With most jobs already done in preparation of winter, a good time to visit the Garden Centre, be inspired and start making plans for next year. During nicer days, follow these tips to ensure the garden stays in good condition during winter.

November is your last month to plant out winter bedding. Why not try Wallflowers, Bellis, Viola, Mysotis and of course Winter Pansies. Make sure you continue to water if there is no rain forecast. You can plant out you Tulips now.

Continue to cut down fading herbaceous perennials and Cannas and Dahlias should be lifted now and dried out. Your perennials can be lifted now and divided. This is still a good month for planting if it has remained mild, as the summer has warmed

the soil and there is more moisture present in the ground. Ornamental grasses and bamboo can be cut and tidied now but leave the ones that still remain attractive.

Finally remember to offer protection to any plant which may only be half hardy, you can do this in several ways, but the easiest is to buy fleece or cloches from your garden centre.

Vegetable and Fruit Gardens

You can plant any bare root fruit canes or trees in November, providing the ground is not too hard. Mix in a good amount of organic matter with your plants as you plant.

General pruning of established fruit trees can be done in November, and also any formative pruning of young fruit trees to encourage a better shape. Grape vines can also be pruned now.

Apart from that it is general husbandry through the winter, keeping the plants free of debris and rotting fruit. You can also spray nectarines and peaches against peach leaf curl now.

In the vegetable garden it is again a case of good husbandry. Keep the areas free from rotting debris; lift any remaining root crops and store. Parsnips however, would be better left in the ground, as a frost adds to the flavour. Brussel sprouts should be staked to avoid wind damage.

Pest and diseases to look out for are mainly the mildews. These can be easily treated by a broad spectrum fungicide.

Lawns

In November, if it is mild, you may still have to give one final cut. This will also help with any late growing annual weeds. Do not feed lawns in winter, but do keep them clear of fallen leaves, and if not too wet, continue with aeration techniques as explained last month.

Patio and Greenhouse Gardening

You should have by now got all the shading off your greenhouse to maximise on the light levels available. Make sure that you have plenty of fleece or your greenhouse heaters are working and have fuel. Continue to reduce watering and make sure the areas are free of any leaves and debris. This will help reduce the risk of Botrytis.

If you are forcing bulbs in the dark, check them now. If they are about 1” you can bring them into the light of a frost free greenhouse, and as soon as the flowers start to appear, you can bring the on in the warmth.

General Tasks

Weed your borders; perennial weeds are at their most vulnerable now, and very susceptible to weed killers. Pruning on deciduous shrubs can still be done now. Good housekeeping will pay dividends next year. Keep a watchful eye out for fungal infections such as black spot and botrytis, treat with a systemic fungicide.

You can continue to plant as long as the ground is frost free. Make sure you have protected all vulnerable plants. Plant Roses Now.

Plants of the Month

A selection of plants that are especially interesting this month.

• Euonymus
• Cornus
• Viburnum Tinus
• Leucothe
• Skimmia
• Roses
• Camellia

One last point is to give a special mention to the birds. As the weather gets colder and the berries have mostly gone, birds need a little help through the winter. There are all manner of Bird Care products available, so if you have the space and time, give them a little help. It always pays to TWEET them nice. At least if you’re feeding them with these products, they may leave your vegetable plot alone!!

If you’re looking for ideas or some inspiration, visit Redfields where our staff can help you with all of the above and MUCH MORE.