November is the time to prepare your UK garden for winter while making a head start on next spring. Plant bare-root roses, trees and hedging, finish planting spring-flowering bulbs, protect tender plants from frost and clear fallen leaves before they smother the lawn.
Although growth is slowing and the days are getting shorter, there are still plenty of worthwhile gardening jobs to do in November. The soil can remain warm enough for roots to establish, and a little preparation now will help your garden emerge in better shape when spring arrives.
Plant bare-root roses, trees and hedging
November marks the start of an excellent period for planting many bare-root plants. These are supplied without soil around their roots while dormant, making them a practical and often economical way to establish new roses, trees and hedges.
Choose a suitable planting position and prepare the ground by removing weeds and loosening compacted soil. Soak bare roots as directed before planting, spread the roots out carefully and firm the soil gently around them. Water thoroughly after planting.
Avoid planting when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or exceptionally dry. If conditions are unsuitable, keep the roots protected and plant as soon as the ground becomes workable.
Bare-root roses are particularly useful for creating new rose beds, while bare-root hedging can help establish a boundary or provide more structure and privacy.
Plant spring-flowering bulbs
There is still time to plant many spring-flowering bulbs in November, provided the soil is workable and not waterlogged.
Consider planting:
- Daffodils for reliable spring colour.
- Tulips for bold displays in borders and containers.
- Crocuses for early flowers and naturalising in suitable areas.
- Alliums for architectural flower heads in late spring and early summer.
Plant bulbs at the depth recommended on the packaging, usually around two to three times the bulb’s height. Position them in groups for a more natural and colourful display.
Bulbs in containers need good drainage, as prolonged winter wet can cause them to rot. Use suitable compost and ensure pots have drainage holes.
Tulips are often planted later in autumn than many other spring bulbs, so November is a useful time to get them into the ground.
Find your favourites in the flowering bulb collection.
Lift and store dahlias and begonias
If the first hard frost has blackened the foliage of your dahlias, it is time to consider lifting the tubers, particularly in colder parts of the UK or where the soil becomes wet during winter.
Cut the stems back, lift the tubers carefully with a garden fork and remove loose soil. Allow them to dry before storing them in a cool, dry, frost-free place. Check them occasionally over winter and discard any that show signs of rotting.
Tuberous begonias also need protection from frost. Once their foliage has died back, lift and store the tubers in suitable dry material in a frost-free location.
In mild areas with well-drained soil, some dahlias can survive in the ground under a generous layer of mulch. However, lifting them is generally the safer option in colder or wetter gardens.
Protect tender plants from frost
November frosts can damage plants that have thrived outdoors throughout summer.
Move vulnerable container plants into a greenhouse, conservatory or other suitable frost-free shelter. For plants that must remain outside, use horticultural fleece or another appropriate protective covering when frost is forecast.
Raise vulnerable pots slightly off the ground to improve drainage, and move them to a sheltered position where possible.
Avoid wrapping plants permanently in unsuitable plastic coverings, which can trap moisture and restrict ventilation. Check protected plants regularly and remove covers when conditions allow.
Clear fallen leaves
Fallen leaves can quickly accumulate on lawns, paths and patios in November.
Remove thick layers from lawns to allow light and air to reach the grass. Wet leaves can also become slippery on paths and paving, so clear these areas regularly.
Don’t discard all your leaves, however. Collect healthy leaves in a separate pile or leaf-mould bin and allow them to break down into leaf mould, a useful soil conditioner.
A thin layer of leaves can also be left beneath established trees and shrubs or in suitable wildlife-friendly areas, where it provides shelter for small creatures.
Look after your lawn
Grass growth slows as temperatures fall, but lawns may still need occasional attention during mild weather.
Mow only when the grass is growing and the ground is reasonably firm. Set the blades higher than during summer and avoid cutting the lawn when it is frosty, saturated or easily damaged.
If you have not already done so, remove fallen leaves and clear away debris that could smother the grass.
