Winter garden survival guide – November tasks
As the days get shorter and colder, our lives move indoors and away from our gardens. But the advent of winter doesn’t have to mean the end of your plants, or hours toiling away in the cold to keep your garden going. We’ve put together this handy winter survival guide to help you minimise the damage to your garden and outbuildings during the colder months, and some tips and tricks to make the most of your outdoor space during winter.
Check out our winter garden survival guide below, or download, print it out and pin it to your fridge so you don’t forget to keep your garden going over the colder months.
Download the printable November edition
November Survival Guide.pdf
Week 1
Rake up any dead leaves, grass, moss and rubbish that has gathered over the last few months.
Finish planting all your spring bulbs – now is a good time, especially for planting tulip bulbs.
Ensure your shed is waterproofed, windows are sealed and that any wood is treated.
Plant any hedging and any other bare-rooted plants and carry out formative pruning for any new hedges that are up to 2 years old.
As plants die off and trees lose their leaves, this is the perfect time to check your fence for damage and make any necessary repairs.
Week 2
Stack your logs so that each pile is no more than a metre tall and stacked in a way that allows for plenty of circulation with gaps between the logs.
Birds become more dependant on your food in the winter so clean out any bird feeders and make sure there is plenty of water available.
Plant new herbaceous perennials while the soil is moist but still warm, as well as winter pansies, wallflowers and primroses for colour.
Make sure your fences are sealed or stained before winter sets in to prevent any damage from moisture and dropping temperatures.
Week 3
Spread fallen leaves over flower beds to create a foraging environment for thrushes and blackbirds, and coverage for frogs.
If you live in an area where the soil freezes, lift and store your Dahlias, Cannas and Begonias – check the tubers regularly and sprinkle with a little water to keep them moist.
Brush down trellis panels and clear dead leaves and debris from drainage points at the bottom of the trellis.
Cut back any overhanging trees or hedges so they don’t come in contact with your shed and damage it.
Any mowing should leave the grass at around 4cm to help it survive over the winter.
Week 4
Check gutters on sheds and greenhouses for debris and fallen leaves that maybe causing blockages.
Prune deciduous trees, shrubs and hedges while the branches have no leaves, and remove weeds from around the bottom of trees.
Before putting tools back in the shed, make sure they are cleaned and oiled. Now is also a good time to send your lawnmower away for maintenance.
Clear any debris, rubbish and dead leaves from around the bottom of your fence to prevent damage from moisture.
Make sure ponds and bird baths are clean and haven’t frozen over – put a couple of clay tiles in the pond to provide cover for frogs and other acquatic life.
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