It's November already. Fall is in the country and outside it's getting wetter, colder and a little grayer. Time to retreat inside and spend cozy evenings under a blanket. Though it's not over with the garden in November. We will be digging up dahlia bulbs and some things can be pre-seeded. Read our tips below.
Harvesting Dahlia bulbs in November
The end of the dahlia craze is in sight. Too bad, because what a joy it was again. There are worse addictions than this, but it is still a bit of a kick every November when they stop. Exactly when they call it quits is in the hands of Mother Nature. With the first night frost they go down and get all brown and snotty. So a degree below zero is enough to end the dahlia season. With the change in our climate these days, that is between early and late November. Even early December is not uncommon. You can do 2 things. Either leave the tubers in place for the winter, or dig them up and keep them frost-free until March or April. Grubbing is a big job if you have a lot of plants, but the chances of them making it through the winter are a bit better in this one. Leaving them to sit can be done, but only in soil types that drain water well. Laying a layer of straw over the tubers then increases the chances of success. Wet clay soils, where the water remains stagnant during the winter, almost always result in rotten tubers that mold and wither away. Grubbing is done by first cutting the stems from the plant in November and then lifting the tuber out of the ground with a pitchfork or pitchfork. We don't like to use a spade because it can cut the tuber into pieces if you're not careful. Rinse with a bit of water, let dry for a week and wrap in newspaper to then stack in a cardboard box.
Tip for November
Check the tubers of your dahlias occasionally over the next few months. If you inspect the tubers monthly, you can act quickly if you spot rotten tubers. If so, cut away the rotten ones. Moldy tubers are also common during the winter months. The reason? There is not enough air circulation. The earlier you intervene, the more likely your tubers will make it through the winter.
Garden chores in November
Grass in the garden? Don't leave fallen leaves in a pile in November. This is because they choke your lawn and can cause yellowing. Rather, collect the leaves and throw them in the border, where they serve as mulch for plants.
Starting in November, it becomes clear why evergreens are so important in your garden. They continue to provide color and add structure. Find out what plants you can still add; they are on sale everywhere now.
If you want to have an amaryllis in bloom by Christmas, it is advisable to plant the bulbs from early to mid-November and place them indoors in a warm place. Water a little now and then and wait patiently.
We already shouted it out in October, but are happy to repeat the following in November as well: plant pots and window boxes with evergreens and, for example, pansies, heather or Skimmia. Color makes a world of difference during the darkest months.
Hedgehogs do not hibernate in the ground, but make it cozy under a pile of branches and fallen leaves. Don't clean up your garden in November, but leave everything lying around. Wildlife will thank you.
Although there are plenty of berries and seeds again in the fall, especially in November, that birds need to get well into winter, it is important to provide some extra food. Also, always provide fresh water, especially when it is freezing.
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In this video, Angelo shows you that extracting seeds from flowers is not difficult. And that as long as it is not freezing, it is still possible even in November.
(Pre)seeding in November
In November, it is not uncommon to sow broad beans outdoors. That way they can be harvested extra early next year. We also sow mizuna and arugula in the greenhouse, where the tomatoes were. As in October, you can still plant garlic in November. 1 clove every 10 centimeters and about 10 centimeters deep. 10/10, a mnemonic that can get you started. By the way, did you know that you can also plant garlic cloves in a pot to sprout indoors? Those shoots you cut off and use as flavoring in dishes.
This is what you harvest in November
Leeks, parsnips and all kinds of winter cabbages are ready to be harvested starting in November. Classics of stature that are delicious from your own garden. But also the Jerusalem artichoke is ready for its first harvest. Like it or not, they have a very typical taste, but we love them. Peel them and put them in the oven: that's all it takes. By the way, you can also use these harvested tubers to re-pot and let them produce shoots in a warm place. These shoots are a delicacy when blanched briefly.
Planting flower bulbs in November
If you haven't planted any bulbs yet, make time for it in November or December. You can put them in the ground until the end of the year, as long as it doesn't freeze heavily and the soil remains workable. By the way, did you know that bulbs like tulips can't be put in the ground until it gets really cold outside? This is because in warm soil they are more susceptible to fungi such as botrytis tulipae, also known as tulip fire. So there is no rush, take your time.
