November

November Tips

November is a month of maintenance, protection, and preparation. As growth slows and temperatures drop, your focus shifts to caring for overwintering crops, protecting young plants from frost, and preparing the soil for the seasons ahead. Regular visits to your allotment will help keep everything in good condition and ready for the new year.

November Planting

There’s still time to plant a variety of hardy crops and trees:

• Broad beans
• Onions
• Shallots
• Garlic
• Pak choi
• Asparagus
• Dormant bare‑root fruit trees

General Tasks

• Continue digging over beds as summer crops are cleared.
• Prune plants that require winter pruning.
• Collect additional organic material for your compost heap.
• Check the health of overwintering crops and ensure coverings are secure.
• Plan ahead for next year’s planting and crop rotations.
• Protect tools, structures, and materials from harsh weather.

Test and Adjust Soil pH

 If your soil tends to be acidic, November is a good time to add lime. This helps balance pH levels and improves conditions for spring planting.

Remove Spent Plants and Debris

Tidy Pathways and Borders Trim overgrown edges, sweep pathways, and remove weeds. A tidy plot reduces hiding places for slugs, snails, and other pests.

Maintain Compost Bins

Aerate your compost heap to speed up decomposition. If it’s too wet, add dry materials such as shredded cardboard or straw.

Add Autumn Leaves

November is ideal for collecting fallen leaves. Add them to the compost heap or store separately to make leaf Mold for next year.