Weather and the Gardener
There is never much time available for outside garden work in November, so it is a good time to sit back, take stock, and plan ahead. For example, any garden where the average rainfall is 75cm (30in) or less will need serious thought concerning the maintenance of adequate soil moisture, for it is bound to suffer from checks to growth due to dry spells.
Is the garden too open to all the winds that blow, and can this be improved by the use of windbreaks? On the other hand, is it too sheltered and lacks sunshine, in which case some cutting down or even removal of the causes of shade are necessary?
Trees and Shrubs
Although there are fewer flowering trees, shrubs and climbers at this time of year, Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis' (autumn cherry) will start blooming, also some calluna and Ercia carnea varieties (heaths and heathers), Jasinum nudiflorum (winter jasmine), some mahonias, and varieties of Viburnum x bodnantense. There will also, in a good year, still be a colourful display of autumn leaf tints and fruits from plants mentioned in October.
Protecting Tender Plants
Protect young trees, shrubs and climbers, such as some varieties of campsis (trumpet vine), cistus (rock rose), fushcia, garrya (silk tassel bush), hebe, hydrangea and rhododendron (including azalea) which are not fully hardy until established. Use bracken or straw held in position with wire netting, twigs or peat-sticks, or by covering with polythene sheeting. Do this at the end of the month.
Flowers
Rok over the soil with a border fork whose tines are smaller than a digging fork's and enable you to get in close to plants without damaging them. Take care to avoid pockets of bulbs which may have been planted.
Remove weeds while digging. Try to extricate whole lengths of tap rooted dandelions, sow thistles, docks and other deep rooters which continue to grow.
Alpines
Rake up carefully all rotting leaves and dying stems which can harbour sligs and snails, then scatter bait to keep these creatures from destroyng the fleshy crowns of gentians and other succulent plants.
October is a good time to top dress with gritty compost or limestone chippings to keep the crowns of saxifrages, drabas and sedums cool and moist but not waterlogged.
Bulbs
Finish planting tulips. The lily-flowered kind come in many colours and their flared petals are magnificent. Blooms are borne on strong stems to 60cm (2ft) high.
Naturalize daffodils in grass where there is less need to keep it short. Achieve a 'naturally' planted look by scattering handfuls of bulbs and planting them where they come to rest. Use a trowel or bulb planter, ideally working a little bone meal into the hole before planting. Do the same with galanthus (snowdrops), eranthis (winter aconites) and crocuses.
Vegetables
There is very little to be done with vegetables in November, but peas and broad beans can be sown for a May / June harvest. Choose a sheltered site - expect a few losses if the plot is cold and exposed. Grow a round-seeded pea, and go for broad beans such as Aquadulce or The Sutton. Cover the seedlings, and plants, with cloches.
Brussels Sprouts
Take the lower leaves off sprouts and compost them. If harsh weather threatens, individual plants can be harvested complete. Remove the leaves and store the stems in a cool, dry place. The sprouts may be removed as needed for up to a week.