Avoid heavy scarifying or aerating when the lawn is wet, as this can cause more damage than benefit. Major repairs and renovation can wait until conditions are suitable.
Improve beds and borders
November is a good time to improve empty beds and prepare areas for planting next year.
Remove persistent weeds and spread a layer of well-rotted garden compost over suitable borders. Worms and soil organisms will gradually incorporate organic matter into the soil.
Avoid digging or walking on heavy clay soil when it is saturated, as this can damage its structure. Where soil needs improving, work when conditions are suitable rather than following a rigid calendar.
You can also plant hardy perennials and shrubs while the ground remains workable. Water new plants after planting and keep an eye on them during unusually dry spells.
Plant garlic
November can be a suitable time to plant garlic in many parts of the UK. Choose a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil.
Separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves shortly before planting and place each clove upright, with its pointed end facing upwards. Space them according to the variety’s instructions and cover with soil.
Garlic dislikes waterlogged conditions, so raised beds or containers can be useful where garden soil drains poorly.
Protect newly planted cloves from birds if necessary, and keep the area reasonably weed-free while the plants establish.
Prune and tidy roses carefully
November is a good time to inspect roses and remove dead, damaged or diseased growth. Shorten exceptionally long stems on exposed plants if necessary to reduce the risk of wind damage.
Avoid carrying out the main hard pruning of bush roses too early. Many roses are pruned in late winter or early spring, when the risk of severe frost has passed.
Check climbing roses and ramblers, secure loose stems to their supports and repair ties that have become damaged.
Remove fallen rose leaves, especially if black spot has been a problem. Good garden hygiene can help reduce the amount of infected material left around plants over winter.
Check trees, shrubs and climbers
Autumn winds can loosen supports and damage vulnerable growth.
Check newly planted trees to ensure that stakes and ties are secure but not constricting the trunk. Firm the soil around plants that have been rocked loose by wind.
Inspect trellis, fences and other climbing-plant supports, and secure loose stems where necessary.
November is also a good time to plant suitable deciduous trees and shrubs while they are dormant. Avoid planting in frozen or waterlogged ground, and water newly planted specimens if the weather remains dry.
Make the garden wildlife-friendly
A tidy garden does not need to be stripped bare.
Leave some seed heads and ornamental grasses standing where they provide winter interest and food for birds. Keep a small area of leaves or other natural shelter where practical, and avoid disturbing wildlife unnecessarily when clearing beds.
If you have a garden pond, remove excessive fallen leaves before they accumulate and begin to decay in the water.
Check bird feeders and birdbaths regularly, keeping them clean and ensuring that fresh water is available when temperatures allow.
Plan for next year’s garden
November is an ideal time to review the past growing season and decide what you want to change.
Make a note of plants that performed well, areas that lacked colour and any gaps that need filling. Plan where spring bulbs, roses and new shrubs will go before buying more plants.
You can also check stored dahlia and begonia tubers, organise seeds and clean plant labels.
A little planning during the quieter months can make planting more efficient and help you get better results next year.
Plants to buy and plant in November
For UK gardeners looking ahead to next year, several plant groups are particularly useful during November:
- Bare-root roses: establish new rose beds and borders during the dormant season.
- Bare-root trees and hedging: create structure, screening and wildlife-friendly boundaries.
- Daffodils and crocuses: provide early spring colour.
- Tulips: create colourful displays in borders and containers.
- Garlic: start a crop for harvesting in the following growing season.
Enjoy your November garden
November may be colder and quieter than the summer months, but it is an important time to prepare for winter and lay the foundations for next year’s growth.
Plant bare-root roses and bulbs while conditions are suitable, protect vulnerable plants, clear leaves from lawns and keep tools and supports in good condition. Don’t feel that every border must be cleared completely: leaving selected seed heads and natural shelter can benefit wildlife.
By choosing the right jobs for the weather and soil conditions, you can protect the garden through winter and look forward to a colourful new growing season.