Rain Ready | November in the Lodi Garden
November brings a welcome change to our Lodi gardens. The days are shorter, temperatures are cooling, and the first winter rains are on their way. After months of warm, dry weather, our gardens are ready for a refreshing drink! This is the perfect time to prepare for winter while taking advantage of our mild Zone 9 climate.
Clean Up, But Don't Overdo It!
Rake fallen leaves from lawns, walkways, and drainage areas. Add healthy leaves to your compost pile or use them as mulch.
Leave some seed heads and plant debris in garden beds to provide food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects.
Remove spent summer annuals and weeds before winter rains encourage new growth.
Time to Plant!
Spring bulbs: Plant daffodils, Dutch iris, anemones, and ranunculus. Tulips and hyacinths generally need several weeks of refrigeration before planting in our mild climate.
Cool-season flowers: Brighten garden beds with pansies, violas, snapdragons, calendula, and sweet peas.
Winter vegetables: Plant garlic, onions, lettuce, spinach, kale, broccoli, and peas.
Trees and shrubs: November is an excellent time to plant California natives, roses, trees, and perennials. Cooler weather and winter rains help roots become established before summer heat returns.
Give Your Roses a Little Rest
Continue removing diseased foliage and fallen leaves around roses to reduce overwintering problems. Avoid heavy pruning just yet. In Lodi, major rose pruning is generally best saved for January, when plants are more dormant.
Get Ready for the Rain
Check gutters, downspouts, and garden drainage before heavy storms arrive.
Spread 2–3 inches of mulch around shrubs and perennials, keeping it away from trunks and stems.
Reduce irrigation as temperatures drop and rainfall increases. Check soil moisture before watering.
Avoid working wet soil, which can lead to compaction.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
November is also a wonderful time to reflect on what worked in your garden this year. Which plants thrived? Which struggled through our summer heat? Make a few notes now to guide next spring's planting.
November reminds us that gardening isn't just about blossoms and harvests. It's also about preparing, nurturing, and allowing nature to rest. So welcome the rain, enjoy the changing colors, and take pleasure in knowing that beneath the soil, next spring's garden is already beginning!
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