November

November is the month to tidy up, protect plants, and set yourself up for a strong spring. In the garden, finish clearing spent crops, compost healthy plant debris, and remove any diseased material to reduce problems next year. Mulch beds with leaf mould, compost, or well-rotted manure to protect soil from winter weather and to feed worms and microbes. It’s also a great time to plant bare-root trees, shrubs, roses, and hedging while the ground is workable, and to lift and store tender bulbs and tubers (like dahlias) after the first frosts. Check winter protection: fleece for young plants, insulating wraps for pots, and windbreaks for exposed spots. Keep paths safe by clearing slippery leaves and improving drainage. For animal keepers, November is all about warmth, ventilation, and routine. Give coops, hutches, and stables a thorough clean, then add deep, dry bedding and fix drafts without blocking airflow. Shorter days can reduce egg production, so prioritize nutrition, fresh water that won’t freeze, and predator-proofing as wildlife gets bolder. Stock up on feed, check heaters and waterers, and do quick daily health checks—mud, damp, and parasites can flare up now.