November in the Garden
As the garden slows, we tend, tidy, and take stock 🍂
November brings the unmistakable signs of winter — bare branches, rustling leaves, and the steady patter of rain. The days are shorter, the air is crisper, and it’s time to prepare your garden (and its wildlife visitors) for the colder months ahead. There’s satisfaction to be found in tidying, protecting, and planning — all while enjoying the calm beauty of the late autumn garden.
Top Jobs for November
- Clear fallen leaves – Rake up leaves from lawns, ponds, and flower beds to keep areas clear and prevent rot. Collected leaves can be stored to make nutrient-rich leaf mould for next year.
- Raise pots and containers – Use pot feet or small blocks to prevent waterlogging during heavy rain.
- Plant tulip bulbs – November is the perfect time to plant tulips for a vibrant spring display.
- Prune roses – Lightly prune to reduce wind-rock and prevent roots from loosening in strong gales.
- Plant winter bedding – Add colour with pansies, violas, cyclamen, and wallflowers to brighten borders and containers.
- Protect brassicas – Cover with netting to keep hungry pigeons at bay.
- Insulate outdoor containers – Wrap pots in bubble wrap or fleece to protect roots from frost.
- Prevent winter moth damage – Apply grease bands around fruit tree trunks to stop moths laying eggs.
- Feed the birds – Keep bird feeders and water bowls topped up; food and water are scarce in winter.
- Seasonal bonfire – Where permitted, burn fallen branches and diseased plant material unfit for composting.
General Garden Care
November is all about protection and preparation. Move tender plants into greenhouses, conservatories, or sheltered spots. For those that must stay outdoors, wrap pots and plants with horticultural fleece or straw for insulation.
Continue aerating lawns if the weather allows, and check garden structures like fences and sheds before winter storms arrive. It’s also the perfect time to plan next year’s planting schemes while enjoying the quieter rhythm of the garden.
Top 10 Jobs This Month
- Clear fallen leaves from lawns, ponds, and beds.
- Raise pots on feet to prevent waterlogging.
- Plant tulip bulbs for spring.
- Prune roses to prevent wind-rock.
- Plant winter bedding for colour.
- Cover brassicas with netting.
- Insulate pots from frost with bubble wrap.
- Stop winter moth damage with grease bands on fruit trees.
- Feed and water garden birds regularly.
- Use a bonfire to dispose of debris where allowed.
What’s in Stock This Month 🌿
At Newquay Garden Centre, November is the month for protecting, planting, and planning. You’ll find:
- Tulip, crocus, and hyacinth bulbs for spring planting
- Winter bedding plants – pansies, violas, cyclamen, and wallflowers
- Horticultural fleece, bubble wrap, and pot feet for frost protection
- Bird feeders, seed, and fat balls to help local wildlife
- Mulch, compost, and leaf bags for tidying and enriching soil
- Bonfire and garden tools for autumn clear-up jobs
Pop in for friendly advice on keeping your garden healthy through the colder months — and stock up early for a bright, colourful spring.
Cornwall Gardening Tip
Cornwall’s mild but stormy Novembers bring heavy rain and coastal winds rather than deep frosts. Make sure drainage is good — raise pots, clear gutters, and mulch borders to protect roots from soggy soil. For exposed coastal gardens, secure trellises, greenhouses, and cloches, and use windbreak mesh to shield delicate plants from salt spray and gales.
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