Last Updated on: October 9, 2026

November Gardening Jobs UK – Complete Garden and Allotment Checklist

November might bring shorter days, chilly mornings and plenty of rain, but there’s still lots to do in the garden and on the allotment.

Although the main summer growing season is over, this is an important month for protecting winter crops, planting for spring, looking after fruit trees and preparing your growing space for next year.

If you’re wondering what November gardening jobs need doing in the UK, this complete guide will help you work through the most important tasks.

Here at Gardening with Ben, I love visiting the allotment throughout the colder months. Even when there’s less harvesting to do, November offers plenty of opportunities to make improvements, get organised and look forward to next year’s growing season.

From planting tulip bulbs and bare-root fruit bushes to caring for your polytunnel and harvesting winter vegetables, here are the essential November gardening jobs for UK gardeners.

November Gardening Jobs at a Glance

Gardening job	Why do it in November?
Plant tulip bulbs	Prepare colourful spring displays
Plant bare-root fruit trees	Establish trees during dormancy
Plant bare-root fruit bushes	Get raspberries and currants established
Plant garlic where suitable	Start next summer’s crop
Sow hardy broad beans	Early crop in suitable conditions
Harvest winter vegetables	Make use of established crops
Protect brassicas from birds	Prevent damage to winter crops
Check greenhouse and polytunnel	Prepare for colder weather
Mulch empty vegetable beds	Protect soil and improve structure
Collect fallen leaves	Make leaf mould
Prune suitable fruit trees	Maintain structure during dormancy
Protect container plants	Reduce frost and waterlogging damage
Check stored produce	Remove damaged or rotting fruit and vegetables
Plan next year’s crops	Get organised before spring

The exact jobs will depend on the weather, your location and what you’re growing.

1. Plant Tulip Bulbs in November

November is one of the best months for planting tulip bulbs in the UK.

Unlike many other spring-flowering bulbs, which are best planted earlier in autumn, tulips are commonly planted later.

Cooler soil conditions can help reduce the risk of tulip fire, a fungal disease that affects tulips.

How to Plant Tulips

Choose firm, healthy bulbs and a sunny position with well-drained soil.

Plant most garden tulips approximately two to three times the height of the bulb deep, following the supplier’s advice.

Position the pointed end upwards and cover with soil.

Water if the ground is dry, but avoid planting into waterlogged soil.

Growing Tulips in Containers

Tulips also grow beautifully in pots.

Choose a container with drainage holes and sufficient depth for the bulbs.

Use suitable peat-free compost and avoid leaving containers sitting in water throughout winter.

If you want an impressive display, plant tulips in groups rather than individually.

2. Finish Planting Other Spring-Flowering Bulbs

Although September and October are preferable for many spring bulbs, November can still be suitable for planting healthy bulbs where the soil remains workable.

These may include daffodils, crocuses, grape hyacinths, dwarf irises and ornamental alliums.

However, later planting isn’t always ideal, especially for bulbs that benefit from a longer period of root development before winter.

My November Bulb Planting Tips

Choose bulbs that remain firm and healthy.

Avoid bulbs showing extensive mould or rot.

Plant at the recommended depth for each variety.

Make sure the soil drains freely.

Label your bulbs so you can identify them when growth appears in spring.

If you’ve already purchased bulbs, it’s generally better to get suitable healthy bulbs planted rather than leave them deteriorating in storage.

3. Plant Bare-Root Fruit Trees

November marks the beginning of the main planting season for many bare-root fruit trees.

Bare-root trees are sold without a container of compost and are generally planted while dormant.

Apples and pears are popular choices for UK gardens and allotments.

How to Plant a Bare-Root Fruit Tree

Choose a suitable variety and growing position.

Dig a planting hole wide enough to accommodate the roots without bending them excessively.

Plant at the correct depth, keeping the graft union above soil level where applicable.

Backfill with soil and gently firm.

Water after planting if necessary.

Add a suitable mulch around the root area, keeping it away from the trunk.

Stake the tree if appropriate for its rootstock and growing conditions.

Important Planting Advice

Don’t plant bare-root trees into frozen or waterlogged ground.

If conditions are unsuitable, keep the roots protected and moist until planting is possible, following the supplier’s instructions.

4. Plant Bare-Root Fruit Bushes

November is also an excellent month for establishing many fruit bushes.

Popular choices include raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants and redcurrants.

Bare-root plants can be an economical way to expand your fruit-growing area.

Preparing the Growing Area

Remove perennial weeds before planting.

Improve the soil with suitable organic matter where needed.

Choose a position that meets the requirements of your chosen fruit.

