With freezing temperatures approaching, UK gardeners are being urged to complete essential tasks to safeguard their plots and secure a homegrown Christmas dinner. Craig Wilson, co-founder and expert at Gardeners Dream, has outlined the crucial November jobs every homeowner should prioritise.
Protect Brussels Sprouts and Harvest Parsnips
Brussels sprout plants are particularly vulnerable to wet and windy autumn conditions. Wilson advises adding support to prevent wind rock: "As we experience more wind, any top-heavy brussels might be at risk of wind rock. To help keep them stable, add a cane to provide some additional support and keep them upright until Christmas." Securing them now prevents snapping or root damage before harvest.
Parsnips should be pulled after the first frosts for the best flavour. Wilson explains: "After the first frosts, and just in time for your Christmas dinner, your parsnips will be ready to be removed from the ground." The cold converts starches into natural sugars, enhancing sweetness.
Plant Alliums and Guard Fruit Trees
November is ideal for planting onions, shallots, and garlic. Wilson recommends raised beds: "This month is a good time to plant your onions, shallots and garlic. I'd recommend doing so in raised beds as these allow for better drainage."
For fruit trees, grease bands can deter winter moths. Wilson says: "Winter moths can be a problem for fruit trees, laying their eggs in the leaves. To make it harder for them to do so, pop some grease bands around the trunks to stop them in their tracks."
Plant Bulbs and Apply Mulch
Tulip bulbs should be planted now for a spring display. Wilson notes: "If you want a beautiful spring display next year, it is time to start planting your tulip bulbs." Cool November soil reduces fungal diseases like tulip fire.
Applying mulch protects borderline hardy plants. Wilson advises: "As the temperatures drop, some plants and flowers will need some additional protection. You should look to apply an autumn mulch to any borderline hardy plants."
Winter Bedding and Moving Tender Plants Indoors
Winter bedding flowers like pansies should be planted this month. Wilson says: "This month is your last chance to plant out any winter bedding flowers, such as pansies. Make sure to plant them into well-prepared soil or pots with suitable compost."
Tender perennials and subtropical varieties need indoor storage. Wilson recommends: "From November, temperatures will continue to drop making it the ideal time to start moving your tender plants and bulbs indoors. Over the winter they will need to be stored in the home, or a heated greenhouse."
Aerate Lawns and Support Wildlife
Aerating compacted lawns improves drainage and prevents moss. Wilson advises: "If you haven't already, you'll want to aerate your lawn before winter really sets in. Using an aerator or a garden fork to poke holes in the ground to allow for better drainage through the wetter months."
Bird baths and feeders should be filled to support local wildlife. Wilson adds: "Not only does it get more difficult for birds to find food as the weather gets colder and many of their food sources start to die back, but encouraging them into your garden with fresh food and water will help to keep pests at bay too."
