Head of Horticulture blog: November 2024

While growth has slowed down considerably, there is still plenty of work to be done to protect plants, tidy up beds, and even start thinking ahead to spring.

Here’s a list of tasks to prioritise the winter health of your garden:

Preparing for frost

We typically tend to start seeing the first frosts of the season so one of the key jobs this month is to protect tender plants from the cold. Plants such as dahlias, cannas, and pelargoniums can be damaged or killed by frost if left unprotected. Lift any tender bulbs or tubers that won’t survive the winter and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.

Alternatively, you can cover vulnerable plants with horticultural fleece, straw, or cloches to keep them warm. For potted plants, consider moving them to a sheltered spot or indoors if possible, such as in a greenhouse or conservatory. Remember to wrap the pots in bubble wrap or hessian to prevent the soil from freezing.

Tidy borders and flower beds

Although many plants are entering dormancy, it’s important to tidy up flower beds and borders. Remove dead foliage and spent annuals to keep your garden looking neat and prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in the decaying plant material. However, don’t be too zealous – leaving some seed heads and dead stems can provide a valuable food source for wildlife.

Perennials can be cut back to just above ground level, though some gardeners prefer to leave the stems of plants like ornamental grasses and sedums for structure and texture throughout winter. Make sure to remove any persistent weeds, as these can continue to grow during the winter months.

Mulching and Soil Care

November is the perfect time to give your soil some attention. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as well-rotted manure, compost, or leaf mould, to your flower beds, borders, and vegetable patches. This will help to protect plant roots from the cold, suppress weeds, and gradually improve soil structure as the mulch breaks down over winter.

If you have clay soil, the freezing and thawing action over winter can help to break down the heavy, compacted structure, making it easier to work with in spring. To assist this natural process, add organic matter now to improve drainage and soil texture. 

Pruning and Cutting Back

Certain plants benefit from pruning in November, particularly deciduous trees and shrubs. Once the leaves have fallen, it’s easier to see the plant’s structure and shape, allowing you to make precise cuts. Fruit trees such as apples and pears can be pruned now, removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and encourage healthy growth next season.

Roses should also be cut back to prevent wind rock – when strong winds rock the plant back and forth, loosening its roots in the soil. Prune them down to about half their height, and for climbing varieties, secure their stems to a support to prevent damage.

Tending to Lawns

While grass growth slows significantly in November, lawns still need some care before winter. Rake up fallen leaves regularly, as they can smother the grass and create damp conditions that encourage fungal diseases. Once the leaves are clear, give the lawn a final light mow on a high setting to tidy it up before winter.

Avoid walking on the grass during periods of frost or heavy rain, as this can damage the soil structure and leave unsightly marks on the lawn. If the soil is compacted, aerating it with a garden fork or a specialised aeration tool can improve drainage and help prevent waterlogging during the wet winter months.

Planting for Spring

Even as temperatures drop, November is still a good time for planting, especially for spring-flowering bulbs. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses can all be planted now to provide a beautiful burst of colour when the weather warms up again. Tulips, in particular, benefit from being planted later in autumn, as this reduces the risk of disease.

If you’re planning to grow garlic or broad beans, November is an ideal time to sow these crops. Garlic thrives when planted in cold soil, and early sowing gives the cloves time to establish strong roots before the ground freezes.

Looking After Wildlife

Winter can be tough on garden wildlife, so it’s a good idea to lend them a helping hand in November. Install bird feeders and keep them stocked with high-energy foods like sunflower seeds and suet to help birds build up their fat reserves for the cold months ahead. Leave some piles of fallen leaves or logs in a quiet corner of the garden as a shelter for hedgehogs, toads, and insects.

If you have a pond, now is the time to remove any decaying plant material from the water and ensure that it’s clear of debris. Consider placing a ball or floating object in the pond to prevent it from freezing over completely, allowing wildlife to access the water throughout the winter.

Aerating and Scarifying

October is the perfect time to aerate your lawn, particularly in areas prone to compaction. Use a garden fork or a mechanical aerator to create small holes across the lawn. This helps to improve drainage and allows air and nutrients to penetrate the soil. Scarifying, or raking the lawn, removes thatch—dead grass and organic matter that can build up over time, stifling new growth.

Feeding

An autumn lawn feed, which is high in potassium and lower in nitrogen, can help strengthen grass for the winter ahead. Potassium encourages root development, which improves the lawn’s ability to withstand frost and other harsh conditions. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds in autumn, as these promote soft growth that is more susceptible to frost damage.

November is a wonderful month in the gardens as the trees and shrubs continue their seasonal transition. Standout sights include the fiery red display from Enkianthus Perulatus on the top lawn and the golden hues of Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Seiryu’ standing proudly by the lake. Later this month the delicate blooms of Camellia sasanqua ‘Showa No Sakae’ and Camellia x vernalis ‘Yuletide’ will delight visitors whilst the spiky, more upright form of Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ with its racemes of small yellow flowers adds a welcome burst of colour on winter days.

As we approach the festive season, bring your little ones to Furzey Gardens for the enchanting “How to Train a Reindeer!” craft activity and trail, running from November 16 to December 24, 2024.

Kids can unleash their creativity by crafting their own reindeer hobby horse and then ride it to special training zones, completing fun challenges along the way. After mastering all the skills, participants can visit our Christmas cottage to collect a special treat!

Staffed crafting sessions are available on weekends and during school holidays, while self-led activities can be enjoyed at other times with no booking required.

Don’t forget to purchase garden entry tickets if you’re not a member. Join us for a magical reindeer adventure at Furzey Gardens! Book your reindeer training tickets here.