November Garden Tips
If you live in a cold climate, you’re no doubt already knee-deep in winter weather. But, for those who live and garden in milder climates, November is still a good time for planting and outdoor activities. Here are a few top tasks to add to your gardening to-do list this month.
Plant spring blooming bulbs. In mild zones, now is the time to plant many spring blooming bulbs and perennial bulbs. Daffodils, allium, leucojum, muscari and other bulbs can be planted now and enjoyed for years to come. Depending on your climate, tulips may need to be replanted each year. You can start planting tulips now, or you may need to wait until December depending on temperatures in your area. Soil temperatures should be 50F or colder before you plant your tulips.
Continue planting perennials, trees and shrubs. When you plant in fall and winter, plants have time to put down roots and begin to get established before the return of summer weather.
Plant bare-root roses, trees, shrubs and perennials to get them established before next summer.
Plant fruit trees. Bare root fruit trees should always be planted in winter when they are dormant. Containerized fruit trees can be planted anytime of the year, but you’ll still find that fall and winter planting is best.
Leave the spent flowers, seeds and berries. Even after a frost, many plants look attractive when their spent flowers and seed pods are left on the plants through winter. Skipping the pruning can also be good for local wildlife, as food sources and habitat are improved.
Sow seeds for cool season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach, salad greens, Brussels sprouts and other cole crops. Herbs such as cilantro, parsley, chamomile and dill thrive in the cooler weather.
Winter is a good time either plant citrus outdoors or bring your citrus plants indoors, depending on where you live. If bringing citrus indoors, be sure to place in a very sunny window and don’t forget to water as needed. A moisture meter will help keep up with water needs.
Have frost cloth on hand to cover tender perennials and other plants if a freeze sneaks up on you. Mulching around roots of perennials, shrubs, trees and season color will also help to insulate roots and retain moisture.
Featured November Plants
- Japanese Privet, Waxleaf Ligustrum, Ligustrum japonicum (lucidum)
- Maiden Grass, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’
- Variegated Chinese Privet, Ligustrum sinensis ‘Variegata’
- Mystery Gardenia, Gardenia jasminoides ‘Mystery’
- Hollywood Juniper, Juniperus chinensis ‘Torulosa’
- Canary Island Date Palm, Phoenix canariensis
- Compact Cherry Laurel, Prunus caroliniana ‘Compacta’
- Bush Morning Glory, Convolvulus cneorum
- Photinia fraseri
- Rhaphiolepis indica ‘Clara’
