Pat’s Jobs for November 2024

1. Check for blackspot on roses and make sure to remove the leaves by checking the bush itself and below it. But don’t add to the compost heap.

2. If you have to, this is the best time to move trees and shrubs, but have your planting hole ready, and dig up with all the root ball and replant quickly, watering well until settled. 

3. Plant your tulips and hyacinths now. either in the ground or in pots – but protect from squirrels. 

4. If you sowed sweet peas last month. harden them off now and it’s still not too late to get some going for an early crop. 

5. Colourful salvias are certainly the star performers at the moment but ensure you have cuttings to replace any winter losses.

6. Start collecting leaves now for leafmould, which makes an excellent soil conditioner for heavy soils. Store in open-sided bins until well rotted, and keep damp.

7. Reduce water for houseplants and make sure they get maximum light through the winter.

8. Prune currants by taking hardwood cuttings about 6 inches long, and rooting either in a pot or directly in the ground. Use to replace any unwieldy or very old bushes – although it takes a few years to get a decent crop. 

9. Net brassicas such as broccoli or kale, as greedy pigeons will decimate crops overnight. 

10. Leave anything flowering for late flying bumblebees to collect their pollen and nectar. There are still lots around on mild days. 

Pat K