November 2023

JOBS IN THE GARDEN  - NOVEMBER

Plant Tulip bulbs this month. They will respond quickly now to the cooler soil temperatures and give you a far better display next spring and are for far less likely to be attacked by many of the diseases which can devastate tulip bulbs planted earlier. 

Mulch borderline hardy perennials with compost or leaf mould to increase their likelihood of coming through the winter.  Alternatively lift subjects like Dahlias, Cannas, etc and store in a dry frost proof shed for the winter.

Plants growing in containers which can be subject to frost damage can be moved to a “warmer” location such as against a south or west facing wall or fence. Protect others which cannot be moved with bubble wrap around the container itself, not around the plant, except in the case of subjects which have a trunk, ie Cordyline, etc.  Any container which is still standing directly onto the ground should be lifted an inch or so to aid drainage. 

All bare root trees, shrubs and Roses can be planted now, but remember to prepare the soil well before planting.  All deciduous trees and shrubs can be pruned now to remove any dead, diseased or damaged wood.  This however should not be done on Plums or Cherries at this time because of the likelihood of Silver leaf disease attack.

Remove fallen leaves on a regular basis from lawn areas and over any ground hugging plants such as Alpines to avoid rot taking hold.

Hardwood cuttings can be taken now if you want to increase your stock of a favourite shrub.

in the vegetable garden continue to harvest crops as they become available.  

Make sure any electric heaters are working properly for protecting your greenhouse as well as cleaning paraffin stoves to be ready to go as soon as needed.