening) to share his must-do tasks for November.
From protecting plants and wildlife to setting the stage for next year’s growth, ticking them off your to-do list will help keep your garden healthy, tidy and full of life through the coldest months. So, pull on your boots, embrace the crisp air and enjoy the satisfaction you’ll get from putting your garden to bed for the year.
Mulch borders and flower beds
A good mulch acts like a winter blanket for your soil – it keeps roots warm, locks in moisture and keeps weeds at bay through winter.
Spread a 5-8cm layer of organic matter such as compost, bark or leaf mould around perennials and shrubs, keeping it clear of the plant crown – the junction where the roots and stem meet, at or just above the soil – to prevent rot.
Plant bulbs
November is the month to get bulbs planted for a hit of colour in spring – leaving it until December, when the ground is more likely to be freezing, means you may miss the opportunity.
A good rule of thumb is to plant the bulb two to three times as deep as it is tall, placing the bulb with the pointed, or shoot, end facing upwards and the flat, root-bearing end at the bottom.
Crocuses or snowdrops will give you early colour, while daffodils (narcissus) and tulips will be a welcome sign that spring has arrived. Anemones, fritillaria and alliums will provide interest from spring right through to summer.
Feed the birds
With fewer berries and insects around, garden birds need extra support to survive the winter, so hang seed feeders, suet balls or peanut cages and make sure there’s a regular supply of clean water.
As well as the pleasure of watching from your window or deck as they feed, the birds will repay you later by helping to keep garden pests in check.
Remember to clean feeders often to prevent the spread of disease – and to position them where they’re out of reach of hungry squirrels!
Check fences, sheds and other garden structures
Winter storms can quickly turn small maintenance issues into major repairs. A quick check of garden structures and minor repairs now can save you hassle and expense later.
Walk around your garden looking for loose fence panels, wobbly posts and any gaps in roof felt.
November is also your last chance to add colour to fences or sheds before winter – any dry day before temperatures regularly drop below 5°C is a good opportunity to brush on a coat of paint or wood preservative to keep things weatherproof.
Add winter interest with pots and evergreens
Evergreen shrubs and winter-flowering pots will keep your garden looking alive through the darker months, when most other plants have died back.
Fill containers with hardy plants like hellebores, heather, skimmia or winter pansies, adding evergreen ferns or small conifers for structure and texture. Group pots near entrances or your patio or deck, where you can enjoy them from indoors.
Maintain your deck or patio
A quick clean of your deck or patio in November helps prevent algae and dirt from building up over winter. Even if you’ve given it a clean at the end of summer, now’s the time to sweep away fallen leaves and debris before a simple wash-down to stop surfaces from getting slippery.
For paved patios or timber decking, use a mild detergent or specialist cleaner with a stiff brush or low-pressure washer. Composite decking usually just needs a gentle wash with a mild detergent and a rinse to keep it looking its best.
To avoid mould developing, November is also a great time to clean your barbecue or pizza oven before putting them away for winter.
Make plans for next year
Whether it’s by sketching out ideas for new borders or veg beds or ordering seeds or bulbs, making plans for next year is a great way to keep your gardening spirit alive even through the darkest days of winter.
Trex is available from a range of builders’ merchants, garden and landscape supplies specialists across the UK, as well as at over 150 Wickes DIY stores. For more information on Trex, visit uk.trex.com.
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