As the days get shorter, below are some tips of things to do in (and for) your garden on the West coast of Scotland this November.
Tips for November
1. Plant tulips
Now is the month to plant tulip bulbs for a spring display next year. See October's hints and tips for a couple of great tulip bulbs to try
2. Continue the big tidy up
By weeding, collecting leaves which can be stored for a couple of years to make mulch, store stray pots out of the wind, put light weight furniture away.
If you are tidying up the garden, remember not to cut down the stems of penstemon but leave them on to give protection over the winter. Similarly, leave the flowers on hydrangeas until the spring
Clear leaves off lawns. An open cage made from chicken wire is ideal for storing leaves to rot down into leaf mould. This makes a wonderful soil conditioner or mulch.
3. Order seed catalogues
For example:
Kings Seeds - a large format catalogue with loads of pictures and really useful information Thompson and Morgan – pictures and offers galore. Organic Gardening Catalogue – comprehensive selection of organic seeds and varieties that crop over a long period.
Remember if you are a member of the Society, Membership includes discounts on seeds from Suttons Seeds. Contact us for more information.
4. Specialist catalogues
Then order some catalogues from smaller specialist nurseries to suit your interests.
Here are some favourites:
Thomas Etty – no pictures, but old-fashioned varieties and great descriptions Halls of Heddon - dahlias and chrysanthemums. dahlias for cutting, showing and bedding. Choose delivery time, if you have no greenhouse. Allwoods – brilliant for scented leaf Pelargoniums.
5. Feed the birds
Put out bird food to encourage winter birds into the garden. clean out bird feeders regularly. If you don’t want a mess below the feeders use sunflower hearts. Peanuts go off in my garden before they are eaten.
6. Raise containers onto pot feet to prevent waterlogging
Tidy pots of summer bedding away
7. New plants
If you are planning on planting a new hedge, new roses or some trees, these can be bought as bare root plants between November and March at a fraction of the cost of buying them potted in soil.
8. Protection from the wind
Check tree ties and stakes to make sure they are firm but not starting to cut into the tree bark
Reduce the height of tall roses and buddlejas to avoid wind rock over the winter months