November Gardening Jobs

Gardening Jobs for November

If you have a garden that you want to make the most of and want to look great in the spring and summer months, it requires a bit of work throughout the year.

This includes when the weather isn’t so nice, in the autumn and winter months. November can see a lot of rainfall and wind, but it doesn’t mean your job as a garden owner has to be put on hold.

Below are some jobs which should be carried out in November, from preparing for the year ahead to securing your space for the winter storms. Read on for what to do in the garden this month.

 

• SPEEDY TOP TIP: It will be cold, and possibly also damp, so wear warm clothing. Layer up, and finish with waterproofs.

 

1. Aerate your lawn

Now is your final chance to aerate your lawn using a lawn aerator, or simply a garden fork if your lawn isn’t large. What does aerating your lawn do?

It can help reduce the risk of water sitting on the top of your lawn, which could damage the surface. These holes will relieve compaction, and allow water, nutrients, and air to get down into the soil and encourage healthier growth for next year.

You need to aerate your lawn before it goes dormant, so do it in the first half of the month at the very latest. First, use a lawn scarifier to remove the dead thatch and moss off the top surface – you don’t want any of this going down into the roots.

When using these tools, always wear appropriate PPE – gloves, work boots and eye protection will be necessary basics.

 

2. Protect plants

If you haven’t already had frost, it is probably just around the corner. Your plants should already be covered with fleece and plastic sheeting to protect them from the cold and waterlogging, but if not, you need to do it ASAP. Bubble wrap can also work if you don’t have fleece.

You don’t want to come into spring to find all of your bulbs and annual flowers have died. If they’re in tubs, use bricks or pot feet to raise them off the ground instead. Try to put tender plants inside a greenhouse or tunnel for additional protection.

Tie up any tall plants, such as trees and shrubs, to protect them from wind and try to move anything which can to shelter it.

 

3. Clean and maintain storage

Do you have a greenhouse? If so, you’ll probably want to check the glass is all intact so there is no cold or wind allowed in over winter. Repair any panes or frames required, or simply board up or cover with bubble wrap securely if you can’t replace them just yet.

Brush away any old soil, and hire a pressure washer to get the floor clean again. Always wear eye protection and water boots when using a pressure washer, due to the dangers of the water force. You’ll also want to wear clothing which covers you, to avoid dirt.

Reorganise shelving and create enough room to store any plants which need to be protected there. If you don’t have a greenhouse, any other storage (such as sheds or storage boxes) still needs the same treatment.

You may need to replace shed panels or check no water can get in storage boxes.

 

4. Check everything is secured

Repairs and security aren’t just about keeping wind and rain out. Think about those darker nights too, which can be a security risk. As well as repairing shed panels, check the lock and hinges are all in good condition and can’t easily be tampered with.

If there’s anything really expensive in your shed, such as tools, you may want to add an extra layer of security. Locks and chains can work but also think about security lights and alarms.

The first layer of security, though, starts with fences and gates. Again, check locks and hinges, and use a nail gun to make any quick necessary repairs to panels and wood.

Wear eye protection and gloves when using a nail gun. Read our guide on how to use a nail gun if you’re unsure what to do.

 

5. Keep on top of fallen leaves and debris

You’ve hopefully already cleared your guttering, but still, check it weekly to see if it needs another clear-out. Leaves and debris on grass and flowerbeds can cause compaction and issues with growth next year, so remove them ASAP.

Leaves can also be slipping hazards and a hiding place for slugs and snails. Use a leaf blower to quickly move them to one remote area, where they can either be collected or used by wildlife to shelter in over the colder months.

They can also be added to a compost heap, to make leaf mould for future years.

 

6. Do your last-minute wood preservation

With a bit of luck, you’ve done any final painting of fences, sheds, and walls by this time of year, when the weather was a bit warmer. But if not, make the most of the final days of dry weather to put some additional preservative on your wood and walls.

This can be the paint you’ve used or an additional stain. Protecting and preserving your wood from damp will help slow down the rotting process. A brush is fine to use, but hiring a paint sprayer will get the job done quicker if you have a large area to cover.

Pick a dry day, with no rain forecast. You should also spend the full day tackling the issue before it gets dark.

 

7. Sow broad beans, peas, and chilli peppers

Peas, beans (such as broad beans) and chilli peppers are ideally planted now. This will give them a head start before spring. If outside, cover with fleece but water.

It is also time to plant bare-root fruit trees now, which can be cheaper than buying them potted early next year. This gives them a chance to establish themselves before growing.

Sweet peas can also be sown in the garden now, which will flower earlier than any that are spring sown.

 

 

READY FOR MORE DIY TIPS?

 

Thank you for reading our Speedy Services blog on what to do in your garden in November. Hopefully, they’ll all keep your garden in order ready for the new year.

You’ll find all the power tools and hire equipment you need right here, why not start planning your next DIY project today and open a Speedy account online or instore for all your tool hire needs.

 

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