Tips for Gardening in November
November is here, and the weather is finally starting to feel like winter is on the way. Days are getting shorter and it is getting cooler. Keeping yourself warm in the garden will be a priority and as there is always plenty that can be done, keeping warm should be easy!
Leaves are falling faster now and need to be raked up. Use a rake and leaf grabber to make the job easier. Use the leaved to make a mulch for the garden next year - put them in a plastic bin liner with holes punched in, or make a wire cage for leaves. They will need at least a year to turn into decent mulch. Use mulch made in previous years now in the garden.
Add grease bands to fruit trees to limit moth damage. Grease bands are pesticide free and will prevent caterpillars climbing the tree and therefore will halt moth infestations in the spring. If you have young fruit trees and rabbits, protect them with tree guards. More established apples and pears will benefit from winter pruning.
Its your last chance to plant bulbs for spring colour if you haven't done so already. Overplant tubs of bulbs with winter colour such as pansy, primrose or viola for winter long colour. Perennials can be mulched. Make sure you have lifted any tubers before the frosts really set in. Store them in a cool, dry shed.
Feed the birds! They will be getting hungary as food sources dry up and cold sets in. Feed them all through the winter - there is a wide range of feed available for all types of garden bird. Use a feeder or bird table to attract them. Make sure they are kept clean and disease free. Put feeders near your window so you can watch from your favourite chair.
Keep warm and enjoy the garden!
