November Gardening in the UK
- Green Spaces
- Nov 6
- 5 min read
November Gardening in the UK: Preparing Your Garden for Winter
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, November in the UK is a time of transition — autumn’s fiery colours begin to fade, the first frosts arrive, and gardens start settling into their winter rest. While growth slows down, there’s still plenty to do to keep your outdoor space healthy and ready for spring. From tidying borders to protecting wildlife, here’s your complete guide to maintaining your garden this month.
🍂 1. Clear Up and Compost
Start by raking up fallen leaves, especially from lawns and paths where they can cause slippery surfaces or smother the grass. A few leaves in borders are fine — they make great insulation and shelter for insects — but thick piles should be cleared.
Add the leaves to a compost heap or make leaf mould by storing them in bin bags with small air holes. In a year or two, you’ll have rich, crumbly material perfect for mulching.
🌸 2. Cut Back, Divide, and Mulch Perennials
Once frost has blackened the foliage, cut back faded perennials such as hostas and daylilies. However, leave ornamental grasses and seed heads like echinacea or alliums standing — they look beautiful in frost and provide food for birds.
This is also a good time to divide overcrowded clumps of hardy perennials while the soil is still workable. Finish with a layer of mulch or compost to protect roots from cold and feed the soil over winter.
🌷 3. Plant Spring Bulbs
If you haven’t yet, get your tulips, daffodils, and crocuses into the ground before it freezes. Tulips, in particular, prefer being planted in November when the soil is cooler — it helps prevent fungal diseases like tulip fire.
For a low-effort spring display, tuck bulbs under shrubs, along pathways, or even in pots.
🌾 4. Look After Your Lawn
Give the lawn a final mow on a dry day, setting the blades higher than usual. Rake out any moss or thatch, and apply autumn lawn feed to strengthen roots before winter sets in. Avoid walking on frosty grass to prevent damage.
🧰 5. Tidy, Clean, and Store Tools
Clean and oil your garden tools to stop rusting over winter. Empty and coil hoses, store them indoors, and protect terracotta pots from frost by moving them into a shed or greenhouse.
Wash and disinfect seed trays and pots now — you’ll thank yourself when seed-sowing season arrives in February or March!
🥕 6. Harvest and Protect Veggies
In the vegetable patch, harvest the last of your leeks, parsnips, and kale. These hardy crops can withstand cold temperatures, but protect them with fleece or cloches if severe frosts are forecast.
Remove old plant debris and dig in organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil for next season.
🐦 7. Support Garden Wildlife
As temperatures drop, wildlife needs extra help. Top up bird feeders with fat balls, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Leave small piles of leaves or logs in quiet corners for hedgehogs and insects to hibernate in.
If you have a pond, float a ball or stick on the surface to stop it freezing over completely, ensuring animals can still drink.
🪴 8. Plan for the Year Ahead
With much of the heavy lifting done, November is a great time to reflect and plan. Make notes about what thrived or struggled this year, browse seed catalogues, and sketch out next year’s planting schemes.
You can even sow some hardy annuals (like sweet peas) in pots in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse for an early start next spring.
🌨️ Final Thoughts
November may feel like the end of the gardening year, but it’s really the start of the next one. By tidying, protecting, and planning now, you’ll ensure your garden wakes up healthy and beautiful when spring returns.
So wrap up warm, enjoy the earthy scent of fallen leaves, and take satisfaction in putting your garden to bed for winter — it’s one of the most rewarding jobs of the year.
How Green Spaces Can Help You Maintain Your Garden in November
As the weather turns colder and the days get shorter, keeping up with garden maintenance can be challenging. That’s where Green Spaces comes in — providing expert gardening services across the UK to keep your outdoor areas looking their best all year round.
Whether you need a one-off tidy-up before winter or regular seasonal care, Green Spaces offers:
Professional Garden Maintenance Services
Leaf clearance – Prevents damp patches and keeps lawns healthy.
Mulching & soil conditioning – Protects roots and improves soil structure ahead of winter.
Lawn care & edging – Final mowing, aeration, and moss removal to strengthen your turf.
Pruning & trimming – Keeps shrubs, hedges, and perennials in shape before dormancy.
Winter preparation – Wrapping tender plants, moving pots, and setting up frost protection.
Why Choose Green Spaces?
Local expertise: Their gardeners understand UK soil types and seasonal weather patterns.
Eco-conscious approach: Green Spaces uses sustainable methods, composting waste and avoiding harsh chemicals.
Flexible plans: From small city gardens to large country estates, services can be tailored to your needs.
By letting professionals handle the heavy work, you’ll ensure your garden stays tidy, healthy, and wildlife-friendly — even through the frostiest months. Then, when spring arrives, your outdoor space will be ready to bloom beautifully.
👉 Contact Green Spaces if you have any questions, or book a winter garden maintenance service in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, or Monmouthshire.
Frequently Asked Questions: November Gardening in the UK
❓ Can I still plant tulips in November in the UK?
Yes! November is actually one of the best times to plant tulip bulbs in the UK. The cooler soil helps prevent fungal diseases such as tulip fire. Plant bulbs at a depth of about three times their height in well-drained soil, and you’ll enjoy vibrant blooms in spring.
❓ What vegetables can I grow in November in the UK?
While most summer crops are finished, you can still sow broad beans, garlic, onions, and winter salads under cover or in mild regions. You can also plant spring cabbage and hardy spinach for early crops next year.
❓ Should I mulch my garden in November?
Absolutely. Adding a thick layer of compost, bark chips, or leaf mould helps insulate plant roots, retain moisture, and improve soil structure over winter. Focus on the bases of perennials, shrubs, and newly planted trees.
❓ How do I protect my garden from frost?
Use horticultural fleece, cloches, or straw to cover tender plants and late vegetables. Move potted plants close to walls or into sheltered spots. Water less frequently, as damp soil retains heat better than dry soil.
❓ How can I help wildlife in my garden during winter?
Keep bird feeders topped up, provide fresh water, and leave some plant debris or leaf piles in corners for hedgehogs and insects to shelter. Avoid cutting back all dead stems—they provide valuable winter homes for beneficial wildlife.
❓ What garden maintenance should I prioritise in November?
Focus on tidying beds, raking leaves, cleaning tools, and planting bulbs. It’s also a great time to feed the soil with compost and to plan next year’s layout before winter sets in.
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