15 Essential Garden Tips for November: Prepare Your Garden for Winter

November is the month when the garden slowly begins to wind down for winter. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to do! With a little care, you can prepare your garden for the colder months and ensure it’s ready to thrive in spring. Here are 15 essential tips for November gardening.

1. Leaf clearing
Rake up fallen leaves and pile them in a sheltered spot. These leaf piles provide a warm refuge for hedgehogs, insects, and other beneficial wildlife, while also creating material that can be turned into compost.

2. Bird feeding
Set up a feeding station for birds. Food becomes scarce in November, so help garden visitors through winter with seeds, suet, or mealworms.

3. Protect frost-sensitive plants
Wrap tender plants in burlap, fleece, or bubble wrap to shield them from cold nights. This simple step can save delicate plants from frost damage.

4. Pruning
Prune fruit trees and bushes, removing dead or crossing branches and ensuring an open canopy. This helps maintain plant health and encourages better growth in spring.

5. Planting bulbs
It’s not too late to plant spring-flowering bulbs. Daffodils, tulips, and crocuses will give your garden a colourful start to the new season.

6. Lawn care
Mow your lawn one last time and remove moss or debris. Aerating the soil improves water and air circulation, helping grass roots survive winter.

7. Plant nutrition
Give your plants one final feed before winter. A dose of balanced fertiliser or well-rotted compost strengthens them for the colder months.

8. Cleaning patios and paths
Remove algae and debris from patios and paths to prevent slippery surfaces and maintain safe, clean outdoor areas.

9. Pond maintenance
Clear dead plants and skim leaves from your pond. This prevents decay from affecting water quality and keeps ponds healthy for wildlife. Using an air pump can help maintain oxygen levels during cold weather.

10. Protect garden furniture
Cover furniture with a tarp or move it indoors. This will extend its lifespan and keep it in good condition for next season.

11. Preparing the greenhouse
November is a great time to clean and disinfect your greenhouse, readying it for winter storage or early spring sowing.

12. Winter planting in pots
Add hardy winter plants to flower pots or containers. Evergreen or colourful winter plants can brighten patios and balconies throughout the season.

13. Turning the compost heap
Give your compost one last turn before winter. Well-turned compost will continue to break down and provide nutrient-rich material for spring planting.

14. Garden planning
Take some time to plan next year’s garden. Think about which plants you’d like to grow and where they will go, preparing for a vibrant new season.

15. Enjoy your garden
Finally, take a moment to enjoy your garden in November. Wrap up with a warm drink and appreciate the colours, textures, and wildlife around you. A calm garden is as rewarding as a well-maintained one.

Extra tips for autumn garden care

• The value of fallen leaves: Fallen leaves make excellent mulch. They protect soil from temperature swings, retain moisture, and provide a habitat for beneficial insects and microorganisms.

• Pond care in autumn: Skim leaves regularly and remove decaying plants to maintain water quality.

• Lawn care in autumn: Aerating and clearing moss reduces the risk of fungal disease and helps grass establish strong roots for spring.

With these comprehensive tips, your garden will be well prepared for winter and ready to flourish in the year ahead. For all your gardening tools, autumn and winter plants, and spring bulbs, visit our garden centre in Sevenoaks.