Allow enough space for mature growth and harvesting.

What About Raspberries?

Autumn is a useful time to plant dormant raspberry canes.

Choose summer-fruiting or autumn-fruiting varieties depending on when you want to harvest.

Remember that they require different pruning methods.

5. Plant Garlic in Suitable Conditions

November can still be an appropriate month for planting garlic in the UK.

Many varieties benefit from exposure to winter cold.

However, planting into extremely wet ground can cause problems.

How to Plant Garlic

Separate healthy seed garlic bulbs into individual cloves.

Plant each clove with the flatter root base downwards and the pointed end upwards.

For many varieties, position the pointed tip around 2.5cm below soil level, adjusting for soil conditions and variety guidance.

Space cloves approximately 15cm apart, with around 30cm between rows.

What If Your Soil Is Waterlogged?

If you have heavy, wet soil, consider starting garlic in modules under protection and planting it out when growing conditions improve.

A cold frame or unheated greenhouse can be useful, although it’s important to prevent excessive moisture and monitor the plants.

6. Sow Hardy Broad Beans

Broad beans are among the few vegetables that can be sown during November.

Aquadulce Claudia is a popular overwintering variety.

However, successful outdoor autumn sowing is generally more reliable in mild, sheltered areas with free-draining soil.

How to Sow Broad Beans

Sow suitable hardy varieties in prepared soil, following the recommended planting depth and spacing.

Protect seeds from mice where necessary.

In colder parts of the UK, starting broad beans in deep pots under cover may be more reliable.

Growing Broad Beans in Yorkshire

On exposed allotments in Yorkshire, November can be particularly wet and cold.

Avoid planting into saturated soil.

If conditions are unsuitable, waiting until late winter or spring may provide better results than forcing an autumn sowing.

7. Harvest Your Winter Vegetables

November isn’t just about planting.

There can still be plenty to harvest if you’ve planned your growing season carefully.

Depending on what you planted earlier in the year, November crops may include:

• Leeks
• Parsnips
• Brussels sprouts
• Kale
• Winter cabbage
• Carrots
• Swedes
• Turnips
• Celeriac
• Jerusalem artichokes
• Swiss chard

These are established crops rather than vegetables that should all be newly sown during November.

Harvesting Parsnips

Parsnips can remain in the ground during winter in suitable soil.

Cold conditions often improve their sweetness.

If the ground becomes difficult to access during frost, you may prefer to lift some in advance.

Harvesting Leeks

Lift leeks as required, providing the soil isn’t frozen solid.

Check plants regularly and use any that show signs of deterioration.

Harvesting Brussels Sprouts

Harvest mature sprouts from the lower part of the stem upwards.

Check tall plants for wind damage and provide support where necessary.

8. Protect Winter Brassicas from Pigeons

Pigeons can cause significant damage to winter brassicas.

Cabbages, kale, Brussels sprouts and other brassicas may become attractive to birds when alternative food sources are limited.

How to Protect Brassicas

Use securely fitted, wildlife-safe netting supported by a suitable framework.

Keep the netting taut and properly secured.

Avoid leaving loose netting in which birds or other wildlife could become trapped.

Check the protection regularly for damage.

Remove Unhealthy Leaves

Yellowing or rotting lower leaves can encourage disease problems.

Remove unhealthy material where appropriate and keep the growing area reasonably tidy.

9. Prepare Your Polytunnel for Winter

November is an important month for polytunnel maintenance.

Strong winds, heavy rain and colder weather can reveal weaknesses in the structure.

Check the Cover

Inspect the polytunnel plastic for holes, damage and loose sections.

Repair problems promptly.

Check Doors and Frames

Make sure doors close securely and the frame remains stable.

Inspect anchors and fixings where accessible.

Keep the Cover Clean

Remove excessive algae and dirt using suitable cleaning products and methods.

Allowing more light into the polytunnel is particularly useful during winter.

What Can You Grow in November?

Established winter lettuce, rocket, spinach and other hardy salad crops may continue growing slowly under cover.

New sowings in November are much less reliable because low light and cold temperatures greatly reduce growth.

An unheated polytunnel can still experience frost.

10. Clean and Prepare Your Greenhouse

The greenhouse also deserves attention during November.

Remove spent summer crops and unwanted debris.

Clean accessible glass or polycarbonate panels to improve light transmission.

Check doors, vents and glazing for damage.

If you rely on heating for tender plants, make sure it works correctly before severe frost arrives.

Greenhouse Ventilation

Even during November, greenhouses can warm considerably on sunny days.

Ventilate when conditions allow to reduce excessive humidity and condensation.

