November

If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need” Cicero November can bring colder, damper, and darker days and although there is not so much floral colour, you can still make the most of the late autumn foliages, berries, barks and grasses before the winter. It is surprising how much sunshine we can experience this month if we venture out, and you always feel better for going out in the fresh air especially in the knowledge that winter months lay ahead. Besides there is still plenty to do in the garden this month. Some people think of this as the end of the gardening season whilst others the beginning, to me it’s a continuous cycle, each season bringing both work and Joy. November is mainly about preparing the garden for winter.

Seed catalogues

I already have my seeds ready for next year. Due to the pandemic, stocks seem to be moving faster than ever so if you want a particular variety for your garden then I would order sooner rather than later. There is nothing better than choosing what to plant next year, put your feet up with a cuppa and think ahead to Spring.

Tool and Storage Maintenance.

As we begin to use our tools less it’s important to clean our equipment and storage areas. Sheds, greenhouse, cold frames, tools, pots, stakes, seed trays need a good clean at this time of year.

Leaf Clearance

Keep raking up fallen leaves which you recycle into leaf mould and add to the garden when mulching as it really will improve the condition of the soil.

Lawns

Avoid walking on lawns if wet to prevent compacting the soil.

Protect potted plants

Protect any potted plants that you are unable to store in the greenhouse. Wrap in bubble wrap or similar material to insulate. Lift off ground to prevent water logging. Remember to water in dry spells.

Plant out bare rooted rose plants

If you haven't already planted your bare rooted roses, now is a good time to get them in the ground. Bare root roses will sprout green again in the spring and will go onto provide you with blooms throughout the summer. Take care when planting and if available follow your suppliers instructions. Always rehydrate the roots in a bucket of water before planting, dig a generous size hole so there is plenty of space for the roots and add some well rotted manure and soil improver or bonemeal, Place the rose in the centre of the hole spreading the roots out and making sure that the base of the stem (the junction between the stem and the root) is 2 inches below the soil level. Fill in the hole carefully working the soil around the root with your hand and eventually lightly firming the soil in with your foot. Water well.

Plant your tulips.

I like to plant my tulip bulbs in pots and then I can put them where I want next year. I choose where they go next year depending on what they look like when they come up, either putting them inside a larger decorative patio pot or making a hole in the border and putting the pot in there. Plant narcissi in indoor containers for Christmas.

Sweet Peas

If you haven't already sow your Sweet Peas and over winter under cover.

In the raised veg bed

I am still digging and mulching the soil before winter. When I have finished I will cover the ground.Keep harvesting. Kale, Chard, Spinach, Squash, Dahlias. Rosemary, Sage, Thyme.Pull down, expired runner beans and remove canes, clean and store for next year.As you are preparing for the winter think about crop rotation for next year, as you do not want to plant the same type of crop in the same bed again next season.

Lavender

My lavenders are still flowering this year so I will cut these back once they have finished.Lavenders are relatively easy to prune and pruning every year will help slow down the formation of wood and extend the vigour and lifetime of your plant.

Enjoy!!!