As temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, autumn signals a key period in the gardening calendar. Gardeners can use this time to plan ahead for the following year's planting while completing final maintenance tasks left over from the summer.
To help keep gardens healthy through the colder months, Paul Parker, gardening expert at plants and perennial specialists J. Parker's, has shared practical tips for November. Most of these tasks prepare the way for next year's blooms, but one project will be ready in time for the festive season.
Prepare Perennials for Winter
Parker explained: "November is an ideal time for mulching hardy perennial plants, such as fuchsias and agapanthus, that may be affected by heavy frosts. This prevents the soil from heaving when fluctuating hot and cold temperatures cause the soil to repeatedly thaw and freeze, pushing the roots out of the earth."
He added: "A protective covering with organic material such as peat or straw will help prevent moisture loss and keep the soil at a steady temperature. You may also want to move some tender plants into a cool, sheltered location to prevent damage over the winter."
Plant Bare Root Fruit Trees and Roses
"November is a great time for planting any loose-rooted plants such as fruit trees and roses, because they are still dormant and the cool, moist autumn conditions help the roots to establish," said Parker. "However, if the ground is frozen or waterlogged, do not plant your bare-root varieties and wait for it to dry up."
He also advised: "Larger fruit trees may need to be tied to a stake to prevent wind damage. Always tie the tree to the stake low to the ground so the tree can move in the wind, but the roots will be stable."
Start Sowing Sweet Peas Indoors
Parker suggested: "If you are growing sweet peas from seed, you can get started on sowing them in either autumn or spring. This means November is a great time to get your sweet pea seeds started, however, it's important to make sure these are kept somewhere indoors, where they aren't going to be affected by frost."
He continued: "Sweet peas are easy to grow, simply sow them in pots or trays and use a peat-free compost. By May, once the risk of frost has passed, you can plant out your sweet peas in your borders or containers."
Grow Amaryllis for Christmas Blooms
"With bold festive hues and trumpet-shaped flowers, amaryllis make a great Christmas gift, even better if it's one you have grown yourself," said the expert. "If you want your amaryllis to bloom in time for the 25th of December, then get started on planting in the first week of November."
Parker advised planting amaryllis in large pots of potting soil and placing them in a warm spot, such as near a radiator or fireplace, watering sparingly until the first signs of growth appear. Once the shoots reach around 10cm, the pots should be moved to a reasonably warm part of the house, with flowers expected within 6 to 8 weeks of planting.
