
Your Monthly Planting Guide
Gardening in November
As autumn comes to an end, the last of the leaves are falling from the trees and the days are becoming wetter and noticeably colder. It’s a quieter time of year in the garden, and a great opportunity to reflect on what has and has not worked well in the garden, and to start planning for the next year. It’s also a great time to take a look at your indoor plants and make sure they’re ready for the winter.
What to plant and do in November?
November is a time of year when many of us step inside and have perhaps a little more time to enjoy our homegrown efforts. Think warming soups, roasted root vegetable cobblers, and apple crumbles, all made with ingredients from the garden. But there is still some work to do. If you want to know what to plant in November and any jobs you should be doing, discover more in our November planting guides below.
Courgettes (Cucurbita pepo)
Courgettes are now a common, summer staple in the vegetable garden.
Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus)
Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) are among the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow.
Spring Onions
Spring onions are a delicious addition to a whole range of dishes, from summer salads to stir-fries.
Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are tubers that grow and form at the plant’s roots.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic is the base of so many delicious dishes, and growing garlic at home is now very popular.
How to grow and care for Lupins
Lupins are a traditional addition to any garden, providing colourful flowers from late spring through to mid-summer.
How to Grow French Beans
French beans are a versatile vegetable, producing attractive, long, thin pods, and creamy haricot beans. They are a...
How to grow and care for Cavolo Nero
‘Cavolo nero’ is a variety of kale, closely related to broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.
How to grow and care for Rocket
Salad rocket, like its name, is a fast-growing salad leaf, perfect for adding a peppery spiciness to your salads.
How to grow and care for Chard
Chard, or Swiss Chard, is a delicious and beautiful plant which will bring harvests to the kitchen and colour to the...
Strawberries
If you’re a strawberry fan, the many varieties of ‘Fragaria × ananassa’ are easy to grow at home.
Raspberries (Rubus idaeus)
What could be better than a bowl of sweet, freshly-picked raspberries in summer?
Blueberries
Eaten fresh, baked in muffins or as the star attraction in jams or desserts, blueberries are always delicious.
How to Grow Banana Plants
With their exotic and enormous foliage, banana plants add a taste of the tropics to the garden. In the UK they rarely...
How to Grow Butternut Squash
Butternut squash are a late season favourite, with attractive fruits which will keep well throughout the autumn and...
How to grow and care for peaches
What better way to round off a summer meal than with a luscious peach? Even better, a peach you’ve grown yourself!
How to grow and care for mango trees
Everyone loves mangoes, but did you know that you can grow a mango tree from a seed?
How to grow and care for cherry trees
Cherry trees are truly beautiful, with different species offering gorgeous flowers, bark, leaves, and fruit. You can...
How to grow and care for Crocosmia
Crocosmia bring flashes of bright colour and vibrance to a garden, with their graceful, delicately arching flower stalks...
How to grow and care for Ceanothus
Ceanothus is a beautiful and eye-catching perennial shrub. The vivid and prolific blooms are usually blue, but white and...
How to grow and care for garden Euphorbias
Hailing from a diverse range of habitats/regions, there’s a Euphorbia to suit you – whether you’re looking for a...
How to grow and care for Buddleia
Commonly known as the butterfly bush, Buddleia davidii is a hardy, summer flowering shrub which is very easy to grow.
How to grow and care for Bay Trees
A slow-growing and easy-to-care-for plant, the bay tree is extremely popular. The aromatic leaves are widely used in all...
How to grow and care for an Ornamental Quince
The Ornamental Quince is a small, pretty shrub with lots to offer to any garden.
How to grow and care for Asters
Asters are perennials which produce lots of colourful daisy-like flowers year after year.
How to grow and care for Dianthus
You may have heard of Carnations, Sweet Williams, and Pinks - these are all types of Dianthus.
How to grow and care for Verbena
The many different species of Verbena are great for bringing useful pollinators to the garden.