Poor airflow combined with damp conditions can encourage fungal problems.

11. Protect Tender Plants from Frost

As winter approaches, tender plants may need extra protection.

Plants at risk can include pelargoniums, some fuchsias, citrus plants and other frost-sensitive ornamentals.

Frost Protection Options

Move portable plants into a suitable protected location.

Use horticultural fleece for limited protection where appropriate.

Insulate containers to help protect their root systems.

Use greenhouse heating where a reliably frost-free environment is required.

Will an Unheated Greenhouse Stop Frost?

No.

Although an unheated greenhouse provides shelter, temperatures inside can still fall below freezing during cold weather.

Choose protection according to the minimum temperature your plants need.

12. Raise Pots off the Ground

Container plants can suffer during winter when pots remain waterlogged.

November is a good time to check that drainage holes are clear.

Place suitable outdoor containers on pot feet to help excess water escape.

Avoid leaving pots standing in saucers filled with rainwater.

Terracotta containers can also be vulnerable to cracking during freezing weather, particularly when saturated.

Good drainage benefits both the plant and the container.

13. Prune Apple and Pear Trees When Dormant

Many established apple and pear trees are pruned during winter dormancy.

In November, pruning may become appropriate once leaves have fallen and the tree is dormant.

Why Prune Fruit Trees?

Pruning can help maintain a manageable shape, remove damaged wood and improve light and airflow through the canopy.

However, pruning requirements depend on the age and training system of the tree.

Basic Winter Pruning Advice

Use clean, sharp tools.

Remove dead, damaged or diseased branches where appropriate.

Avoid excessive pruning.

Consider the tree’s natural growth and desired shape.

Important: Don’t Winter-Prune Plum Trees

Plum, cherry and other stone-fruit trees are generally pruned during their active growing season rather than winter.

This helps reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Don’t assume all fruit trees follow the same pruning schedule.

14. Prune Suitable Fruit Bushes

November can be a suitable time to prune dormant redcurrants, whitecurrants and gooseberries.

Blackcurrants have a different pruning approach, focusing on maintaining productive younger wood.

Summer-fruiting and autumn-fruiting raspberries also have different pruning requirements.

Before cutting any fruit bush, identify the plant and understand whether it fruits on new or older wood.

Incorrect pruning can remove next year’s potential harvest.

15. Clear and Protect Empty Vegetable Beds

Once summer crops have finished, some allotment beds may be empty.

November is a good time to assess their condition.

Remove Persistent Weeds

Deal with established perennial weeds where the ground is workable.

Remove spreading roots carefully rather than unnecessarily chopping them into small pieces.

Add Organic Matter

Where appropriate, apply well-rotted compost or another suitable organic soil improver.

Cover Exposed Soil

A suitable mulch can help protect bare ground from winter rainfall and reduce weed growth.

You can also use plain cardboard with tape and staples removed beneath compost, provided the material is suitable for garden use.

Avoid Working Wet Soil

Don’t dig heavy clay soil when it’s saturated.

Walking on and cultivating wet soil can cause compaction and damage its structure.

16. Collect Fallen Leaves and Make Leaf Mould

November is a wonderful month for collecting autumn leaves.

Instead of throwing them away, you can use them to make leaf mould.

Leaf mould is a useful soil conditioner that forms as leaves gradually decompose.

How to Make Leaf Mould

Collect suitable fallen leaves.

Place them in a leaf-mould bin, wire mesh enclosure or perforated bags.

Keep them reasonably moist.

Allow them to break down naturally.

Depending on the type of leaves and conditions, usable leaf mould can take one to two years to develop.

Should You Remove Every Leaf?

No.

Leaves left in suitable borders and quiet corners provide valuable habitats for insects and other wildlife.

Clear thick layers from lawns and paths where necessary, but leave some elsewhere.

17. Check Your Compost Heap

Compost heaps continue to be useful throughout winter, although decomposition generally slows as temperatures fall.

November often provides plenty of fallen leaves and garden waste.

Add suitable healthy plant material and balance wet green material with dry brown material.

If the compost becomes very wet, adding shredded cardboard or dry leaves can improve the mixture.

Avoid adding persistent disease-contaminated material if your home composting system cannot deal with it safely.

You don’t need to turn the heap constantly during winter.

18. Check Stored Apples, Onions and Potatoes

If you’ve stored fruit and vegetables from your summer harvest, check them regularly.

A single rotting apple or onion can cause problems if it’s left among healthy produce.

What to Look For

Inspect produce for mould, softness, unusual smells and signs of decay.

Remove damaged items promptly.

