Welcome to lawnmowing99!. After years of working with plants, soil, and the unpredictable rhythms of the seasons, I can say that each November brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Sharing my experience in this month’s Expert Gardening Advice for November Newsletter, I hope to give you practical tips and insights to help you make the most of this transitional period. I’ve had my fair share of successes and missteps, and I’m excited to pass on the wisdom I’ve gathered along the way.
Reflecting on the Growing Season
One of the first things I like to do in November is take a moment to look back on the growing season that’s wrapping up. It’s a month for reflection, as the garden starts to quiet down and the vibrant greens turn to autumn hues. For me, this is the perfect time to assess what went well, what didn’t, and what changes I want to make for next year. In my Expert Gardening Advice for November Newsletter, I’d advise you to jot down some notes on this year’s successes and challenges. Whether it’s about which plants thrived or the unexpected issues with pests, keeping track of these reflections can be invaluable when planning for the next year.
Prepping Beds for Winter
Preparing the garden beds for winter has become one of my favorite November tasks. It’s a month of preparation and anticipation. Each year, I add a fresh layer of organic compost, ensuring the soil has a nutrient boost to support it through the winter. In my early gardening days, I neglected this step, thinking it wouldn’t make a big difference. But, after trying it for the first time a decade ago, I noticed how much healthier and more resilient my plants became. This extra layer of preparation is one of the top pieces of Expert Gardening Advice for November Newsletter I can give. This season, think of your soil as something alive—giving it extra care now will set it up to thrive when spring arrives.
Caring for Perennials
As November cools down, it’s the last chance to tend to perennials before they settle in for the winter. I remember years ago when I pruned a bit too aggressively, thinking I was helping the plants conserve energy for the colder months. The following spring, I noticed that some of them struggled to come back, teaching me the hard way about timing and restraint. Now, when I share Expert Gardening Advice for November, I encourage gardeners to trim back perennials thoughtfully, removing dead or diseased branches while leaving healthy growth alone. Mulching around the base of the plants adds an extra layer of protection and helps retain soil moisture through the chilly months.
Bulbs and New Beginnings
November is prime time for planting spring bulbs. I’ve made it a ritual to get these bulbs into the ground as part of my November routine. There’s something wonderfully hopeful about planting bulbs—they’re a promise of color and life after the winter pause. Through trial and error, I’ve learned to plant them a bit deeper than the typical recommendation, especially in areas prone to frost. This slight adjustment has improved my spring blooms significantly, and it’s a small detail I love sharing in this Expert Gardening Advice for November Newsletter. Whether it’s tulips, daffodils, or hyacinths, now’s the time to give your future garden a head start.
Tending to Tools and Equipment
In my early years, I’d rush through the season without thinking twice about my tools. But over time, I’ve come to understand that taking care of tools is an essential part of gardening. Every November, I set aside a day to clean, sharpen, and oil my pruners, shovels, and trowels. It might seem tedious, but in my experience, maintaining quality tools has made my gardening routine smoother and more enjoyable. In this Expert Gardening Advice for November Newsletter, I suggest carving out some time to tend to your tools. Sharp, clean tools make for clean cuts and easier digging, which ultimately benefits your plants and makes gardening more enjoyable.
Planning for Next Year
November is also when I start sketching out ideas for next year’s garden. This practice has evolved over the years from a few hasty notes to detailed diagrams and seed lists. Taking the time to plan now helps me enter spring with a clearer vision of what I want to achieve. In this month’s Expert Gardening Advice for November Newsletter, I recommend thinking about what you want to see in your garden next season. Whether it’s trying new vegetables, creating a wildflower bed, or expanding your herb garden, setting intentions now gives you time to research and order seeds early.
Protecting Against Frost
I’ve had my share of learning experiences with unexpected frosts. Some years back, I left my young lettuce and kale uncovered, thinking the weather would hold a bit longer. By morning, they were lost to frost, a hard lesson in the importance of November protection. Now, as part of my Expert Gardening Advice for November Newsletter, I remind readers to keep an eye on nighttime temperatures and have row covers or frost blankets ready. Even a few degrees can make a big difference, especially for cold-sensitive plants still in the ground.
Adding Green Indoors
As outdoor gardening slows, November becomes the perfect time to shift some focus indoors. For years, I struggled with indoor plants because I’d treat them the same way as my outdoor garden. Eventually, I learned to adjust my care routines for indoor conditions—watering less frequently and paying close attention to lighting. Bringing green into your home can lift your spirits through the colder months, which is why I always include this tip in my Expert Gardening Advice for November Newsletter. Try a few low-maintenance plants like pothos, snake plants, or philodendrons if you’re looking for a way to bring some life indoors during the winter.
November’s Garden Wisdom
After a quarter-century of gardening, I can say November is one of the most rewarding months. It’s a time for both preparation and reflection, setting up for next year while honoring the work you’ve already put in. In this Expert Gardening Advice for November Newsletter, my advice is to embrace the quiet tasks that come with this time of year. They might seem small, but they lay the foundation for a successful season ahead. So as you wrap up your own November garden, take a moment to celebrate the little victories and look forward to what’s to come.