November Gardening Calendar
at Garden-Helper.com

Every month there are chores to do in the garden or in preparation of the season to come. November is a month we associate with the onset on winter with its' wet and cold weather. Although many of us won't feel like being outdoors in the mud of what was once our pride and joy we called a garden, we nonetheless offer these reminders of the things to do in your garden for the month of November.

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November Gardening Chores

November is the month when cleaning up the garden and getting prepared for the winter months ahead takes front and center stage. This month and for the next several months the window of opportunity for transplanting tress and shrubs without causing stress for the plants is open. Plants enter a winter dormancy beginning in November and as a result are not nearly as susceptible to damage caused by transplanting. There are plenty of Odds and Ends to be accomplished this month as well so if you think you have the month "off" from your garden, think again!

Transplanting

This is the time of year for transplanting your azaleas, rhododendrons, peonies and more. As plants begin their dormant cycle it becomes safe to dig them up and replant them elsewhere. The primary concern when transplanting is to dig a large root ball, being sure to get as much of the established root system as possible.

One thing to consider when you are planning to transplant is that the roots of your plant will not appreciate being dried out through exposure to air so we recommend that you prepare the new resting spot for your plant before you dig it out for moving. Always dig the new home much larger than the root ball of the plant you are moving. This will allow you to provide very rich soil which your transplant will appreciate. Be sure to use a transplanting fertilizer this time of year. If you are moving large trees or shrubs take care to stake your plants and secure them against wind damage while they work to establish new rooting.

Lawn Care in November

Leaves, leaves, leaves... There are a couple schools of thought on the new carpet mother nature may have left on your lawn. One says "rake them up" and the other says "let them be". Regardless of what camp you belong to it makes sense to take notes from the way nature manages itself in the wild. Leaves fall and provide a protective layer over the soil and those leaves decompose to feed the soil. Taking this simple process and applying it to our lawns it makes sense to compost your leaves should you decide to rake. If you "mow and go" you will be speeding up the decomposition process and saving yourself some serious labor. You may consider applying lime to your lawn if needed.

Vegetables, Fruits and Flowers

Cut the tops of your asparagus plants and add a winter dressing of aged manure to your asparagus bed.

Be sure to cover your strawberries with two to four inches of straw or hay as a winter mulch. This protective layer will ensure your berries will be there in the spring to greet you.

If you grow raspberries be sure to protect your raspberry canes against whipping winds and the damage they cause. Stake your canes and tie them in November.

If you grow climbing roses make sure the canes of your climbing roses are fastened to their supports. Climbing roses are very susceptible to wind damage. After several hard freezes (if you get them in November where you live) be sure to mulch your rose bed.

November is a prime month to till under any annual flower beds that you have not yet gotten to. A little green manure never hurts.

Planting in November

Bulbs - It's not too late to still get your hands dirty with planting. Tulip bulbs may still be planted in the early part of the month. We recommend the use of Bulb-Tone Bulb Fertilizer to get your bulbs off to the right start.

Trees and Shrubs - Had your eye on a new addition to your landscape? Add it now! November is probably the best time of year to plant new trees and shrubs. Fall planting encourages root development in preparation for the spring growing season.

Harvesting in November

Sorry, folks.

Composting in November

Grass clippings, fallen leaves and vegetative debris from cleaning out your garden should be added to the compost pile, helping to build humus for next year. If your lawn has been chemically treated it is best to avoid using the grass cippings in your compost.

Protecting Your Plants

Winterizing tender plants like geraniums and impatiens involves bringing them indoors before the first frost sets in and destroys them. Other tender plants should be prepared for freezing weather as well. Many gardeners chose to wrap their plants in burlap. Additionally in this month you will want to double check that all your mulch layers in the garden are good to go for the winter. Augment where needed with additional mulch.

Odd and Ends

If you live in a cold climate you may want to drain and store your garden hoses for the winter to prevent freezing and bursting.

Use small stakes or markers (we let our kids paint rocks) to mark where you have planted bulbs in order to prevent yourself from mistakenly disturbing them in the spring when you begin working your soil again.

Clean and oil your tools for winter storage. This is also an excellent month to replace any tools that should be retired while the demand and prices are both low.

Other resources

Article: Fall Garden Chores for Spring Flowering Bulbs