Jobs Around The Garden, Patio and Home This November

Here are the top general garden, patio, and home outdoor care tips for November — that in-between month where autumn’s nearly over and winter’s settling in. It’s all about protecting from frost, tidying up, and getting ready for the cold months ahead. 

🏡 Around the Garden 

1. Tidy and clear fallen leaves 

• Rake or blow leaves off lawns, patios, and gravel paths before they turn slippery or block drains.
• Compost healthy leaves or pile them in a corner to make leaf mould.
• Leave a few leaf piles in quiet corners for hedgehogs and insects.

2. Cut back and tidy borders 

• Remove annuals that have finished, and lightly trim perennials if they’re messy (but keep some seed heads for wildlife and structure).
• Spread a thick mulch of compost or bark to protect roots and improve soil.

3. Check garden lighting and electrics 

• As days shorten, make sure path lights, pond pumps, and outdoor sockets are weatherproof and working.
• Replace bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs if needed.

4. Protect tender plants 

• Wrap tree ferns, cordylines, and banana plants with fleece or straw.
• Move tender potted plants (like pelargoniums and citrus) into a frost-free greenhouse, porch, or conservatory. 

5. Look after garden furniture 

• Clean and dry wooden or metal furniture before covering or storing it.
• Apply a coat of wood preservative or oil to timber, and check covers for tears.

🪴 On the Patio & in Pots 

6. Raise pots off the ground 

• Use pot feet or bricks to stop waterlogging and prevent frost damage to terracotta pots.
• Move delicate containers to sheltered spots or against a sunny wall. 

7. Plant winter interest pots 

• Brighten patios with winter pansies, violas, cyclamen, heather, or evergreen grasses.
• Add bulbs like Iris reticulata or dwarf daffodils for early spring colour.

8. Clean patios and decking 

• Sweep away algae, moss, and debris to prevent slipping.
• Use a stiff brush and mild detergent (or a pressure washer on low setting).
• Re-sand paving joints if they’ve washed out.

9. Store garden ornaments and accessories 

• Bring in delicate pots, solar lights, and decorative items to prevent frost cracking. 
• Drain water features and small fountains before they freeze. 

🐦 Wildlife & Nature 

10. Feed the birds 

• Start putting out high-energy foods: sunflower hearts, suet, peanuts, and fat balls.
• Keep birdbaths topped up with clean, unfrozen water.
• Clean feeders regularly to prevent disease.

11. Create winter shelters 

• Stack logs, stones, or leaves for hibernating insects and amphibians.
• Make or buy a hedgehog house in a quiet, undisturbed spot. 

🔧 Maintenance & Preparation 

12. Check gutters and drains 

• Clear out leaves and debris to prevent blockages and overflows. 
• Ensure downpipes are firmly fixed before frosts arrive. 

13. Insulate outdoor taps 

• Wrap pipe lagging or old towels around exposed pipes and taps to stop them freezing.
• Drain hosepipes and store them indoors.

14. Sharpen and store tools 

• Clean, dry, and oil blades before putting them away. 
• Store tools and power equipment in a dry shed or garage.