Protect your ponds
Last month we gave advice about giving your pond extra care and attention, including putting nets over small ponds to trap autumn leaves and clearing out debris, weeds and excess oxygenating plants.
November should see you removing the last of any dead foliage and if you haven’t already done so, tender plants should be brought into a frost-free greenhouse for storage in trays of deep mud or damp sand, or even in a bucket of water, until the risk of frost has passed.
Barley straw bales or pads that were used to reduce algae during the summer months can now be removed and added to the compost heap. Let them sit by the edge of the pond for 24 hours before composting, so that pond insects can find their way back into the water. And stop feeding fish once the cold weather sets in.
Take care of your fruit
There is a lot still to be done to prepare your fruit trees and bushes for a bumper crop next year. November is an ideal month to thin out congested spurs on restricted fruit trees, tie in new tiers of espaliers, and prune apples, pears, quinces and medlars. Soft fruit also needs attention, with red and white currants and gooseberries needing pruning. Meanwhile, get planning for next year: take delivery of and plant new fruit trees and bushes. But beware: don’t plant if the ground is frosted or too wet.
Membership offer
Not already a member of the RHS? Join from just £39 and start enjoying free garden visits, personalised advice and discounted shows tickets.
Focus on craft at Wisley
Craft In Focus is returning to RHS Garden Wisley from 27 November – 1 December to stage its popular Christmas Craft and Design Fair. Browse work from about 160 of the UK’s finest professional contemporary craftworkers and artists working in wood, glass, metal, textiles, ceramics and more. You’ll find a wealth of individual, original items that you simply can’t find elsewhere.
With a range of delicious food products on offer, live music and free entry to the garden, a visit to Christmas Craft and Design Fair is not to be missed.
Get listening
Listen to our latest podcast, featuring news and expert tips from the RHS at http://www.rhs.org.uk/podcast
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