November

The Edible Garden

This is a quieter month in the vegetable garden. Some winter crops may now be ready to harvest - spinach, swiss chard, winter cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Pick sprouts from the bottom of the stalk first.
Cauliflowers which have not been picked should have some leaves snapped off and laid over the floret to protect and maintain the whiteness.
Broad bean seeds can still be sown this month.
Plant garlic this month - direct in the garden in milder areas or in frames in colder parts.
Clear away any spent crops or debris from the garden and dig over soil. Leaving soil exposed over winter will allow frosts to break down clods and kill off any overwintering pests and diseases.
Feed winter vegetables with a fast acting soluble plant food.
 

The Flower Garden

Tulip bulbs can be planted this month.
Winter bedding can still be planted -Viola, Bellis, Primulas, wallflower, forget-me-nots.
Lift and store dahlias, cannas and tuberous begonias as first frosts start to appear.
Fork in high potash fertiliser around rose bushes and mulch with straw or organic compost.
Lift and store gladioli corms.
Plant lily bulbs in pots.
Plant new season’s Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
 

General

Fill in gaps in borders with hardy evergreen shrubs and grasses such as Cordylines. Phormium, Carex. Stake and tie any tall plants or new deciduous trees to protect against winter winds.
Give a good tidy up spray to roses and fruit trees to control overwintering fungus spores.
Reduce watering and feeding of house plants now that the temperatures are cooler.
Keep cyclamen in cool spots indoors away from radiators.
Remove all shading from greenhouse glass to ensure maximum light over winter.
 

What to look for in store this Month

Planted containers.
Living Christmas trees
Christmas decorations and gifts
Potted cyclamen
Orchids
Poinsettias and primroses
Cut Christmas trees