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Writer's pictureKerri Cuthbert

Essential Tips for Gardening in November

Updated: Dec 2


Planting Guide November

1. Bare Root Planting

November is the ideal time to plant bare-root trees and shrubs. Follow these steps to ensure successful planting:


  • Soak the Roots: Before planting, place the roots in a bucket of water for a couple of hours. This rehydrates them and promotes strong root development in the soil.

  • Prepare the Planting Site: Select a location and dig a hole wide enough for the roots to spread comfortably. Clear away any weeds or debris to give the plant a fresh start.

  • Set the Depth and Mulch: Position the tree or shrub at the same depth it was previously grown. Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect against frost.


Benefits of Bare Root Plants

  • Cost-Effective: Bare-root plants are often more affordable than potted plants.

  • Quick Establishment: They adapt quickly to their environment, establishing strong root systems.

  • Eco-Friendly Choice: With less packaging and lower transport impact, bare-root plants are a sustainable option.

Bare Root Tree

2. Check Supports

Winter can be tough on young trees, so it’s essential to ensure they’re securely supported. Follow these steps to protect them from wind damage:


  • Loosen Tight Ties: Inspect and loosen any tree ties that may be too tight, allowing the tree to grow without restriction. Ties that are too tight can damage the bark and hinder growth.

  • Secure Supports: Check that all tree stakes and supports are firmly in place. Strong winter winds can dislodge supports, so make sure they’re stable to prevent trees from bending or snapping.

  • Inspect for Wear and Tear: Examine both the ties and supports for any signs of wear or damage. Replacing worn ties or damaged stakes now will keep your trees protected all winter long.


Benefits of Checking Tree Ties

  • Prevents Damage: Avoids damage to the bark and promotes healthy growth.

  • Reduces Risk of Uprooting: Securing trees properly reduces the chance of them toppling in strong winds.

  • Promotes Longevity: Regular checks help young trees establish themselves more successfully over time.

Tree supports and ties

3. Taking Hardwood Cuttings

Hardwood cuttings are a simple, effective way to propagate new plants from existing shrubs and trees, allowing you to expand your garden affordably. This time of year is ideal for taking cuttings, as plants are dormant and will establish roots over winter. Here’s how to get started:


  • Choose Healthy Stems: Select strong, healthy stems from this year’s growth. Look for mature wood that’s firm and free from disease, ideally about the thickness of a pencil.

  • Cut and Trim: Using clean, sharp secateurs, cut a length of about 20-30cm from the chosen stem. Trim the top of the cutting just above a bud and the base just below a bud, to encourage rooting.

  • Plant in Well-Drained Soil: Insert the cuttings into pots or directly into a prepared bed of well-drained soil, burying them about halfway. Ensure they are upright, spaced apart, and placed in a sheltered spot. Keep the soil lightly moist over winter to encourage root formation.


Benefits of Hardwood Cuttings

  • Budget-Friendly: Growing new plants from cuttings is cost-effective, especially for larger gardens.

  • Reliable Growth: Hardwood cuttings are more resilient, establishing themselves steadily over winter and sprouting in spring.

  • Increased Variety: Taking cuttings allows you to replicate favourite shrubs and trees, adding more of what you love to your garden.

Hardwood Cuttings

4. Pruning Fruit Trees

With trees now dormant, winter is the perfect time to prune apple and pear trees. Pruning encourages healthier growth, reduces the risk of disease, and improves fruit production. Follow these steps to ensure your trees are pruned effectively:


  • Remove Damaged or Dead Wood: Start by cutting away any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Removing these sections protects the tree and allows it to focus energy on healthy growth.

  • Thin Out Crossing Branches: Look for branches that cross over or rub against each other. Thin these out to open up the canopy, which improves airflow and reduces the risk of fungal disease.

  • Shape and Balance the Tree: Aim for a balanced shape that allows sunlight to reach all parts of the tree. Focus on creating an open, goblet shape, which encourages better fruiting and easier harvesting. Make cuts just above an outward-facing bud to direct growth away from the centre.


Benefits of Winter Pruning

  • Encourages Stronger Growth: Pruning in winter channels the tree’s energy into fewer, healthier branches.

  • Improves Airflow and Sunlight: An open structure promotes airflow and sunlight, reducing disease risk.

  • Boosts Fruit Quality: Regular pruning leads to larger, healthier fruit by limiting crowding on the branches.

Winter pruning

5. Winter Bedding Plants

Winter bedding plants are a wonderful way to keep your garden vibrant through the colder months. Hardy varieties like heather, hellebores, and ornamental cabbage thrive in low temperatures, bringing fresh colour and interest to beds, borders, and containers. Here’s how to make the most of winter bedding:


  • Choose Hardy Varieties: Select winter-flowering plants like heather and hellebores, which can withstand frosty conditions. Their evergreen foliage and bright flowers add warmth to the winter landscape.

  • Plant in the Right Spots: Position winter bedding plants by doorways, along pathways, or in raised borders for high visibility. Grouping them together creates a strong visual impact and maximises their colour against the bare winter garden.

  • Add Texture and Contrast: Pair flowering plants with evergreen foliage or ornamental grasses to create texture and depth. Plants like cyclamen and ivy work well alongside winter bloomers, creating a balanced display that lasts through winter.


Benefits of Winter Bedding

  • Seasonal Colour: Winter bedding brings bright colour and life to the garden when most other plants are dormant.

  • Cold-Resilient: Hardy varieties stand up to frost and cold, ensuring your garden stays lively through winter.

  • Low Maintenance: Once established, winter bedding plants require minimal care, thriving with just occasional watering in dry spells.

Winter Flowers

6. Surface Clearing

Maintaining clear, clean surfaces in the garden is especially important as winter sets in. Fallen leaves, dirt, and organic debris can create slippery, hazardous conditions on patios, paths, and decking. Regular clearing also helps reduce the spread of fungal growth. Here’s how to keep your hard surfaces safe and tidy through winter:


  • Clear Leaves and Debris: Use a stiff broom or rake to remove leaves and organic matter from patios, pathways, and steps. Sweeping regularly prevents the build-up of slippery surfaces, which can become treacherous in wet or frosty conditions.

  • Scrub Away Algae and Moss: Check for moss or algae, especially in shaded areas. A soft brush and some warm, soapy water can help lift these growths, keeping surfaces free from unwanted, slippery patches.

  • Check and Clear Drainage Areas: Make sure drainage channels and gutters are free from fallen leaves and debris. Keeping these areas clear reduces the risk of water pooling, which can lead to icy patches and potential flooding.


Benefits of Surface Clearing

  • Enhanced Safety: Regularly cleared surfaces reduce the risk of slips and accidents, especially in icy or wet weather.

  • Prevents Fungal Growth: Removing organic matter lowers the chance of fungi or algae growth on garden surfaces.

  • Protects Hardscaping: A well-maintained garden floor keeps patios, pathways, and decking in top condition, preserving them for years to come.

Fallen Autumn Leaves

As we move into December, the garden begins its winter rest, with most plants now fully dormant. This month is about embracing the quieter beauty of the season and safeguarding your garden for the colder months ahead. It’s a great time to focus on tasks like protecting delicate plants from frost, keeping hard surfaces clear, and maintaining feeders for garden wildlife. Adding winter-flowering shrubs and hardy evergreens can bring year-round structure and colour to your garden’s winter landscape. Keep an eye out for our next guide, where we’ll share more seasonal tips to keep your garden thriving.

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