Garden chores in November 🍂

A strong lawn, even in autumn

Your lawn is gradually getting ready for its winter rest. With the right care in autumn, you can help your lawn get through the winter in good condition and give it a flying start in spring. With these tips, your lawn will stay in top condition even during the colder months!

• Time to apply lime?

All that autumn rain can cause your lawn to become quite acidic over time. The autumn months are therefore ideal for liming your lawn. This gives the lime time to work its way into the soil and restore the pH balance. It also ensures that the nutrients in your fertiliser are absorbed more effectively and helps to limit weed and moss growth in the spring. Always measure the pH level of your lawn first before applying lime. Is it below 5.5? If so, it’s advisable to apply lime!

• Leaves on your lawn? Collect them all!

A few leaves on your lawn won’t do any harm. But if a thick layer builds up, the grass will be smothered and won’t get enough light or air, which can weaken it and make it more susceptible to fungal diseases.

Rake up the leaves regularly and give them a new lease of life as mulch in your borders. This way, you’ll protect the soil from the cold and create a cosy shelter for hedgehogs and other garden creatures during the winter.

• Winter break for your lawnmower

You’ll probably be mowing the lawn for the last time this month. Once the temperature drops below 5°C, the grass stops growing. You can then put your lawnmower or robotic lawnmower into winter storage for a while. Make the most of this winter break to clean your lawnmower, check the blades and replace them if necessary.

As long as the temperature stays above 5°C, you can mow the lawn at a higher setting (5 cm). Grass that is cut too short is more susceptible to frost and can be damaged more easily.

Give your garden a green head start!

Planting your garden in the autumn? That’s a brilliant idea! There’s a particularly wide range of plants available right now, and bare-root plants are also in plentiful supply. What’s more, you’ll be giving your new plants a real head start: thanks to the soil still being relatively warm, your plants will have plenty of time to establish strong roots. That way, they’ll be fully ready to thrive come spring!

Frequently asked questions about the garden in November

• Which plants do you need to protect from frost?

Not all plants are equally sensitive to the cold! Mediterranean, tropical and frost-sensitive plants, in particular, could do with some extra protection. Think of olive trees, citrus plants, palms and oleanders, which are naturally accustomed to warmer climates.

Our tips to help your olive tree survive the winter!

• Can you still plant when it's freezing?

You certainly can plant, as long as the soil isn’t frozen! November is actually an excellent month for planting many trees, shrubs and hedges. The soil is usually still warm enough, and the autumn rain helps your new plants to establish good roots.

Is it freezing outside, or is the ground frozen? If so, it’s best to wait until the temperatures rise again. Also, don’t plant in waterlogged or frozen soil, as this can damage the roots.

• Should I choose potted plants, plants with a (wire) root ball, or bare-root plants?

Have you had a look at our plants section yet? If so, you’ll no doubt have noticed that they’re available in various forms. But which is the best choice?

• Potted plants: these have a fully developed root ball – which is why they’re also the most expensive option – and can, in principle, be planted all year round, as long as it isn’t freezing or extremely hot
• Plants with a root ball: here, the roots are enclosed in a ball of soil, often wrapped in jute or a wire basket. They’re ideal for planting in the autumn and are mainly found with larger trees and shrubs
• Bare-root plants: these are sold without a pot or any soil around the roots. They are more economical and particularly suitable for hedges, fruit trees and woodland plants. You should plant them during the dormant period, from around November to March, provided the ground isn’t frozen. Do make sure you plant them in the ground soon after purchase, as the roots dry out more quickly (especially in windy weather).

Would you like more information? Then be sure to read our in-depth blog post detailing all the pros and cons of each type!

• Can I still plant flower bulbs now for the spring?

Absolutely! Do you dream of a garden full of colourful tulips, daffodils and crocuses? Then November is the perfect time to plant spring flower bulbs! Most flower bulbs can be planted from September through to December, as long as the ground isn’t frozen.

Choose from our colourful selection of flower bulbs Have a look at our flower bulb guide for practical tips

• Which plants can you prune in November?

Don’t put your secateurs away just yet in November! You can prune deciduous trees and shrubs that you want to keep in shape once the leaves have fallen. You can also prune certain fruit trees, such as apple and pear trees, whilst they are dormant.

Please note: not every plant benefits from being pruned in the autumn. Spring-flowering plants such as lilacs, forsythia and magnolias are best pruned only after they have finished flowering. Otherwise, you’ll cut off the flower buds for next spring, which would be a shame!

Marcel’s tip: don’t prune in frosty weather and always use sharp, clean pruning tools. That way, you’ll create neat, clean pruning cuts!

Find out everything you need to know about autumn pruning here!

• When should you mow the lawn for the last time?

The timing of the final mow depends mainly on the weather and how your grass is growing. You’ll usually mow the lawn for the last time in October or November. As long as the grass is still growing, you can safely give it another go.

Do bear the temperature in mind, though: in cold weather, when there’s frost or the ground is wet, it’s best to leave the lawnmower in the shed for a while. For the final mow, cut your lawn to a height of about 4 to 5 cm. This will provide sufficient protection against the winter cold.

• When should you start feeding birds?