Practical gardening advice for UK gardens
What to do this month

November gardening jobs

November is the point when most UK gardens settle into late autumn. Days are shorter, soils are cooler and wetter, and frosts become more likely, especially inland and in northern or exposed areas. Growth slows, but mild spells can still keep lawns, weeds and some crops moving.

The main priorities are protecting vulnerable plants, managing fallen leaves, keeping soil and containers from becoming waterlogged, and using suitable weather for planting. Bare root trees, shrubs, hedging and fruit plants can establish well while dormant, provided the ground is neither frozen nor saturated. It is also a useful month for preparing the garden for winter without removing every seedhead, stem or leaf that provides shelter for wildlife.

UK conditions vary. Adjust timings for your local weather, soil and exposure.

Key gardening jobs

  • Clear fallen leaves from lawns and ponds, then use suitable leaves for leafmould or leave some beneath hedges for wildlife.
  • Raise outdoor containers onto pot feet or bricks so excess winter rain can drain freely.
  • Insulate vulnerable pots and containers before hard frosts, especially those in exposed positions.
  • Check tree stakes, ties and climber supports after windy weather and loosen or replace anything that is rubbing stems.
  • Clean greenhouse glazing and remove spent crop debris, then ventilate on mild days to reduce humidity.
  • Protect winter brassicas with securely fixed netting if pigeons are stripping the foliage.
  • Cover exposed soil with a suitable organic mulch where practical, keeping material away from vulnerable plant crowns.
  • Use boards or stepping points when access across wet soil is unavoidable to reduce compaction.

What to sow and plant

  • Plant tulip bulbs in borders or containers where the soil or compost drains freely.
  • Plant bare root deciduous trees, shrubs and hedging when the ground is neither frozen nor waterlogged.
  • Plant bare root roses into prepared soil, avoiding sites where roses have recently grown where possible.
  • Plant new fruit trees, currant bushes and raspberry canes while they are dormant and the soil is workable.
  • Sow overwintering broad beans outdoors in mild, well drained areas, or under cover in colder or wetter gardens.
  • Plant garlic outdoors in free draining soil in mild areas, or start cloves in modules or a cold frame where winters are wetter or colder.
  • Plant winter bedding such as violas, primulas and wallflowers into prepared beds or containers.
  • Plant lily bulbs in pots for summer flowering, using free draining compost and keeping containers from becoming saturated.

What to prune and harvest

  • Shorten tall bush rose stems enough to reduce wind rock without carrying out the main spring prune.
  • Winter prune established apples, pears, quinces and medlars once they are dormant, but leave stone fruits unpruned.
  • Prune red and white currants and gooseberries to maintain an open, productive framework.
  • Remove old leaves from Christmas and Lenten rose types of hellebore where they are hiding emerging flowers.
  • Harvest leeks as needed, lifting carefully from wet ground to avoid damaging neighbouring plants.
  • Harvest parsnips as required, leaving sound roots in the ground where drainage is good.
  • Harvest Brussels sprouts and winter cabbages as they mature, removing yellowing leaves from the plants.
  • Lift remaining carrots, beetroot, swedes or turnips if persistent wet or hard frost is likely to damage the crop.

Problems to watch

  • Watch tender plants and recently planted specimens for frost damage, especially in exposed, inland and northern gardens.
  • Check containers and heavy soils for waterlogging after prolonged rain and improve drainage where practical.
  • Look for wind rock in newly planted trees, shrubs and tall roses after autumn gales.
  • Protect brassicas from pigeons if leaves are being torn or stripped.
  • Check stored fruit, nuts and newly sown crops for mouse or other rodent damage.
  • Watch overwintering greenhouse plants for grey mould where cool, humid air and dead foliage are present.
  • Check dormant perennial crowns for rotting in poorly drained beds and remove soft, decaying material.
  • Inspect winter pansies and violas for downy mildew, black spot and rotting foliage during mild, damp spells.
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