Time to plant deciduous plants

Bare-root deciduous hedging plants, trees and shrubs become available this month. Here are some top tips:

• Plant them promptly, before they dry out. They can be heeled into the soil for a short period if conditions are not suitable for planting.
• Order and plant containerised trees and shrubs, and large semi-mature specimens for planting later in the winter.
• Protect newly planted trees, hedges and shrubs from wind and cold. A temporary netting windbreak is sufficient where there is no natural shelter.
• Straw, bracken, or something similar can be used to pack around deciduous plants and protect them from frost.
• This is also a good time to transplant trees and shrubs growing in unsuitable position. But leave any that are more than two years old.
• Avoid planting roses in areas where roses were previously growing otherwise new introductions may suffer from replant diseases (rose sickness).

See more tips about pruning, training, propagation and general maintenance

How to deal with pests and disease

As we saw last month, pests and diseases will attack vegetables with relish. Here is some more advice that you can undertake in November to protect your vegetables.

• Protect new sowings and crops still in the ground from mice.
• Remove all remaining plant debris from the vegetable plot. Do not compost any diseased material.
• Remove any rotten stored fruit.
• Deal with apple and pear canker.
• Deal with bitter pit in stored apples.

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.

Celebrate Yorkshire artists at Harlow Carr

The Winter Art Exhibition at RHS Garden Harlow Carr features 11 leading Yorkshire artists, including landscape artist Annie Robinson, acrylics and watercolour artist Teresa Boast, botanical watercolour artist Patricia Mitchell and acrylic painter Nikky Corker. Also featured are pencil drawings, printmaking, handcrafted woodturnings, original cards and prints from artists including wood carver Adrian Lister. With each artist having their own quirky and unique style, there really is something to delight everyone visiting this festive season. The exhibition runs from 26 November – 8 December.

Listen to the latest RHS podcast

Listen to our latest podcast, where we offer seasonal information, you can hear tips on growing fruit and veg, and get up-to-the-minute help and advice.

Subscribe to RHS podcasts