NOVEMBER
November Gardening Tips & Plant Care Guide
November in the garden feels like a deep breath after the flurry of fall. The leaves have mostly turned, cool breezes are here to stay, and it’s time to shift from active growing to thoughtful preparation. November gardening is all about winter readiness, including protecting tender plants from frost, finishing up fall lawn care, mulching beds, planting spring-blooming bulbs, and tidying up garden spaces before freeze-ups slow everything down. While the garden may be quieter, there is still plenty to do to keep your landscape healthy and set the stage for a strong spring comeback.
Lawn Care in November
- Apply a winter fertilizer (such as Ferti-lome) to cool-season lawns like bluegrass and tall fescue. This is optional if you already fertilized in September. Nutrients will be stored in the roots now and used in early spring. Be sure to water in he fertilizer thoroughly.
- Take control of broadleaf weeds. For full effectiveness, spray on a day that is at least 50 degrees. Make sure it does not get rain or irrigation within 24 hours or else it will reduce effectiveness.
- Kansas State University suggests that early November is one of the most effective times to control weeds. Dandelions typically produce a flush of new plants in late September and annual weeds like henbit and chickweed should have germinated in October and are actively growing. Herbicides move into the roots more effectively killing it from the roots up. Spraying weeds on days that are 50 degrees or higher will help weed killer to be moved from the leaves to the roots.
- Take fallen leaves to prevent lawn suffocation over winter
- Water turf so it enters winter with adequate moisture
- Continue mowing as needed
Landscape & Soil Preparation
Take a soil test and make needed adjustments this fall.
Till your garden soil and add organic matter to improve structure and fertility.
November in the Garden
• Sort apples in storage and remove spoiled fruit
• Clean and remove fallen fruit from around trees to reduce insects and disease next year
Flower Care
Annuals - Remove any frost-killed annuals, till flower beds and add organic matter to help enrich the soil.
Bulbs - Continue planting spring-flowering bulbs
Perennials - Cut back perennials to 4-6 inches, or leave standing depending on your gardening style.
Winter Protection - Apply a winter mulch to perennials and roses after several hard freezes
Trees and Shrubs
- Continue planting new trees and shrubs. Ensure newly planted plants are being watered regularly, and any existing plants are well-watered before the ground freezes
- Check mulch levels and replenish as needed. Rake leaves and add them to your compost piles
- Clean up rose beds to help reduce disease. Cut back tall rose canes to 24 inches, or about 3 feet to prevent wind damage. Make sure tender roses have mulch protection for winter. Note: Carpet Roses and Knock-Out Roses do not require additional mulch.
- • Spray ‘Wilt Pruf’ on Boxwood, Holly, Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, (broadleaf evergreens) and climbing rose canes, around Thanksgiving. This will provide a waxy protective layer that will prevent browning. It is an anti-transpirant that will reduce moisture loss when plants are under winter stress.
- Use tree wrap on trunks of fruit trees to help protect from rabbit damage
Pruning
Prune dead or hazardous limbs. Wait to prune spring flowering trees and shrubs until after bloom.
Miscellaneous
Equipment Maintenance - Clean and oil garden tools, sprayers and equipment. Store tools away for the winter.
Water Systems - If you have not yet, detach and drain any hoses and sprinklers and store indoors.
Power Equipment - Add fuel stabilizer if you are leaving it in any equipment. Otherwise, drain gas and make any needed repairs.
Wildlife Protection - Protect ornamental and fruit trees from rabbits using wraps or wire enclosures
Composting - Start a compost pile with fall leaves
Planning ahead - Begin planning for next year's garden