What to Do in the Garden in November | UK Gardening Jobs
Discover what to do in your garden in November, including bare-root planting, lawn care, winter pruning, fruit and vegetables, frost protection and plants to enjoy.
What to do in my garden in November
November is when the UK garden moves decisively towards winter. Most deciduous trees are losing their leaves, herbaceous plants are retreating, lawns are slowing down and the garden’s underlying structure becomes much more visible.
It is also one of the best months for planting.
Bare-root and root-balled trees, hedging and shrubs become widely available during the dormant season, and planting now gives roots time to establish before spring growth begins.
The focus in November is less about active growth and more about preparation. Clear dangerous or slippery leaves, protect vulnerable plants, inspect drainage, secure structures, keep lawns free of debris and make the most of the dormant planting season.
November is also an excellent month to assess the bones of the garden. With summer growth disappearing, it becomes easier to see whether there is enough evergreen structure, attractive bark, winter stems, berries and architectural planting to carry the garden through the colder months.
Top 10 tips
1. Plant bare-root trees and hedging
November is an excellent time to plant bare-root and root-balled trees, shrubs and hedging while plants are dormant.
Avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged ground.
2. Clear leaves from lawns and paths
Wet leaves can smother grass and make paving dangerously slippery.
Collect them regularly.
3. Protect tender plants
Move vulnerable container plants into sheltered or frost-free conditions and protect plants that cannot be moved.
4. Check drainage
Keep channels, gullies, gutters and outlets clear before winter rainfall becomes more persistent.
5. Reduce lawn mowing
Mow only when necessary and only when conditions are suitable.
Avoid mowing frozen or saturated grass.
6. Begin suitable winter pruning
Some deciduous trees and shrubs can be pruned during dormancy.
Always check the requirements of the individual species.
7. Plant tulips
November is traditionally an excellent month for planting tulip bulbs.
8. Secure structures
Check fences, gates, pergolas and garden buildings before winter storms.
9. Leave useful seed heads standing
Seed heads and grasses provide winter structure and can support wildlife.
10. Plan winter improvements
Use the clearer structure of the November garden to identify gaps in screening, planting, access and hard landscaping.
Herbaceous Perennials
By November, many herbaceous plants have finished flowering and are beginning to die back.
Some can be cut down, but there is no need to clear everything.
Plants with attractive seed heads or strong winter form can remain standing.
These may include:
Echinacea
Rudbeckia
Phlomis
Hylotelephium
Eryngium
Verbena bonariensis
Ornamental grasses
Leaving selected stems can add structure to the winter garden and provide shelter or food for wildlife.
Remove growth that is:
Diseased
Collapsed across paths
Rotting badly
Smothering neighbouring plants
November can still be suitable for dividing some hardy perennials if soil conditions remain workable.
Replant divisions promptly and water them in.
Apply mulch to borders where appropriate, but avoid smothering plant crowns.
If tender perennials are being overwintered, make sure they are protected before severe frost arrives.
November is one of the main planting months for trees and shrubs.
Bare-root and root-balled stock is increasingly available, making this a particularly important period for larger planting projects and hedging.
Plant when the soil is:
Not frozen
Not waterlogged
Workable
Free draining enough to support establishment
When planting, pay attention to:
Correct planting depth
Root flare position
Rootball stability
Staking
Tree ties
Backfilling
Mulching
Watering
Even in November, newly planted trees should be watered thoroughly after planting.
Check existing trees for damage following strong winds.
Inspect stakes and ties and adjust anything that is loose or rubbing.
Many deciduous trees and shrubs can be pruned while dormant, but not all plants should be treated the same.
Avoid pruning species that are better handled at other times of year.
November is also a particularly good month for planting deciduous hedging.
Grass growth slows considerably during November.
Mowing may still be necessary during mild periods, but frequency should reduce.
Only mow when:
The lawn is reasonably dry
The ground is not frozen
The soil is not waterlogged
Keep the cutting height relatively high.
Remove fallen leaves regularly.
Leaves left sitting on grass can block light and create damp conditions that encourage deterioration.
Avoid heavy scarification or renovation once conditions become too cold or wet.
Aeration may still be useful on suitable ground, but avoid working on saturated soil.
Minimise unnecessary foot traffic over waterlogged or frozen lawns.
