TINA WOODHAMS GARDENING NOTES FOR NOVEMBER
Gardening is a fabulous way to keep active and the month of November can be a really productive time, catching up on all those tasks that we haven’t yet started and planning for the next year. This is usually the time that the garden starts to slow down, however with October bringing higher than average temperatures we may yet see a prolonged growing season!
One noticeable factor in our weather patterns appears to be the strengthening winds, so it is good practice to stake and support plants and trees where necessary, including crops in the vegetable garden.
Continue to cut back yellowing foliage of perennial plants, remembering to mulch afterwards, and prune roses to prevent wind rock.
Keep clearing the seemingly endless mountains of fallen leaves from lawns and pathways. Now is a good time to concentrate on controlling pests and diseases and any infected leaves gathered on herbaceous borders could instigate problems in the spring. Check containers for slugs and snails and also vine weevil, these pests can devastate an entire pot of plants!
Lawns will benefit from aeration to avoid waterlogging and subsequent growth of moss; you can either use a lawn aerator or simply insert a garden fork at regular intervals into the turf to create drainage holes (or go dancing on the lawn in your stiletto heels!!). The soil will still be warm from the summer months so it is a perfect time to lay new turf, giving the roots chance to take hold before the energy is directed into the growth of the grass next spring.
Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display next year, either in pots or directly into the ground. These perform better if they are planted deep so cover them with at least twice their depth of soil or compost. You may find that early-spring bulbs have reduced in price so grab them quickly as they can still be planted for a show next year. Sowing sweet pea seeds now indoors will provide an earlier and extended flowering season.
Plant bare-root trees, hedging, shrubs and climbers, ensuring that they are staked and protected from rabbits using tree guards. Applying grease bands around the trunks of fruit trees such as apple, plum, pear and cherry will deter winter moth damage and protect next year’s fruit buds – it’s not my favourite task but you will reap the benefits!
In the vegetable patch… protect your salads, peas and beans with cloches bearing in mind that good ventilation is crucial so if necessary leave the ends open to ensure adequate air circulation.
Leave any netting on brassicas to protect from pigeons and rabbits and check that ties on fruit and vegetable supports are in good order to prevent against wind damage.
We are still privileged to see all the wonderful, vibrant colours on offer this season, from the golds, reds and bronzes of tree foliage to the abundance of fruit and autumn flowers, so enjoy the great outdoors – Happy Gardening!