And just like that, November is here! The work you put in now will protect your plants, tidy your space and set you up beautifully for spring colour, says Adam Kirtland 

The clocks have gone back, the evenings draw in before you know it, and the garden seems to slip into hibernation mode. While growth has slowed almost to a stop, there is still plenty to do outdoors. November is a month of wrapping up, tucking in and getting things in order before winter really arrives. Jobs you do now will set things up for a blooming great spring. Here are some of my top jobs for November… 

Plant tulips at their best

If you only plant one thing this month, make it tulips. Unlike daffodils or crocuses, tulips actually do best when planted later in autumn, once the soil has cooled. This helps to prevent problems such as tulip fire disease and gives them the best start. Choose firm, healthy bulbs, dig a hole about three times the depth of the bulb, and plant them with the pointed tip facing upwards. Tulips look brilliant in pots, borders or even naturalised in grass, and they will reward you with colour and drama come April and May. 

Protect your pots from frost

Terracotta pots in particular are prone to cracking when frost gets into the clay, and tender plants in containers suffer even more. The answer is simple: raise pots off the ground on little feet or bricks so that excess water can drain away, and group them together in a sheltered spot. For precious plants, wrap the pots in fleece, hessian or even bubble wrap for insulation. Hardy perennials will cope, but anything less robust should be brought under cover if possible. 

Mulch your borders

Bare soil loses heat and nutrients over winter, but a good layer of mulch solves both problems at once. Spread compost, well-rotted manure, leaf mould or bark chips over the soil around your plants. Not only will this improve the structure and fertility of your soil, it will also suppress weeds and insulate plant roots against the cold. It is a simple job with a big payoff, and it gives your beds that neat, finished look too. 

Prune fruit trees

Now that apples and pears have dropped their leaves, you can see their shape clearly, which makes November an ideal time for pruning. Focus on removing any dead, damaged or crossing branches, as well as opening up the centre of the tree to let in light and air. This will reduce disease, encourage stronger growth and lead to better crops next year. Use sharp, clean secateurs or a pruning saw, and do not worry too much as fruit trees are tougher than they look. Just avoid plums and cherries for now, as they are best pruned in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf disease. 

Look after the wildlife

As gardens wind down, birds start to rely more on us. Set up feeders with a mix of seeds, suet and peanuts, and top them up regularly. If you have a pond, float a ball or place a stick across it to stop the surface freezing completely, which ensures that wildlife can still reach the water. A messy corner of the garden with leaves, sticks and a few logs will provide shelter for hedgehogs and insects, so resist the urge to tidy everything too perfectly. Sometimes, a little mess is the best kind of care.

So, there you have it, five key jobs for November. Plant your tulips, protect your pots, mulch your borders, prune your fruit trees and spare a thought for wildlife. The days may be shorter and the weather colder, but the work you do now will protect and prepare your garden for the season ahead and make next spring all the brighter for it.