November is upon us, Christmas is coming… and it’s definitely colder. Time to put your feet up? No way, says Adam Kirtland!

You’d be excused for thinking that now the temperatures have dropped the garden is going to sleep? Well, ok – you might be right in some respects, things are dying down a little but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing at all to do in the garden. Far from it!

I’ve always thought that this is the time of year to be planning, scheming and plotting what you hope to do in the garden next year, while also ticking off a few jobs that you might not have done yet before the end of the year. I’m busy flicking through seed catalogues, eyeing up all the spring bulbs on offer and thinking about just what to do in 2025 and how the garden can be bolder, better and more beautiful than ever before. I’ve got some jobs for you, that might just help you move along in the same way too. Enjoy!

Terrific Tulips

Planting tulips in November is a fantastic way to inject a splash of colour into your spring garden. Even if you think you’re a little late to the bulb-planting party, you’re not! In the UK, November is actually a great time for tulips ¬– planting them later helps prevent them from being exposed to diseases like tulip fire.

Start by choosing a sunny spot with well-drained soil (no one likes soggy bulbs!). Dig a hole around three times the depth of the bulb, about 15cm or so, and space each bulb 10cm apart for a nice, full display. Don’t worry if your soil isn’t perfect, tulips are fairly hardy and adaptable. If you’re feeling adventurous, try layering different varieties in a pot for a stunning, multi-layered effect come spring. Pop the bulbs in, cover them up, and then sit back and relax until those bright blooms pop through in March or April. Easy and satisfying – what more could you want?

Cut back or not?

Deciding whether to cut back perennials this month can be a bit of a personal choice, depending on how tidy you like your garden and what you’re aiming for. In the UK, some gardeners like to trim back their perennials in autumn, giving their beds a neat, clean look before winter.

However, on the flip side, leaving perennials standing through winter can be beneficial for wildlife. Birds will appreciate seed heads for food, and insects might shelter in the old stems. Plus, the frost-covered plants can add a lovely structural element to your winter garden.

If you do decide to cut back, just snip the dead growth down to the base, leaving any lower green foliage in place. And remember, not all perennials need cutting – so do make sure to do a bit of research into the plants you’ve got before you go wild with your secateurs. Ultimately, it’s about striking the balance that works best for your garden style and your local wildlife.

Change for winter

As the temperatures drop and summer bedding plants are well and truly over, November is the perfect time to refresh with autumn and winter bedding plants. These hardy varieties will keep your garden looking cheerful during the colder months and can often last right through to early spring if you look after them.

For a splash of colour, try pansies and violas – they’re both tough little plants that thrive in cooler weather and come in a variety of vibrant shades. They’re ideal for containers, borders, or hanging baskets, giving your garden an instant lift. Cyclamen is another great choice, with its delicate flowers and attractive foliage, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to pots or sheltered spots.

If you want something a little more structural, heathers and heucheras are fantastic. Heathers add evergreen interest and are great for ground cover, while heucheras provide stunning foliage in a range of colours, from deep purples to lime greens.

Finally, don’t forget winter-flowering heather and primroses – both offer early blooms and help bridge the gap between winter and spring. So, swap out those tired summer plants, and keep your garden looking bright and welcoming all through the chilly months!