Time to get busy in the garden so it will look amazing all summer long!
Confetti bushes can be pruned hard in November, and also Leucospermums, Buchus and Proteas when they have finished flowering.
Cut back Rudbekia, Echinacea, Heleniums and Michaelmas daisies to encourage more flowers and prevent them becoming leggy.
November is a good time to plant Hydrangeas in flower borders or containers as a stand out plant.
Plant out some colourful hanging baskets using plants like Ivy geraniums, bacopas, lobelias, alyssum, portulacas, petunias and violas. A taller central plant will add some height to the display.
Try fuschias, upright Perlagoliums or salvias. Mix water-retaining crystals and slow-release fertiliser with the compost.
Any gaps in borders can be filled with Zinnias, Gaillardias, lobelias, salvias, petunias, marigolds, dianthus and cosmos for fabulous, vibrant colour all summer that will also attract bees, butterflies and hover flies.
Dahlia tubers can be planted out now for a late summer/ autumn display.
In the veggie garden, plant seedlings of tomatoes, chillies and sweet peppers, also sow seeds of sweetcorn, cucumbers, French beans, melon and climbing bean directly into prepared soil. A few French marigolds and nasturtiums sown around the edibles will help deter pests.
Check container plants on the patio for signs they’ve outgrown their pots. If so, repot in a larger container with fresh compost, water well and add a liquid fertiliser.
After any watering of your borders spread a layer of organic compost around the plants, avoiding touching stems, to help retain the moisture in the soil.
Keep attacking pesky weeds, that will fight plants for moisture and nutrients.
Houseplants also need some care as they put on new growth. Repot any that have outgrown their pots into a larger size with new compost and slow-release granules. Make sure your houseplants are in their preferred position to thrive, whether it’s in shade, sun or the humid conditions of the bathroom. All houseplants will benefit from an occasional misting of tepid water.