Sweetpeas (Lathyrus odoratus)
Sweetpeas (Lathyrus odoratus) are an incredibly popular summer climbing plant. They produce masses of flowers all summer...
How to grow and care for Geums
Pretty and delicate, Geums provide colour throughout the summer. They are frost tolerant, happy in a range of soil types...
How to grow and care for Honeysuckle
Evocative of summer country gardens twining around garden fences, walls or pergolas, Honeysuckles are a favourite...
How to grow and care for Helenium
Bearing bold flowers in orange, red and yellow, Heleniums are a bright and cheerful addition to the garden border.
How to grow and care for Nerines
Perfect for autumn colour, the brightly coloured Nerine is a great addition to a sun-soaked border. They can also be...
How to grow and care for Violas
The Viola is an adaptable low growing bedding plant coming in both classic and trailing varieties.
How to grow and care for Cosmos
Cosmos, also known as Mexican Aster, is a great low maintenance and long flowering annual.
How to grow and care for Snapdragons
Coming in a range of colours and sizes, Snapdragons bloom from June through to October on tall spire stems.
How to grow and care for banana plants inside
Banana plants grown indoors produce lovely foliage and interesting flowers and are easy to look after if you just follow...
What vegetables to plant in November
The following vegetables will gladly stand a cold spell - in fact, they will emerge from winter with strongly established root systems, raring to go in the spring:
- Broad Beans
- Garlic
- Onion sets
- Peas
Many of the vegetables sown in the spring have finished cropping now. Brassicas, such as kale and swede, really come into their own and provide an important source of nutrients during the colder months:
- Beetroot
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celeriac
- Celery
- Chard
- Jerusalem artichokes
- Kale
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Parsnips
- Swede
- Turnips
Vegetable plant maintenance in November
November in the vegetable patch is fairly low maintenance. Some preparation is needed ahead of any winter weather:
- Asparagus - cut down yellow foliage to 2-3cm (1in) above ground.
- Cauliflowers - bend leaves over developing heads to protect them from frost.
- Globe artichokes - cut down stems and add to the compost heap.
- Jerusalem artichokes - cut down to about 1 foot above ground. This will stop them being damaged by wind, but still allow you to find them under any snowfall.
Your attentions should then turn to protecting plants from hungry pests:
- Beetroot and carrots - harvest any remaining roots. Slugs and then woodlice will damage these once the soil gets wetter.
- Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage and Kale - keep covered in netting to prevent birds getting to them.
The following vegetables will gladly stand a cold spell - in fact, they will emerge from winter with strongly established root systems, raring to go in the spring:
- Broad Beans
- Garlic
- Onion sets
- Peas
What vegetables to harvest in November
Many of the vegetables sown in the spring have finished cropping now. Brassicas, such as kale and swede, really come into their own and provide an important source of nutrients during the colder months:
- Beetroot
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celeriac
- Celery
- Chard
- Jerusalem artichokes
- Kale
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Parsnips
- Swede
- Turnips
Vegetable plant maintenance in November
November in the vegetable patch is fairly low maintenance. Some preparation is needed ahead of any winter weather:
- Asparagus - cut down yellow foliage to 2-3cm (1in) above ground.
- Cauliflowers - bend leaves over developing heads to protect them from frost.
- Globe artichokes - cut down stems and add to the compost heap.
- Jerusalem artichokes - cut down to about 1 foot above ground. This will stop them being damaged by wind, but still allow you to find them under any snowfall.
Your attentions should then turn to protecting plants from hungry pests:
- Beetroot and carrots - harvest any remaining roots. Slugs and then woodlice will damage these once the soil gets wetter.
- Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage and Kale - keep covered in netting to prevent birds getting to them.
What fruit to plant in November
November is the perfect time to plant fruit trees and canes as the soil is still warm, and plants are entering a dormant period. If you’re considering planting fruit trees in November, those that can be planted now include:
- Apples
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Pears
- Plums
- Quince
Prepare soil for a new fruit tree by digging a square hole and removing all perennial weeds. Drive a stake vertically at least 1inch into the ground from the bottom of the hole and plant the tree about 3inch from the stake. Fix a tie near the top of the stake and loosely attach the tree to it. Fill the hole back in with soil and firm. Make sure to plant any grafting point of the tree above the soil (the knobbly bit a few inches above the root).
