November is the final month of autumn and as the temperature drops and the nights grow longer a quiet period begins on the allotment. Harvesting your final crops and making your final preparations for deep winter should be your focus this month.
General
Make Leaf Mould – bag up fallen leaves in a good quality bin bag. Poke holes in the bag and leave out of sight for two years. Leaf mould can be used as seed-sowing compost or used to enrich the soil on your allotment
Clear the remains of summer crops – to avoid them rotting and attracting pests and diseases
Clean Your Tools – taking good care of your tools now will prevent them from rusting over winter and needing to be replaced in the summer
Check that all heaters are working properly – You will need them in the coming months, so check them now so you don’t have to rush and buy new ones when they are needed
Prune fruit bushes – prune out any dead, dying or diseased wood whilst your fruit trees are dormant to encourage new and good growth in the spring
Net brassicas – to protect them from overwintering birds and pests. Use a fine mesh or a frame that it lifts clear of the plant to stop birds pecking through. You could also consider a polytunnel or cold frame
Begin Digging Over – dig small sections of your garden over the month to get manure, air and compost into the soil.
Harvesting
- Black Raddish
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Chervil
- Chicory
- Collards
- Grapefruit
- Jerusalem artichoke
- Leeks
- Mustard
- Parsnip
- Quince
- Rutabagas
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
Sowing and Planting
- Alfalfa
- Asparagus crowns
- Beansprouts
- Blueberry
- Broad beans
- Cress
- Fenugreek
- Garlic
- Gooseberries
- Kale
- Kale
- Leek
- Onions
- Peas
- Spring cabbage