November is when the garden starts to slow down, but there are still a few jobs worth doing before winter properly sets in.
I work in Melton Mowbray and nearby villages, and these are some of the things I normally look at during November.
A few leaves are fine, but a thick layer left on the grass can block light and keep the lawn damp.
I normally rake them up regularly rather than wait until the whole lawn is covered. If you have room, the leaves can be kept for leaf mould or added to a suitable compost pile.
Sometimes, yes.
Grass can still grow during mild weather, so an occasional cut may still be needed. I would keep the mower a little higher than in summer.
If the lawn is very wet, soft or frosty, I would leave it alone. Mowing in poor conditions can damage the grass and soil.
Not every plant needs cutting down as soon as autumn arrives.
Some stems and seed heads can stay over winter, while damaged or untidy growth may be better removed.
November can also suit pruning for some deciduous shrubs and trees once they are dormant, but it depends on the plant.
Wet leaves on paving can become slippery quite quickly.
A regular sweep helps keep paths, steps and patios safer and stops soggy leaves sitting against pots, walls and timber.
Trees, shrubs and hedging can often be planted during November, including bare-root plants.
I would avoid planting if the soil is frozen or waterlogged. If the ground is workable, autumn planting gives roots time to settle before spring growth starts.
Make sure pots can drain properly and are not sitting in water.
Tender plants may need moving somewhere more sheltered, and larger containers can be raised slightly to help water drain away.
Yes. There is still useful work that can be done, depending on the weather.
November garden maintenance may include leaf clearing, pruning, lawn care, border tidying, planting and getting the garden ready for winter.
If the ground is too wet or frozen for a certain job, I would leave it until conditions improve.
I provide garden maintenance in Melton Mowbray and nearby villages including Asfordby, Burton Lazars, Great Dalby, Scalford, Waltham on the Wolds and Bottesford.
If your garden needs a tidy-up before winter, call me on 07841 801 105 or send an enquiry.
You can also read more about my garden maintenance service.
If you need help with the work covered here, I provide gardening services across Melton Mowbray and nearby villages. You can see my gardening services or contact me about your garden.
