As November arrives, the shorter days and cooler weather mark the final steps in the gardening year. It’s a time of transition, as we wrap up the fall season and prepare our plants, soil, and spaces for winter’s arrival. But it’s also an exciting time to plan for spring! Here’s a guide to essential gardening jobs for November that will help protect your garden over winter and ensure it’s primed for a beautiful bloom next year.
Tidy Up Flower Beds
November is the perfect time to clear out any debris, weeds, and spent plants from your flower beds. This keeps your garden looking neat, reduces pests, and prepares beds for winter:
•Remove Dead Plants: Pull out annuals that have completed their cycle, and cut back any perennials that have died down.
•Prune Shrubs and Perennials: Cut back perennials like peonies, daylilies, and hostas to reduce the risk of diseases next spring.
•Weed Thoroughly: Take time to remove any lingering weeds, as they can still grow and spread even in winter.
Add a Layer of Mulch
A fresh layer of mulch helps insulate plant roots from frost, retains soil moisture, and reduces erosion:
•Mulch Flower Beds and Borders: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around your plants, avoiding contact with stems or trunks.
•Use Fallen Leaves: Shred fallen leaves and use them as mulch to create a natural, nutrient-rich barrier for your plants.
Protect Sensitive Plants from Frost
Plants that are sensitive to the cold, such as tropicals or young plants, need special care during November’s chillier nights:
•Wrap Tender Shrubs: Use burlap or horticultural fleece to cover tender plants like fig trees, rosemary, and certain roses.
•Move Potted Plants Indoors: Bring tender potted plants inside, or place them in a greenhouse if possible.
Care for Lawns Before Winter
November is your last chance to prep your lawn for the winter months and encourage lush growth next spring:
•Rake Fallen Leaves: Clear leaves off the lawn to prevent mold and ensure grass gets light and air.
•Trim the Lawn One Last Time: Mow your grass at a slightly higher setting to protect roots but keep the lawn looking neat.
•Aerate & Feed if Needed: Aerating can relieve compaction and allow better nutrient penetration, while applying a fall-specific lawn feed helps roots strengthen.
Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs
If you want a vibrant burst of color in early spring, November is your last chance to plant bulbs:
•Select Spring Bulbs: Daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths are popular choices that are easy to plant.
•Plant Correctly: Make sure to plant bulbs at the correct depth (usually about 2–3 times the bulb’s height) and in well-drained soil.
•Water Sparingly: Bulbs only need a light watering after planting, as they’re designed to lie dormant through winter.
Harvest Late Crops & Prep Vegetable Garden
As the final harvests come in, it’s time to clean up your vegetable beds and prepare for next season:
•Harvest Late Vegetables: Collect the last of any carrots, beets, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
•Cover Vegetable Beds: After harvesting, clear spent plants, weed thoroughly, and apply a thick layer of compost or manure to enrich the soil.
•Sow Green Manures: Plant cover crops like clover or rye to protect soil structure and add nutrients when tilled in next spring.
Prune Trees and Shrubs
Late autumn is a great time for pruning deciduous trees and shrubs, as they enter dormancy:
•Prune Trees and Hedges: Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve shape and health.
•Check for Tree Health: Inspect trees for signs of disease or damage, and take action now before winter storms set in.
•Leave Spring-Blooming Shrubs Alone: Don’t prune shrubs that bloom in spring, like lilacs and forsythia, as they already have set their buds for next year.
Clean and Store Gardening Tools
With the growing season coming to a close, November is a good time to care for your tools:
•Clean and Sharpen Tools: Wash off any dirt, then dry, sharpen, and oil blades to prevent rust.
•Store Tools Indoors: Find a dry, sheltered space like a shed or garage to store tools so they’re ready to use next season.
Prepare Bird Feeders and Winter Shelters
Birds and beneficial wildlife play an important role in the garden ecosystem, so it’s good to provide them with winter resources:
•Set Up Feeders and Baths: Provide a source of food and water for birds to help them through the colder months.
•Create Shelters: Stack logs or leave a small pile of fallen leaves in a corner of your garden to give hedgehogs, toads, and beneficial insects a place to shelter.
Plan and Dream for Next Year’s Garden
As you wind down the season, take time to think about how you’d like your garden to look next year:
•Evaluate This Year’s Successes and Challenges: Reflect on what plants or layouts worked well, and take note of any pests or plant issues.
•Order Seeds and Supplies Early: Winter is a good time to start ordering seeds, bulbs, and other supplies so you’re ready when planting season begins.
•Sketch Your Dream Garden Layout: Plan new flower beds, add features, or adjust plant placements. This creative planning time can be one of the most enjoyable parts of gardening.
Gardening in November is a mix of wrapping up and looking ahead. By taking the time to complete these tasks, you’ll protect your garden through winter’s cold and set it up for a healthier, more vibrant spring. So grab your gloves, head outside, and enjoy these final touches in your November garden!