November in the Garden
Saving Successes and Seeds
We are still harvesting the stray winter squash, pumpkin, and roses, and getting the last of the garlic into the ground. November is the best time to make notes on the current season before we rush headlong into the holiday season and forget everything we are so sure we will remember. It's a time to save seeds from this year's favorites, and to start thinking ahead. Read on for guidance on how to record this season so you can get a jump start on next year...
1. Save Those Seeds!
Take a look at the number of seeds inside a dried flower head, or a tomato, or a pumpkin. There can be hundreds or even thousands of seeds in just one flower or fruit! Mother Nature gives us everything we need to feed ourselves indefinitely. So how do we take advantage of that?? By saving and sharing seeds! And it's easier than you think.
Click here for seed saving basics.
Why Save Seeds?
So glad you asked! