November

Key Tasks

Make sure plants like dianthus and saxifrage don’t get covered in leaves, as they will rot.

Lift, divide and replant spring- and summer-blooming perennials (weather permitting).

Use any clean dead growth from garden beds and containers for the compost.

Protect trees and shrubs from mice, rabbits and deer; do not use plastic to wrap plants.

After the first few hard frosts, mound the bases of roses and less hardy plants with peat moss or other mulch such as compost.

Water all plants for winter; ensure adequate drainage so roots do not stand in water all winter.

Give roses a final deadheading and a light pruning; apply dolomite lime around established roses.

Lawn Care

For the last cut of the year, simply 'top' the grass.

Clear fallen leaves from your lawn, if left they will encourage worm activity and can cause fungal damage.

Veg Care

Why not get started early for next year?

Spread manure, rotted sawdust and leaves over the garden and plough them under; you'll be surprised at the difference this organic matter will make in the fertility, physical structure and water-holding capacity of the soil.

Take a soil sample to allow plenty of time to get the report back. Lime applied now will be of more benefit next year than if it is applied in the spring before planting. Always apply Dolomitic limestone in order to get both calcium and magnesium.

Save those leaves for the compost heap.

Start planning next year's garden now!

You're wise to order flower and vegetable seeds in December or January, while the supply is plentiful. Review the results of last year's garden and order the more successful varieties.

You may have seeds left over from last year. Check their viability by placing some in damp paper towels and observing the germination percentage. If the percentage is low, order new ones.

Before sending your seed order, draw a map of the garden area and decide the direction and length of the rows, how much row spacing is needed for each vegetable, whether or not to plant on raised beds, and other details. That way, you won't order too many seeds. This same advice applied to the flower garden.

Garden Focus

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What's new?

Sat, 19th May

"Guess with Us" - put yourguessing prowess to the test, all in aid of MNDA. Nearest guess takes the loot!.
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Sat 26th May
Cotswold Gold will be in store for tasting and information
Thu, 31st May

Jubilee Scarecrow Competition Judging at 3.30pm. Come and support your school!.