🌿 November Gardening Tips for Scotland: Preparing for Winter
- info673
- Nov 1
- 3 min read
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, November in Scotland signals the true start of the winter gardening season. But don’t pack away your tools just yet! There’s still plenty to do to keep your garden healthy, protected, and even a little productive through the colder months.
Whether you’re in the Lowlands or the Highlands, here are some key gardening tips for November in Scotland:
1. 🍂 Clear Fallen Leaves
Wet leaves can be a slipping hazard and also encourage pests and fungal diseases. Rake them up regularly from paths, lawns, and beds. Store them in a leaf bin or bag them up to rot down into leaf mould — a fantastic soil conditioner for next year.
Tip: Avoid removing all leaves from wildlife areas – hedgehogs and insects may use them for shelter.
2. 🌱 Protect Tender Plants
Frost is becoming more frequent in Scotland by November. Move tender container plants like fuchsias or pelargoniums into a greenhouse or sheltered porch. For borderline-hardy plants in beds (like agapanthus or phormium), mulch around the base or cover with horticultural fleece.
3. 🍀 Plant Spring Bulbs (Last Chance!)
If you haven’t already, now’s your final chance to get spring bulbs in the ground. Focus on:
Tulips – November is ideal for tulip planting, helping to reduce the risk of tulip fire disease.
Daffodils, crocuses, and alliums – Get them in the ground ASAP if not already done.
Make sure the soil is well-drained, especially important in wetter parts of Scotland.
4. 🌿 Divide and Replant Perennials
Early November is still a good time to lift and divide overcrowded perennials like daylilies, hostas, and rudbeckia. It helps rejuvenate older plants and gives you free plants for other areas of the garden.
5. 🧤 Prune and Maintain
Roses: Prune back tall hybrid tea and floribunda roses by one-third to prevent wind rock.
Apple and Pear Trees: Begin winter pruning once the leaves have fallen.
Wisteria: Cut back long whippy growths to 2–3 buds.
Hedges: Give them a final light trim, especially evergreens like box or yew.
6. 🪵 Mulch and Improve Soil
Add compost or well-rotted manure to your beds while the soil is still workable. It improves structure and feeds soil life through the winter. Apply a thick mulch around perennials and shrubs to protect roots from frost.
7. 🐦 Feed the Birds
Natural food sources are dwindling. Keep bird feeders stocked with seeds, fat balls, and peanuts. Provide clean, unfrozen water daily. In return, birds help keep pest populations down through the year.
8. 🧊 Prepare for Frost and Snow
Lag outdoor taps or drain them completely.
Check greenhouse heaters or insulation.
Lift remaining root vegetables like carrots or parsnips if you’re expecting hard frost.
Raise pots off the ground to prevent waterlogging and cracking.
9. 🌾 Sow Indoors or Under Cover
While the outdoor growing season is over, you can still:
Sow hardy salads (mizuna, rocket, lamb’s lettuce) in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse.
Start sweet peas indoors in root trainers for early flowers next year.
10. ✨ Plan Ahead
November is a perfect time to reflect on what worked this year and start planning for spring. Sketch out your veg patch, browse seed catalogues, and order bare-root plants for winter planting (roses, fruit trees, hedging).
Final Thought
While November might seem like the garden is winding down, it’s actually a time of quiet productivity. By putting in a bit of effort now, you’re setting the stage for a beautiful and bountiful spring.
So wrap up warm, grab a flask of tea, and enjoy the crisp, peaceful days of the Scottish autumn garden.
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