As winter approaches, it is important to keep your garden tidy so that it will flourish in the spring. The weather may be dull, but make the most of dry spells to get out in your garden with our top gardening jobs for November.
Tidying
Don’t let fallen leaves fester in your garden and drains. Clear up fallen leaves, particularly from lawns, beds and ponds. Check your drains and gutters, too.
Planting
There is still time to plant daffodil bulbs, if you haven’t already. November is the best time to plant tulips, too, to prevent Tulip Fire Infection. If you have cleared out your pots, hyacinths make beautiful pot and raised bed displays. Have you always wanted a magnolia tree? Now is the best time to plant one, so it flourishes in the spring.
Pruning
Pruning in November is about more than aesthetics, it can help to protect your plants from infection and damage from the elements. Prune your rose bushes to prevent wind-rock; if they suffered from blackspot or rust last summer, make sure you clear all debris from under the bushes to prevent re-infection. Cut back your herbaceous perennials, removing all yellowing foliage. If your borders have become overcrowded, lift and divide clumps of plants so that they can flourish.
Pots
Make sure that your pots are raised onto feet to prevent them from becoming too wet. Plant heathers, trailing ivy, or grasses for a stunning winter display. Some pots may need insulating; bubble wrap around the pots will protect more delicate plants from harsh frosts.
Lawn Care
You probably mowed your garden in preparation for winter in October – if you haven’t had your last mow yet, do it before the ground gets too wet, and choose a higher cut-height. Likewise, if you haven’t yet aerated your lawn, it’s not too late. You can use an aerator, but a fork inserted into the soil at regular intervals works just as well.
Getting Help
If taking care of your garden feels like a full-time job, if you are struggling to make your garden bloom, or you simply don’t have the time, then why not consider hiring a gardener? A reliable local gardener can offer you tips and advice for the best plants for your soil and climate conditions. What’s more, they can regularly, professionally tend to your garden throughout the year, helping you to cultivate a garden that you can enjoy every day.
Trust A Trader can help you to find skilled, rated and reviewed gardeners near you.
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