November may seem like a sleepy month, but your garden — and the wildlife that shares it — is quietly getting ready for the year ahead. So pull on your gloves, enjoy the fresh air, and know that every small bit of care now helps your garden thrive in spring.
Clear leaves off lawns and paths to keep things safe and tidy, but don’t be too thorough — a pile of leaves tucked behind the shed makes a wonderful winter shelter for hedgehogs and insects. Move half-hardy plants like geraniums and fuchsias into a frost-free spot, and wrap outdoor pots with bubble wrap or hessian to keep roots snug. It’s the last call for tulips, daffodils and alliums.
Plant tulips deeply (three times their height) for a bold show come spring. This is the ideal time to plant new fruit trees, shrubs, and hedging. The soil’s still warm and moist, helping roots settle before winter. As the cold sets in, wildlife needs a bit of extra help from us gardeners. Put out fat balls, sunflower seeds, and peanuts — and remember to keep feeders clean. Birds quickly come to rely on your offerings! A quiet corner with leaves or a log pile makes the perfect hedgehog home.
Avoid turning compost heaps at this time of year — there could be a sleepy resident inside.
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