As autumn fades and winter approaches, November is all about protecting your garden, tidying up, and planning. Growth may have slowed, but there’s still plenty to keep you busy, from planting bulbs to sowing hardy winter vegetables.
Here’s our guide to the top gardening jobs for November to keep your outdoor space in great shape.
Clear Fallen Leaves
Keep lawns, patios, and paths free from fallen leaves to stop them from turning slippery or smothering your grass. Gather them into a pile or compost bin, and by next year, you’ll have rich, crumbly leaf mould that’s perfect for mulching flower beds.
Protect Tender Plants
Frost-sensitive plants like dahlias, cannas, and begonias need protection now. Lift tubers, dry them off, and store them somewhere cool and dry. For half-hardy plants left in the ground, cover with horticultural fleece or mulch to keep roots warm through winter.
Plant Spring Bulbs
If you haven’t planted your bulbs yet, there’s still time! Tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths can all go in this month. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil and plant bulbs roughly three times their own depth. Come spring, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant colour after the dull winter months.
Tidy Up Beds and Borders
Cut back faded perennials, remove spent annuals, and edge your borders for a tidy finish. Adding a layer of compost or well-rotted manure will insulate the soil, improve structure, and feed your plants for next year.
What Vegetables to Plant in November
There’s still plenty you can grow in November, especially hardy veg that thrive in cooler temperatures.
Vegetables to plant or sow this month:
- Garlic – Plant individual cloves in well-drained soil for a summer harvest.
- Onions & Shallots – Autumn-planting sets will root before winter and produce an early crop.
- Broad Beans – Sow hardy varieties such as Aquadulce Claudia for an early spring harvest.
- Spinach & Winter Lettuce – Sow under cloches or fleece for fresh greens through winter.
- Peas – Try overwintering varieties like Feltham First or Meteor.
If you have a greenhouse or cold frame, herbs like parsley and coriander can also be sown now for cutting through the colder months.
Prune Trees and Shrubs
Once deciduous trees and shrubs drop their leaves, it’s easier to see their structure. Prune out dead, damaged, or crossing branches to encourage healthy growth. Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs now; they’ve already formed their buds for next year.
Clean and Service Your Tools
Before you put your garden tools and machinery away for the winter, give them a little care. Clean off soil, sharpen blades, and oil moving parts to prevent rust. It’s also the ideal time to book in a service for your lawnmower or hedge trimmer, ready for spring use.
Help Wildlife Through Winter
Food and shelter are in short supply, so top up bird feeders and make sure water sources don’t freeze over. Piles of leaves, twigs, or logs make excellent habitats for hedgehogs and insects. A wildlife-friendly garden helps maintain the natural balance year-round.
Plan for the Year Ahead
Use quiet, rainy days to reflect on what worked well in your garden this year. Browse seed catalogues, sketch out planting plans, and make a wish list for next season. A bit of planning now will make your spring gardening feel effortless.
Final Thoughts
November is the month to protect, prepare, and plan. A few simple jobs now — clearing leaves, planting bulbs, sowing hardy veg, and maintaining your tools — will make all the difference come spring. Keep your garden ticking over and you’ll be rewarded with healthy soil, happy plants, and a space that’s ready to burst back into life.