November is also a useful month to observe drainage.
If sections remain persistently wet, note them for future improvement.
The main fruit harvest is largely complete by November, but there is still plenty to do.
Continue checking stored apples and pears.
Remove any fruit showing signs of rot before problems spread.
November is an excellent month for planting bare-root fruit trees and bushes.
Possible planting includes:
Apple trees
Pear trees
Currants
Gooseberries
Raspberries
Prepare planting holes properly and avoid planting into waterlogged ground.
Winter pruning of established apple and pear trees can begin where appropriate.
The aim is usually to maintain a balanced framework, encourage productive growth and improve light and air movement.
Do not winter-prune stone fruit such as:
Cherries
Plums
Gages
Damsons
These are generally pruned during active growth to reduce disease risk.
Check tree guards and supports around young fruit trees.
The vegetable garden becomes quieter in November, but hardy crops may still be producing well.
Possible harvests include:
Leeks
Kale
Brussels sprouts
Parsnips
Chard
Winter cabbage
Carrots
Turnips
Parsnips often improve in flavour after cold weather.
Protect winter brassicas from pigeons where necessary.
Clear finished crops from beds.
Healthy material can be composted, while diseased material should be handled appropriately.
Vacant beds can be:
Mulched
Covered
Sown with green manure where suitable
Left rough where winter weather will help break down heavier soil
Garlic can still be planted.
Some broad bean varieties are also suitable for autumn sowing in appropriate conditions.
Check stored onions, potatoes and squashes regularly for decay.
Hardy herbs can continue providing useful harvests during November.
These may include:
Rosemary
Thyme
Sage
Parsley
Bay
Tender herbs will usually need protection.
Basil is generally finished unless kept in warm protected conditions.
Move vulnerable container herbs into sheltered positions.
Ensure Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary and thyme have good drainage.
Winter wet can be as damaging as winter cold.
Remove dead or diseased foliage but avoid hard pruning woody herbs.
Protect container roots where severe frost is expected.
Raise pots slightly if necessary to improve drainage.
November is a key month for winter preparation around ponds and water features.
Continue removing fallen leaves before they sink.
Decaying leaves can increase nutrient levels and reduce water quality.
Check:
Pumps
Filters
Pipework
Reservoirs
Fountains
Rills
Grilles
Electrical connections
Remove excessive dead aquatic foliage.
Clean filters where necessary.
Protect exposed pipework or vulnerable components from frost according to the system design.
Do not assume every water feature should be completely drained or switched off.
Some systems are designed to run year-round, while others require winterisation.
Follow the requirements of the specific installation.
In wildlife ponds, avoid unnecessary disturbance.
Leave some plant material and habitat around the margins.
November brings a greater risk of slippery surfaces.
Wet leaves, algae and prolonged damp conditions can make paths and steps hazardous.
Regularly clean:
Paths
Patios
Steps
Decking
Driveways
Inspect:
Porcelain paving
Natural stone
Paving joints
Garden walls
Retaining walls
Drainage channels
Manhole covers
Raised beds
Keep drains and channels clear.
Heavy autumn rain can reveal weaknesses in falls, drainage and surface water management.
Investigate persistent pooling.
Check retaining walls and steps for movement or frost-sensitive damage.
Trim planting away from access routes where it has become obstructive.
Good winter access depends on clear routes, reliable drainage and safe surfaces.
November is an important month for checking structural elements before winter storms.
Inspect:
Fences
Gates
Pergolas
Trellis
Screens
Gazebos
Garden buildings
Arches
Raised beds
Repair loose fence panels and posts.
Tighten fixings where necessary.
Check gates close securely.
Remove or secure lightweight outdoor items that could become damaged or airborne in strong winds.
Inspect garden building roofs, gutters and downpipes.
Keep gutters free of leaves.
Climbing plants can place heavy loads on structures when wet.
Check supports and remove dead or detached growth where appropriate.
Store garden furniture that is not designed to remain outdoors.
House plants are generally growing more slowly in November.
Lower light levels mean they usually require less water.
Allow compost to guide watering frequency rather than following a fixed schedule.
Reduce feeding for plants in slower winter growth.
Move plants closer to available light where appropriate.
