It’s proper autumn out there, and whilst I love sitting by the fire at this time of year, there are a few things you can do in the garden this month to keep it all ticking over nicely.
Japanese Maple tree
Plant shrubs and trees
It’s the perfect time for this, the soil is still warm so plant roots will settle in well before it gets really cold.
Plant tulip bulbs
November is a good time to plant tulip bulbs, they usually go in later than other spring flowering bulbs. But if you do have any other bulbs that you haven’t got round to planting, like me, then get them in too, you’ll be so pleased next spring.
Protect tender plants
If plants can’t be dug up and moved to a greenhouse or cold porch, they can be covered with horticultural fleece or hessian, which looks a lot nicer. Low growing plants can be covered with bracken, straw can be used too, but has to be covered with some type of netting to stop it blowing away.
Pelargonium Scarlet Pet
Pot feet
This makes a big difference to plants that have to get through the winter in pots & containers. If the soil gets too wet and freezes the roots freeze too
Simply use pot feet or half bricks under the plant pot, don’t block the drainage hole though, and excess water drains away more easily. They look smart too.
Wind-rock
Not a new music genre, but a method of reducing the height of tall rose bushes to stop a small pocket being made at the base of the shrub. This happens when it’s rocked about by winter winds, this small pocket fills with water & then freezes as winter takes hold, resulting in frozen roots which is not at all good for roses.
Rose Clarence House
Rake up leaves
Add them to the leaf compost heap and beautiful leaf-mould will be produced, it’s a wonderful mulch for your garden. This is all about keeping the soil in top shape so that plants grow strong and lovely.
Leaves are kept separate to the compost bin as they take longer to disintegrate.
Choose a dry day, wrap up warm and enjoy it all.
Happy gardening.
Jill
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