Keep storage areas suitably cool, dry and ventilated according to the crop.

Storing Potatoes

Potatoes should be kept in darkness to prevent greening.

Discard green or badly damaged potatoes.

Storing Apples

Some apple varieties store better than others.

Check stored fruit regularly and use those beginning to deteriorate first.

19. Prepare Garden Tools for Winter

November is a useful month for cleaning and maintaining tools.

After months of gardening, spades, forks, hoes and secateurs may need attention.

Tool Maintenance Checklist

Clean off soil.

Remove rust where appropriate.

Sharpen cutting tools.

Inspect handles for damage.

Lightly oil suitable metal components.

Store tools somewhere dry and secure.

Maintaining tools properly can extend their useful life and make spring jobs easier.

20. Look After Wildlife During November

Although many insects are less active during November, wildlife still needs suitable habitats.

Feed Garden Birds Responsibly

Provide appropriate bird food and fresh water.

Clean feeders regularly to reduce the spread of disease.

Leave Some Natural Shelter

Log piles, suitable hollow stems, leaves and undisturbed corners can provide overwintering habitat.

Check for Hedgehogs

Be careful when moving piles of leaves, branches or other garden materials.

These may provide shelter for hedgehogs and other wildlife.

Plan Flowers for Spring Pollinators

November is a useful opportunity to finish planting suitable spring-flowering bulbs.

Early flowers such as crocuses and grape hyacinths can provide nectar and pollen for emerging pollinators.

November Gardening Jobs in Yorkshire and Northern England

If you’re gardening in Sheffield, Yorkshire or another northern region, November weather can be particularly unpredictable.

Cold nights, heavy rain and strong winds often affect what can be achieved outdoors.

Early November

Finish suitable bulb planting, harvest remaining crops and check winter protection.

Mid-November

Plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes where soil conditions allow.

Clean greenhouses and inspect polytunnels.

Late November

Concentrate on frost protection, soil care, composting and preparing tools and growing areas for winter.

Most importantly, avoid forcing jobs when soil conditions are unsuitable.

There’s no benefit in digging saturated ground or planting into frozen soil.

Frequently Asked Questions About November Gardening Jobs

What Are the Main Gardening Jobs in November?

Important jobs include planting tulips and bare-root fruit trees, harvesting winter vegetables, protecting plants from frost, checking greenhouses and polytunnels, and preparing soil for next year.

What Can You Plant in November in the UK?

You can plant suitable bare-root fruit trees and bushes, tulip bulbs and garlic in appropriate conditions. Hardy broad beans can also be sown in suitable locations.

Can You Sow Vegetables Outdoors in November?

Very few vegetables are suitable for general outdoor sowing during November. Hardy broad beans are one option in mild, well-drained locations.

Can You Plant Garlic in November?

Yes. Garlic can be planted during November, although waterlogged ground should be avoided. Modules under cover can be useful in wetter areas.

Is November a Good Time to Plant Tulips?

Yes. November is generally an excellent month for planting tulip bulbs in the UK.

Should You Dig Your Allotment in November?

Only if there’s a good reason and soil conditions are suitable. Avoid digging waterlogged soil, particularly heavy clay.

Can You Plant Fruit Trees in November?

Yes. Many bare-root fruit trees are planted during their dormant season, provided the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged.

Should You Prune Apple Trees in November?

Established apple trees can generally be pruned during winter dormancy once their leaves have fallen.

Should You Prune Plum Trees in November?

No. Routine pruning of plum trees is generally carried out during their active growing season rather than winter.

What Vegetables Can You Harvest in November?

Depending on earlier planting, crops may include leeks, parsnips, kale, Brussels sprouts, winter cabbage, carrots and swedes.

Can Plants Freeze in an Unheated Polytunnel?

Yes. Unheated polytunnels provide shelter but can still fall below freezing during cold weather.

Is November Too Late to Prepare Your Allotment for Winter?

No. November is an excellent time to finish maintenance, protect soil and prepare for next year’s growing season.

Final Thoughts from Gardening with Ben

November may be a quieter month on the allotment, but it’s certainly not a month to put your gardening tools away completely.

There’s still plenty to enjoy, from planting tulips and fruit trees to harvesting winter vegetables and preparing the soil for another successful growing season.

I always think that the jobs we complete during autumn and winter can make a big difference when spring arrives.

A little time spent improving beds, checking your polytunnel, looking after fruit trees and maintaining your equipment can save a lot of work later.

And don’t forget to enjoy the garden itself.

Even on cold November mornings, there’s something special about visiting the allotment, seeing what’s still growing and making plans for next year.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!