November…in your garden

Chris Francis has provided his tips for your garden this November.

• Clear up fallen leaves – especially from lawns, Ponds and Borders . If you have space in the garden put them in a heap to rot down and make leaf mould, as this makes an excellent soil improver!
• If you have plants in containers outside raise them up on pot feet or bricks to help prevent water logging. If you have some that maybe a bit tender you can wrap your pots in bubble wrap to help stop the pots from freezing.
• You still have time to plant Tulip bulbs for your spring displays!
• Prune roses to prevent wind rock.
• Plant out Winter bedding such as pansies and primroses also wallflowers.
• Its time to put Grease bands around your Fruit trees to prevent Winter moth damage.
• Put bird food out to encourage Winter birds into the Garden.
• Use a seasonal Bonfire if you’re allowed to, and dispose of excess debris which is unfit for composting.
• Cut leaves of your Christmas and Lenten rose type Hellebores to make way for the flowers.
• Ornamental Grasses and Bamboos can be cut back and tidied up this time of year, also lift your Dahlias, Cannas and tuberous bedding Begonias that have been hit by the first Frosts. Put them somewhere you can dry them out as this will prevent them from rotting before you put them away in a frost free place for the Winter .
• Apply an Autumn mulch to help protect your plants that are Borderline hardy such as Agapanthus, Kniphofias and Phygelius, the mulching will also help improve and maintain soil structure.

Pests and Diseases – Here are a few Pests and Diseases to watch out for even in Winter!

• Downy Mildew and Blackspot on your Winter Pansies .
• Watch out for Crown rot and Brown rots (Sclerotinia) on your died down Perennials especially if you’re on clay or poorly drained soil.
• If you are growing Chrysanthemums check them regularly for signs of White Rust.
• Grey mould or Botrytis can be problematic in wet weather especially on your Winter hardy Cyclamen.