November is when the garden slowly settles into hibernation. But that doesn’t mean your work is done! In fact, this is the perfect time to prepare for the colder months ahead. With these 15 essential gardening tips for November, you can protect your plants, tidy up your space, and set your garden up for a strong start next spring.
1. Clear Fallen Leaves
Rake up fallen leaves and pile them in a sheltered corner of the garden. They’ll provide a cosy refuge for hedgehogs and insects — or use them as mulch to protect soil and retain moisture.
2. Feed the Birds
Set up a feeding station to help garden birds through winter. As food becomes scarce, they’ll appreciate seeds, suet, and fat balls.
3. Protect Frost-Sensitive Plants
Wrap tender plants in burlap, fleece, or bubble wrap to shield them from overnight frosts and biting winds.
4. Prune Fruit Trees and Bushes
November is ideal for pruning fruit trees and berry bushes. Remove dead or crossing branches and open up the canopy for healthy growth next year.
5. Plant Spring Bulbs
It’s not too late to plant spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. Get them in the ground now for a burst of colour in early spring.
6. Give the Lawn a Final Trim
Mow your lawn one last time before winter. Remove moss, aerate the grass, and clear away debris to prevent fungal growth.
7. Feed Your Plants
Give your plants a final boost of nutrients to help them store energy and endure the cold months ahead.
8. Clean Patios and Paths
Scrub away algae and grime from patios and garden paths. Clean surfaces not only look better but also help prevent slips during wet weather.
9. Maintain Your Pond
Remove dead plants and skim fallen leaves from your pond’s surface to prevent decay and maintain good water quality. If possible, run an air pump to keep oxygen levels stable.
10. Protect Garden Furniture
Cover outdoor furniture with a waterproof tarp or store it indoors to extend its lifespan.
11. Prepare the Greenhouse
Clean and disinfect your greenhouse to reduce pests and disease. This ensures it’s ready for overwintering tender plants or early spring sowing.
12. Refresh Pots and Planters
Add hardy winter plants like pansies, heathers, or skimmia to your pots for seasonal colour on your patio or balcony.
13. Turn the Compost Heap
Give your garden compost one final turn before winter. This helps aerate it and speeds up decomposition for nutrient-rich compost in spring.
14. Plan Next Year’s Garden
Use the quiet months to dream and plan. Think about new plants, layout changes, or garden projects for the year ahead.
15. Take Time to Enjoy It
Don’t forget to pause and appreciate your garden. Wrap up warm, sip a hot drink, and enjoy the peace of late autumn — you’ve earned it!
Now that we've covered the basics of November garden maintenance, let's delve deeper into some specific tasks you can perform to prepare your garden for winter.
The value of fallen leaves
Those fallen leaves aren’t just a nuisance — they’re nature’s mulch. Use them to protect the soil from temperature swings, conserve moisture, and provide habitat for beneficial insects and microbes that enrich your garden ecosystem.
Pond and Lawn Care in Autumn
If you have a pond, remove dead foliage and debris to maintain healthy water quality. Keeping oxygen levels steady helps fish and wildlife through winter.
For lawns, aerating and removing moss encourages better air and water flow, supporting stronger grass growth in spring.
Enjoy the Season
Gardening in November is about preparation, care, and reflection. With these tips, your garden will be ready for the colder months — and poised to thrive come spring.
Visit Carpenters garden centre in St Albans for everything you need — from spring bulbs and garden tools to winter plants and festive decorations.
