What to do in the garden in November
November is about protection and preparation. The weather is often damp, windy and unpredictable, though mild sunny days still appear. Use those brighter windows wisely to finish key jobs before winter sets in properly.
This is the ideal month to plant tulip bulbs for spring displays. Soil is cooling, which helps reduce the risk of disease, particularly tulip blight. It is also prime time for planting bare root trees, shrubs and roses while they are dormant. Establishing roots now gives them a strong start next year.
As borders are cut back and cleared, recycle healthy plant material into your compost heap. Fallen leaves are valuable too. Store them in ventilated bags to create leaf mould, a useful soil conditioner for future planting.
Organisation matters now. Clean pots and trays, clear greenhouse space and prepare tools before the busy spring season returns.
Don't forget to take a moment to enjoy the final autumn colour. November can be one of the most atmospheric months in the garden.
Ornamental garden jobs in November
• Lightly prune roses to reduce wind damage.
• Continue tidying borders in dry conditions.
• Give lawns a final cut if growth continues and frost is absent.
• Rake and remove fallen leaves from lawns and beds.
• Cut back herbaceous perennials once foliage dies down.
• Leave ornamental grass seed heads for winter structure.
• Lay turf in suitable weather, avoiding frosty days.
• Remove excess dead leaves from ponds.
• Complete bulb planting, including tulips.
• Mulch borders, particularly around borderline hardy plants.
• Plant bare root shrubs and roses.
• Plant indoor bulbs such as amaryllis for winter flowering.
• Plant winter flowering shrubs such as daphne and sarcococca.
• Take hardwood cuttings of deciduous shrubs.
• Scarify lawns if needed and avoid walking on wet or frozen turf.
Vegetable garden jobs in November
• Begin winter pruning of established fruit trees.
• Plant fruit trees, soft fruit and cane fruit.
• Plant garlic cloves.
• Fit grease bands to fruit tree trunks to deter pests.
• Apply compost or manure to bare soil areas.
• Protect salad crops with fleece or cloches.
• Clear away spent vegetable plants.
• Always check for wildlife before lighting bonfires or disturbing leaf piles.
Top products for November gardening
Tree and shrub planting compost
Supports strong root establishment during autumn planting.
Organic mulch
Helps insulate roots and improve soil structure over winter.
Bulb planting pots
Ideal for controlled bulb displays in containers.
Decorative stone
Enhances borders and low maintenance areas.
Bark mulch
Improves soil organic matter and protects exposed roots.
Frost protection fleece
Essential for shielding tender plants from early frosts.
