Aktuellt i november

November in the Garden – Maintenance, Winter Protection, and Seasonal Inspiration

November marks a transitional period in the garden, shifting your focus from active cultivation to preparation and care for the winter ahead. This is a perfect month to take stock, carry out important maintenance, and ensure a smoother start when spring returns. If you want further inspiration for how to extend autumn activities, don’t miss Aktuellt i oktober for more timely tips.

Tool and Equipment Care

Start by reviewing all your gardening tools and watering aids. November is an ideal time to clean, repair, oil, or repaint your tools, making sure everything is ready for next year’s season. Taking care now not only extends the lifespan of your equipment but also means you won't have to start spring with tedious chores.

Autumn Cleanup: How and What to Leave

Rake away unnecessary debris and tidy up visible bråte, which gives an instant facelift to your garden. However, avoid being too thorough: leave withered plant material and a light layer of leaves over your flower beds and borders. This natural blanket helps protect against cold and rot, as fallen leaves provide insulation for both the soil and overwintering plants. If leaf cover on the lawn is too dense, rake away the excess, but redistribute gathered leaves under trees and shrubs where they’ll do good.

Key Steps for Effective Cleanup

• Remove large branches and obvious debris.
• Leave some leaf and plant matter in flower beds.
• Monitor for pests or signs of rot.

Winter Protection for Sensitive Plants

Some more delicate plants might need extra winter protection, but it’s important not to cover them too early. Wait until the real chill has settled in; otherwise, you risk encouraging fungal diseases in the mild autumn damp. After the holidays, Christmas tree branches can be recycled as excellent wind and frost protection for perennials and beds.

Storage and Overwintering of Vegetables

If you haven't yet harvested all your vegetables, you can either let hardy varieties remain in the ground, or store them in a “stuka” (earth clamp) over winter. This provides a simple and effective way to keep root vegetables and potatoes fresh until spring:

• Choose a spot where water doesn’t gather.
• Pile up the vegetables, keeping each variety separate.
• Cover with a thick layer of peat or straw, then top with a thinner layer of soil.

Experiment with materials and placement to suit your specific conditions, as results can vary.

Additional Tips for Vegetable Storage

Certain crops like carrots can stay in the ground, simply topped with ample straw. Leeks also thrive when heavily mulched with straw—and with a bit of luck, you can harvest them continuously through the winter. Other parts of your vegetable plot can benefit from a covering of straw or leaves. This not only encourages earthworm activity for longer but also keeps frost from penetrating too deeply. Keep in mind, though, that such layers can also attract mice and voles, so monitor the area as necessary.

Greenhouse – Cleanliness and Soil

If your greenhouse hasn’t been cleaned yet, now is the time. Thoroughly remove any lingering plant debris and pests to prevent overwintering infestations. Consider whether you need new shelving or want to lay out stepping stones. Make these changes now so you can devote your attention to sowing and planting come spring. Change out old soil, adding compost and fertilizer, and cover the ground with straw or leaves for insulation.

Houseplants in the Dark Season

With the approach of darker, colder days, most houseplants become more “kinkiga” (finicky). Supplement their light if possible to help them cope with the diminished daylight. If you air out your rooms, be cautious and move sensitive plants away from cold draughts. Most houseplants take a rest period now, preferring less water and little to no fertilizer if not in bloom.

Practical Houseplant Care

• Reduce watering.
• Avoid fertilizing unless blooming.
• Place near windows or supplement with grow lights.
• Shield from cold window sills and drafts.

Decorative Winter Groups for the Entrance

Bring a little seasonal cheer to your doorstep by creating a winter arrangement in a frost-safe container. You can buy ready-made groups at garden centers or combine your own selection—a small conifer, heather, Christmas rose, and ivy make a classic and hardy combination. Ornamental grasses add height and texture as well. Decorative pumpkins are a seasonal favorite, but be mindful that they don’t tolerate frost. Keep some indoors as replacements if you want long-lasting displays. Lanterns with candles or tealights provide a welcoming glow during long November evenings.

Don’t forget, for more ideas about seasonal tasks and inspiration, you can also read Aktuellt i oktober to make the most of both autumn and early winter in your garden.