Avoid:
Cold draughts
Direct contact with cold window glass
Excessive heat from radiators
Permanently wet compost
Central heating can reduce indoor humidity.
Plants that prefer humid conditions may need additional attention.
Continue checking for:
Spider mites
Mealybugs
Scale insects
Fungus gnats
Remove dead leaves promptly.
Dust foliage gently so leaves can make the most of reduced winter light.
November weather can be highly variable.
Frost
Frost becomes increasingly common.
Protect tender plants and vulnerable containers.
Heavy Rain
Saturated soil can quickly become a problem.
Avoid unnecessary work on waterlogged ground.
Strong Winds
Winter storms can damage trees, fences and structures.
Inspect the garden after severe weather.
Low Light
Short days and low sun angles affect both outdoor and indoor plants.
Shade increases and damp areas remain wet for longer.
Mild Spells
Growth may continue during unusually mild weather.
Do not assume everything is fully dormant simply because it is November.
Plants to enjoy in November
Border and rock garden
Helleborus
Some early Hellebores may begin producing buds or flowers.
Their evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage also provides useful structure.
Cyclamen hederifolium
Autumn Cyclamen may continue flowering into November.
Hylotelephium
Faded flower heads retain architectural value.
Phlomis
Distinctive seed heads provide excellent winter structure.
Eryngium
Dried seed heads remain attractive long after flowering.
Bergenia
Large evergreen leaves can develop reddish tones in colder weather.
Heuchera
Colourful foliage continues to provide interest close to ground level.
Ornamental Grasses
Grasses become increasingly valuable as frost and low light highlight their structure.
Trees and shrubs with foliage of interest
Fatsia japonica
Large glossy leaves provide strong architectural interest.
Aucuba japonica
Evergreen foliage, particularly variegated forms, brings brightness to shaded areas.
Ilex aquifolium
Glossy evergreen leaves combine with winter berries.
Mahonia
Bold evergreen foliage provides useful structure.
Euonymus fortunei
Variegated cultivars give reliable winter colour.
Skimmia japonica
Evergreen foliage combines with flower buds or berries depending on cultivar and plant sex.
Pittosporum
Where hardy, Pittosporum provides refined evergreen foliage.
Trees with colourful fruit
November is an excellent month for berries and ornamental fruit.
Malus – Crab Apples
Many crab apples retain colourful fruit well into winter.
Sorbus – Rowan
Some rowans continue carrying berries if birds have not already eaten them.
Crataegus – Hawthorn
Red haws can remain prominent.
Pyracantha
Dense clusters of yellow, orange or red berries provide strong winter colour.
Cotoneaster
Bright fruits can remain highly visible after leaves fall.
Ilex aquifolium – Holly
Holly berries are one of the defining features of the winter garden.
Greenhouse plants in flower
Protected conditions can still provide valuable colour in November.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen are particularly valuable through autumn and winter.
Chrysanthemums
Late Chrysanthemums may continue flowering under glass.
Pelargoniums
Protected plants may still carry flowers if temperatures remain suitable.
Streptocarpus
Some plants may continue flowering in bright conditions.
Orchids
Various orchids flower naturally during autumn and winter.
Camellias
Early cultivars may begin producing flowers or developing prominent buds.
Clivia
Depending on growing conditions, Clivia may provide winter interest or begin developing flower stems.
Preparing the Garden for Winter
November is the month to make sure the garden is ready for sustained winter conditions.
The aim is not to make the garden empty.
A completely cleared garden can lose much of its winter structure and wildlife value.
Instead, retain:
Ornamental grasses
Attractive seed heads
Evergreen foliage
Berrying shrubs
Coloured stems
Plants with interesting bark
Remove what is diseased, dangerous or genuinely untidy.
Keep paths safe, drains clear and structures secure.
Make use of the dormant planting season.
Trees, shrubs and hedging planted now have the opportunity to establish roots before spring and can often require less intervention than equivalent planting carried out during warm weather.
November is also one of the clearest months for evaluating garden design.
With much of the summer foliage gone, the permanent framework is exposed.
Look at views from the house, privacy, evergreen structure, paths, boundaries and specimen trees.
If the garden becomes almost empty once the summer planting disappears, that is useful information.
A successful garden should have something worthwhile to offer in every month of the year.