November in the Garden! Prune, Rake, Fertilize

Fall in the garden.

From Flower Garden to Veggie Garden, November is the time to tackle the garden clean-up! Planning ahead for the next Spring gets your garden ready to flourish. Here are some tips to help you:

Flower Garden

• Prune lightly and deadhead annuals and perennials to keep beds tidy. Avoid major pruning until late winter.

• Plant spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, freesias, ranunculus). Chill tulips and hyacinths for 4–6 weeks before planting.

• Plant winter annuals such as pansies, violas, snapdragons, calendulas, Iceland poppies, and stock for color through winter.

• Cut back spent summer annuals and compost the debris.

Vegetable Garden

• Harvest fall crops like carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower.

• Plant cool-season vegetables (if not already): onions, garlic, shallots, peas, lettuce, and chard.

• Protect seedlings from frost with row covers or cloches as nights dip into the 30s.

• Add compost or manure to enrich soil and prepare unused beds for spring planting.

Trees and Shrubs

• Plant new trees, shrubs, and vines. Cooler weather allows roots to establish before summer heat.

• Rake and compost fallen leaves. Shred them first to make rich leaf mold.

• Check irrigation. Water deeply before forecasted frosts, but reduce watering frequency overall.

• Protect tender tropicals (like citrus, bougainvillea, and hibiscus) from frost with covers or by moving pots near the house.

Lawns and Groundcovers

• Overseed Bermuda lawns with annual rye if you want winter green.

• Fertilize fescue lawns with a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer before winter.

• Rake fallen leaves regularly to prevent smothering.

Vineyard & Orchard Tasks

• Finish harvest cleanup. Remove mummified fruit and fallen debris to prevent disease.

• Check irrigation systems and repair leaks before winter shutoff.

• Mulch around trees and vines to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Prune citrus lightly, only to remove dead or crossing branches (major pruning waits until after last frost).

Houseplants and Containers

• Bring in tender potted plants before frost.

• Reduce watering and fertilizer as growth slows.

• Rotate indoor plants for even light exposure.

Wildlife & Pollinators

• Leave some seedheads (like coneflower or sunflower) for birds.

• Add a shallow dish of water for wildlife—refresh often.

A few steps in the garden in November will go a long way to keeping your plants healthy through the winter months.

Find out more about the Lodi Garden Club! Use our contact form or email: membershiplodigardenclub@gmail.com