Winter is just around the corner, and the gardening season is drawing to a close. But even in November, there are still many important gardening tasks that need to be completed to optimally prepare your garden for the cold season. With the right measures, you can ensure that your garden survives the winter well and is in full bloom again in the spring. In this blog post from HaGa-Welt, you'll learn which gardening tasks are especially important in November.
1. Make your garden pond winter-proof
Before the first frost sets in, it's recommended to winterize your garden pond. Cut back aquatic and shoreline plants to remove dead plant material that could impair water quality. Leaves and algae should also be removed regularly. Sensitive aquatic plants such as lotus flowers or water hyacinths should be overwintered in a frost-free area. Water lilies and water irises can remain in the pond.
To prevent rot, we recommend using a sludge vacuum. If you have fish in your pond, stop feeding them as soon as the water temperature drops below 10°C, as the fish will then enter a state of hibernation. A Styrofoam ice breaker can prevent the pond from freezing completely and ensures a continuous exchange of oxygen.
2. Protect potted plants from frost
Hardy potted plants can spend the winter outdoors, but they require adequate frost protection. Coconut discs as saucers protect against ground cold and prevent the soil from freezing. Wrap coconut mats around the pot for additional cold protection. A frost protection cover or winter fleece protects the plant crown from frost damage and reduces evaporation, ensuring the plants survive the cold season optimally.
3. Set up winter quarters for hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are valuable helpers in the garden, as they eat insects and snails. To help hedgehogs survive the winter, you can create a winter shelter by placing piles of leaves, branches, or special hedgehog houses in quiet corners of the garden. Be careful not to destroy hedgehog nests or disturb sleeping hedgehogs to provide them with a safe place to hide over the winter.
Further information about hedgehogs and their winter quarters can be found here .
4. Grow and harvest winter vegetables
You can also plant or harvest winter vegetables in November. Brussels sprouts, kale, and lamb's lettuce are hardy and thrive even in cold weather. These varieties should be planted in summer or early fall. Arugula or leaf lettuce are suitable for growing in raised beds. Cover the plants with winter fleece during severe frost to create optimal growing conditions.
5. Prune and plant fruit trees
November is the ideal time to prune fruit trees. Pruning promotes tree vitality and improves next year's yields. Prune fruit trees when temperatures are above freezing to allow the cuts to heal better. Apple, pear, and cherry trees particularly benefit from pruning at this time of year.
November is also an excellent time to plant new fruit trees and shrubs. Raspberries, currants, gooseberries, apple trees, and cherry trees can be planted now so they'll sprout in the spring.
6. Plant flower bulbs for a blooming spring
If you want to enjoy a colorful display of flowers in spring, plant tulip, daffodil, and crocus bulbs in November. These spring-blooming plants should be planted before the first frost. Plant the bulbs twice as deep as their size and choose a sunny to partially shaded location for healthy growth.
Conclusion: Gardening in November
There's still a lot to do in the garden in November. Whether it's winterizing your pond, pruning fruit trees, or protecting potted plants from frost – proper preparation is crucial to ensuring your garden survives the winter well. You can also create a safe haven for garden animals like hedgehogs, while at the same time harvesting or planting winter vegetables. Gardening in November is worthwhile – for a healthy and thriving garden next spring!
For more tips and inspiration on gardening, visit HaGa-Welt and stay up to date!
Good luck with your gardening!
