Page 45 - November pages 1 to 48

Compost Corner

November is here - the leaves are falling and
it’s getting colder and wetter. As autumn
turns to winter, your main jobs in the garden
are mostly about protecting plants and
structures from the wilder weather to come.

Tender plants will need protecting from frost, gales and freezing rains. Move plants into
the greenhouse, or into a sheltered spot, but if you can't, it is worth wrapping plants or
pots. Remember winter can be a tough time for birds in terms of water and food, so
keep supplies well topped up.
Still time to plant bulbs and bedding plants ready for a Spring display. Also time to plant
rose trees shrubs and climbers
Clear up fallen leaves - especially from lawns, ponds and beds
Use a seasonal bonfire - where this is allowed - to dispose of excess debris unfit for
composting
Raise pots off the ground for the winter by using bricks or 'pot feet', to prevent
waterlogging.
Cut back the yellowing foliage of herbaceous perennials, and lift and divide
overcrowded clumps to maintain their vigour.
Fruit and Veg
Spread fresh manure across the surface of your vegetable beds to rot down over winter.
Check stored fruit, onions, garlic and potatoes, remove any rotting bulbs immediately.
Plant currant bushes and raspberry canes while they’re dormant.
Sow broad beans , peas
Prune pear and apple trees anytime between now and February. Don't prune your
plum trees now as they will be susceptible to the silver leaf fungus - wait until
midsummer
Lawn
Aerate your lawn now - there's still time to do it before winter sets in.
Edge your lawn. This is easy to do in the winter months once beds are clear.
Maintenance
Clean and maintain your greenhouse. Replace damaged glass and clean it thoroughly,
washing the glass, floor and staging with horticultural disinfectant to kill any
overwintering pests and diseases.
Clean out water butts, build a cold frame, create compost bins, paint sheds and fences.

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