With the arrival of November, gardening expert Monty Don is back to share his valuable insights on what to plant and how to prepare our gardens for the colder months. Known for his engaging style on Gardeners’ World, Don encourages both seasoned gardeners and novices alike to embrace the challenges and opportunities this month presents.
This time of year often brings wet and windy weather, making it tempting to retreat indoors. Yet, according to Don, there's still plenty of work to be done for those willing to brave the elements. "November is not the end of gardening; it’s merely the beginning of another season," he remarked during his recent podcast. His main focus this month? Tulip bulbs.
Don emphasizes the importance of planting tulips during this month, explaining, "We don’t think about planting tulips until November." With the weather being unpredictable, he notes, gardeners should seize on any dry day to get bulbs planted. Using the time between rain showers productively, he managed to plant around 3,000 tulips at his Longmeadow garden—a massive endeavor showing true dedication to his craft.
"Whenever the weather is dry enough, we try and do as much planting as we can," Don said. "But, you can’t plant bulbs when it’s pouring rain." This season, he noted how difficult weather has proven to be for many gardeners, referring to 2023 as one where they’ve had to be opportunistic, often snatching chances where they could.
Despite the ups and downs of weather, Monty has developed strategies to revitalize sections of his garden, often referring to his projects as “zhuzhing up” certain areas. This term describes his method of enhancing and diversifying his floral displays, stating, "Anyone who has grown tulips will see something online or in a catalogue and think, ‘that’s exactly what I want,’ only to find out it’s not what they expected when it finally blooms."
Another key note from the gardening legend is about patience and long-term planning. For Don, creating beautiful gardens is not just about immediate satisfaction but also envisioning what it could become over several years. "This can be like embarking on an art project or discovering what works best within the layout of your garden," he explains, encouraging gardeners to record their choices and results for future reference.
When it’s not about tulips, Don stresses the importance of general maintenance during November. He recommends cutting back plants like fennel and cardoons, which often cannot withstand the colder temperatures. Each week, his team focuses on tidying up the garden by pruning plants and clearing away debris to prevent pests from overwintering. "A tidy garden now helps you enjoy it more next season," he noted, making it clear there's as much value placed on maintenance as on planting new life.
For those who are already thinking about roses, Don has insights there as well. He suggests waiting until the first frost before placing mulch around rose plants to protect their roots during the winter. "Mulch acts as insulation," he explained. It prevents the ground from freezing too deeply and ensures moisture retention during dry spells. His top choices for mulch include shredded leaves, wood chips, and even cocoa hulls, which will not only protect the plants but will also contribute to overall soil health as they decompose. "Mulchless soil is like being without blankets on a cold night. It's not comfortable for the garden," he quipped.
Don also cautions against fertilizing roses during November, as this can encourage unwanted new growth. Instead, he recommends ensuring your plants are tucked away for the winter, ready to emerge stronger come spring. He reiterated the importance of preparing your garden well, saying, "Don't wait until you need something to get it; have it ready and use it before it’s too late."
On the topic of frost preparation, he strongly underlines the necessity of protecting vulnerable plants. For Monty, using cloches and fleece is key. He explained how cloches, small structures similar to mini greenhouses, can keep plants warm and dry during frosty nights. "These provide excellent defence for low-growing plants, often the most vulnerable during winter." His advice aligns with recommendations from the Royal Horticultural Society, reinforcing how effective protection can drastically improve plant survival rates during harsh conditions.
With frosty weather being inevitable, Don urges avid gardeners to keep their terracotta pots indoors or at least wrapped up for insulation, as they can crack when the soil inside expands during freezing temperatures. It's these small details, he asserts, whether it’s ensuring gaskets on pots or using protective covers, which can make the difference between life and death for many species.
While the fuss over prepping gardens may sound overwhelming to some, Don inspires confidence. He assures, "Gardening is supposed to be enjoyable, not stressful. If you give attention to your plants, they will reward you tenfold." He promotes getting involved and being prepared, reinforcing the importance of taking each step carefully to guarantee your garden transitions smoothly from fall to winter.
So, as we proceed through November, take heed of Monty Don's advice on tulip planting and winterizing techniques. By establishing good habits now and preparing carefully for the cold, gardeners can look forward to stunning displays come spring. Each planted bulb takes us closer to the colourful blooms of the season, reminding us of the rewards of patience and care.
Embrace November's gardening tasks and enjoy the process, ensuring your garden stays lively—even through the dreary days of winter. Monty Don inspires us with his belief: the more we put in, the more we’ll reap come springtime.
