EN·IT
Open Talea
Menu
PlantsAlmanacGuidesPestsOpen Talea
Gardening in Italy?→ November’s almanac for the Italian climate
ALMANAC · UK CLIMATE

The garden in November

November is the heart of the bare-root season and the last good month for planting before winter. It's also when frost protection moves from forecast-watching to routine.

The garden is quieter, but it's a good moment for the jobs that make next year easier: planting, mulching, cleaning tools, and giving houseplants the winter conditions they need.

UK and similar cool temperate climates. Frosts are regular now almost everywhere; only mild coastal gardens stay largely frost-free.

AT A GLANCE

Spotlight: planting a bare-root tree or rose

Bare-root plants are dug from the field while dormant and sent without soil. They are cheaper than potted plants and, planted between November and March, usually establish better.

As soon as they arrive, soak the roots in a bucket of water for an hour or two. Dig a hole wider than the spread of the roots but no deeper — the old soil mark on the stem should end up at ground level; roses are the exception and go in with the graft union just below the surface. Loosen the soil at the bottom and sides, spread the roots out, and backfill gradually, shaking the plant gently so soil fills the gaps. Firm with your foot, water well even in winter, and mulch.

Trees need a short stake on the side of the prevailing wind, with a tie that doesn't cut into the bark. If the ground is frozen when your plants arrive, 'heel them in' — lay them in a shallow trench and cover the roots — or keep them in a bucket of damp compost in a cool shed for a few days.

RoseCrab applePearPrivet Bare-root planting ›

Jobs this month

Bare-root planting

Bare-root plants are cheaper, come in a wider choice and establish better than potted ones. Plant them as soon as possible after they arrive; if the ground is frozen, heel them into a spare bed or a bucket of compost.

Plant bare-root roses, soaking the roots for an hour first. Bare-root planting › Rose
Plant fruit trees and bushes. Bare-root planting › Crab applePearFlowering currant
Plant hedging, such as privet, box alternatives and escallonia in mild areas. Bare-root planting › PrivetEscallonia

Winter protection

Borderline plants survive cold far better when their roots are dry. Protect the crown and keep pots off the ground.

Tie cordyline leaves up over the crown and fleece young plants in exposed gardens. Protecting plants from frost › Cordyline
Cover the crown of cycads outdoors and keep it dry. Protecting plants from frost › Sago palm
Mulch the crowns of arum lilies and agapanthus in colder gardens. Protecting plants from frost › Arum lilyAfrican lily
Move oleanders and callistemons in pots into a cool, bright, frost-free place in cold areas. Overwintering tender plants › OleanderBottlebrush

Houseplants in their winter mode

Some houseplants flower only if they get a cool, dry rest in winter. Others just need less water and more light.

Give clivias a cool (around 10°C), fairly dry rest for about eight weeks. Clivia
Keep dendrobium nobile cool and almost dry until buds appear. Watering plants in pots › Dendrobium
Water palms, yuccas and aspidistras much less often. Watering plants in pots › Kentia palmAreca palmYuccaCast iron plant
Keep crotons and marantas warm and away from draughts and radiators. CrotonPrayer plant

Tools and structures

Clean tools rust less and spread fewer diseases. It's also a good time to clean pots and greenhouse glass to maximise winter light.

Clean, sharpen and oil secateurs, shears and spades. Looking after secateurs and spades ›
Wash greenhouse glass and insulate with bubble wrap.
Turn the compost heap and cover it. Making garden compost ›

Sow and plant

Sow
  • Hardy broad beans and peas in mild areas
  • Sweet peas (last chance for autumn sowing)
Plant out
  • Bare-root trees, roses, fruit and hedging
  • Tulips (until December)
  • Amaryllis indoors
  • Garlic

Watch out for

Frost damageBorderline plants in pots are most at risk; their roots freeze faster than in the ground.WaterloggingWinter wet kills lavender, yucca, oregano and succulents more often than cold.Mealybug and scale indoorsHouseplants in warm, dry rooms; check leaf joints and undersides.

Questions

Can I plant in November?

Yes — it's one of the best months for bare-root trees, roses, fruit and hedges, as long as the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged.

How do I protect plants in pots from frost?

Raise pots off the ground, group them against a sheltered wall, wrap the pot in hessian or bubble wrap, and cover the plant with fleece on the coldest nights.

Why won't my clivia flower?

It usually needs a cooler, drier winter rest. Around eight weeks at about 10°C with little water, then normal care once the flower stem appears.