November 2025

JOBS IN THE GARDEN - NOVEMBER

Flowers:  

 Diseases such as Rose Black Spot overwinters on the fallen leaves and stems of all

types of Roses. Make sure all the leaves are removed from the soil as they fall and dispose

of them but not in the compost heap. Much of the spores overwintering on the stems will

be removed when pruning is done later on. However it is advantageous if the rose bushes

are sprayed with a weak solution of Jeyes fluid once all leave have fallen. Use at the rate of

3 millilitres to 1 gallon (5 litres) of water. Alpines in troughs or rock gardens will benefit

from having grit placed around them to shed excessive amounts of rain water in wet spells,

also remove any dead or dying leaves as they occur.

Vegetables:

 Any Brassica crops should be netted now against attack from Wood Pigeons

and tall plants are better staked to avoid excessive wind rock especially in exposed gardens.

Broad Beans can be sown now using a variety such as Aquadulce for overwintering and an

early crop next year. Now is also a good time to plant Garlic.

Fruit Black Currants can be pruned now by cutting away about a third of old fruited wood

being careful to leave in the young stems produced this season as these will be the fruiting

wood for 2026. Check fruit in store for any rot as if left these will go on to affect those

closest to them.

Trees and Shrubs: 

Plant bare root hedging plants now but if weather conditions are too wet

just heel in temporarily until conditions improve. Any trees and shrubs which need moving

can be successfully undertaken from now on and re-establishment will be quicker while the

soil is still comparatively warm. If you need to prune your Acers for any reason it is

always best to do it now, this will avoid “bleeding” which can occur if left until the Spring.

Check tree stakes are still in good order and that the ties are not too tight around the trunks,

slacken off if this is the case. Many of you have standard Bay trees which have become

very popular in recent years. These plants can suffer quite badly if in exposed positions not

so much because of any frost but from wind damage so it is a good idea at this time to wrap

horticultural fleece around the stems to protect them. Do not however use bubble wrap or

polythene sheeting. Less hardy plants such as Cordylines and some Palms can also be

protected with fleece or protective sleeves made for this purpose which can be bought from

your garden centre. Make sure that any plants growing in pots outside are raised slightly

off the ground to avoid a seal being formed and consequently waterlogging.