What should I do in my garden in November?

Winter is closing in fast, the beauty of autumn colour is clear all around us and our gardens are ready to be pruned, cleared and prepared for the coming months of bad weather.

The nights are getting shorter and although it has been a mild October, it looks like November will be much colder in the mornings and late afternoon.

If you are working, this can prevent most of your mid-week gardening, but, if you can make time at the weekends there is plenty to do in the garden in November.

Here is our guide to a few jobs that can really help your garden in November:

• If you were thinking about planting native and fruit trees, hedges, shrubs and roses this autumn now is a great time to do it. Lymefield have a great range of freshly potted ball rooted plants as well as bare rooted hedging available.

• Pull up any faded annuals, remove any faded foliage and remove leaves from all your beds, borders and ponds, all this material can be composted.

• If you have perennial beds, its time to go through and cut back and tidy.

• Planting of newherbaceous stock can be done, this is also the perfect opportunity for lifting and dividing any overcrowded areas.

• When asked, when is a good time to plant fruit trees? We always say November. This is due to us having our fresh stock available, coinciding with great planting conditions. Get in contact with us for any orders or enquiries into all the varieties we stock.

• If you are thinking about fruit, dig over and manure any area that is to be planted later in the season.

• If you have existing trees, go through and check to make sure ties aren't constricting any new growth and that stakes are still firm as the weather will get worse.

• The really big job now in your garden this November is pruning. Pruning can be so specific to each variety, also the age and condition of the plant, the area is to large to go into here.BUT, get in touch or come and see us and we will get you on the path to pruning all your garden correctly.

• Veggie growers still have plenty of labour to do, digging or forking over vacant plots and adding manure can be back-breaking, but its a must so the coming frost can break down the manure adding nutrient and quality for next year. You could sow broad beans under cloches for an early crop, stake your Brussel sprouts but other than that its time to come into the garden centre to see what else you could plant next year.

• Apply Autumnlawn food now to give your lawn strength for winter and a great start next year. Spike the surface and brush silver sand into the surface of problem wet areas. Give your lawn its final cut for winter before the end of the month, our tip would be don't scalp it, leave a little on for the cold coming. Remember that you can still layturfnow as long as it is neither too wet nor frozen.

All in all, there’s still lots to do. If you have any questions or need any other advice and help don't hesitate to get in touch on01457 764686.