Follow the same soil preparation guidance for fruit bushes, although there is no need to stake them:
- Blackcurrants
- Figs
- Gooseberries
- Grapes
- Raspberries
- Redcurrants
A wide range of bare-root fruit plants are available in the autumn and winter. These are often stronger specimens than container-grown plants and come in a wider range of varieties.
If you are tempted with an end-of-season container-grown bargain, carefully check the health of the plant. Look for pests and diseases, or signs of other stress such as drought. The plant should not be pot-bound; gently pick up the plant near to the base of the stem to check that it does not come out of the pot easily.
What fruit to harvest in November
The last of the fruit should be harvested now, before any heavy frosts:
- Apples
- Bullace plums
- Grapes
- Pears
- Quince
Apples and pears can store well if wrapped in newspaper and kept in a cool dark place.
Prune these fruit plants to encourage new growth later in the spring. Remove dead wood, congested and rubbing branches, to promote good air flow through the plants:
- Apples
- Blackcurrants
- Grapes
- Pears
Mulch plants with a suitable compost to help protect them over the winter months.
Check fruit trees for signs of bacterial canker. Foliage will have fallen from the tree as expected in November, making it easier to spot the symptoms of this devastating disease. Look for dark, sunken and sometimes weeping patches of bark on tree stems and branches. Treat it by removing the wound and all surrounding tissue.
Add a barrier to raspberries, which will sucker and spread nearby, popping up where they aren’t always wanted. Burying a thin but rigid barrier about 1inch deep along the edge of the raspberry patch will help to stop them spreading.
Check stored apples and pears for decay. Diseases can spread quickly so remove any which show signs of spoiling.
What trees and shrubs to plant in November
November is the perfect time to plant new perennials and shrubs. Many plants will be entering a period of dormancy over the winter, so can withstand the disturbance and do not require as much maintenance as those planted during hotter and drier weather.
There are many perennials and shrubs which can be planted straight into the garden at this time of year:
- Cotinus (Smoke bush)
- Cornus (dogwood)
- Garrya elliptica (silk tassel)
- Hamamelis (witch hazel)
- Forsythia 'Spectabilis'
- Thuja plicate
- Viburnum tinus
Prepare the ground by loosening the soil and adding organic matter. Water the plants about an hour before planting, dig a hole to the depth of the roots, and about three times as wide. Place the plant in the hole and refill with soil, gently firming it to ensure good contact between the roots and earth. Water well, and add a mulch to help retain moisture whilst it establishes.
What trees and shrubs to prune in November
The following trees and shrubs can be pruned in November:
- Berberis
- Cistus
- Delphiniums
- Lupins
- Peonies
- Phlox
Tree and shrub maintenance in November
November is the ideal time to divide shrubs, once they have finished flowering:
- Aubretia
- Crocosomia
- Euphorbia
- Geraniums
- Hostas
- Pulmonaria
Other tasks to undertake before the cold winter months arrive:
- Check for pests and diseases that may be affecting the plant and treat appropriately.
- Provide supports to climbing plants.
- Mulch borders to improve the soil, helping conserve moisture for plants and providing a helpful source of nutrients. Add about 5cm (2in) to the soil surface, leaving a gap around stems to allow air to circulate around the plant.
What roses to plant in November
November is the ideal time to plant roses. The earth is workable and warm, making it easy for you to give them the best possible chance to get established. There should be a wide-range of varieties available now as bare-root plants, and they are generally cheaper than container-grown roses.
There are several main types of rose. Pick a type that suits the space available in your garden:
- Miniature and patio
- Bush roses (this includes hybrid tea and floribunda roses)
- Shrub roses
- Climbing
- Rambling
- Ground cover
- Standard
What roses to prune in November
Preparing to prune roses over the winter means checking that you have the right equipment. Sharp and clean secateurs are essential, and roses can have very sharp and rigid thorns, so wear:
- Thick gloves
- A thick long-sleeved top that covers your arms
- Goggles
When pruning roses, remember that all cuts should be:
- Within 5mm (1/4in) of a bud.
- Directed away from the plant, so that water does not accumulate in crevices of the plant.
Different types of rose have additional specific pruning needs, depending on the time of year, size and habit of the plant. Check for specific guidance on when and how to prune each type.
Rose maintenance in November
Mulch roses using well-rotted manure, compost or wood chip. A specialised compost can provide nutrients specifically designed for roses.
Tie-in roses to supports. Strong winds in the winter months can damage plants by causing them to move around. The movement loosens roots in the soil, creating excess space for water to enter, which can then freeze and damage the plant.
What flowers and bulbs to plant in November
As long as the ground is not frozen, November is the right time to plant the following bulbs:
These will produce an early show of colour to look forward to next year. The bulbs can be planted in the ground or in pots, or a mixture of both. Consider whether a mixture of different colours would be most eye-catching for your garden, or whether a flush of a single colour would strike a stunning display.
Flower and bulb maintenance in November
A late autumn display of flowers brought indoors can make a house feel like a home. The following flowers will provide a source of cut flowers throughout November:
- Alstroemerias - typically orange, pink, red, white, yellow flowers
- Amaryllis - typically pink, red, white flowers
- Chrysanthemums - typically orange, pink, red, white, yellow flowers
- Hesperanthas - typically pink, red, white flowers
- Nerines - typically pink, red, white flowers
The following plants are frost-tender and should be brought inside:
- Cannas
- Dahlias
- Fuchsias
- Geraniums
Other jobs to undertake now:
- Lift dahlia tubers after the first frost. Store them in dry compost in a cool but frost-proof place.
- Clear sweet peas. Make sure you have saved some seeds to sow next year.
- Check for mould on bulbs which are to be planted, as it can spread to other bulbs.
- Replenish compost in containers where bedding plants and bulbs were planted earlier in the year. This will provide fresh nutrients to incoming plants and ensure that pests and diseases are disturbed.
What houseplants to plant in November
Houseplants allow us to enjoy gardening whatever the weather is doing outside. There are a huge range of plants that can be grown indoors, and they will thrive in the right conditions. Here we recommend plants that are suited to an environment where the temperature is usually 18°C or warmer.
For rooms with good levels of light:
- Alocasia cuprea
- Caladium (Angel’s wings)
- Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii (Hearts on a string)
- Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (Areca palm)
- Hippeastrum (Amaryllis)
- Hoya carnosa (Wax flower)
- Phlebodium aureum (Golden polypody)
For rooms with poorer levels of light:
- Adiantum raddianum (Maidenhair fern)
- Philodendron xanadu
- Sansevieria (Snake plant)
Check the humidity requirements of a plant as well. Some need a dry atmosphere, where a hallway or landing might be appropriate. Others, such as ferns and orchids, prefer a humid atmosphere such as a bathroom or kitchen.
Houseplant maintenance in November
Houseplants have many health benefits. As well as cheering up a room and providing a positive mental focus, some varieties have been scientifically proven to purify the air, removing toxins from the home. Help the plants that are keeping you healthy by watering and feeding as needed and look out for pests which can attack them. Check for symptoms of damage from:
- Mealybugs - fluffy white lumps on the underside of leaves. Wipe off, check daily and repeat if needed.
- Red spider mites - fine webbing on leaves and stems. Improve air circulation around the plant.
- Scale insects - white or brown waxy lumps on the underside of leaves. Wipe off or tolerate if low in number.
Feed the houseplant to keep it strong and able to withstand attacks from pests. Use a recognised plant food which is suitable for indoor plants.

Find your local store and start growing your garden.
Find your local store and start growing your garden.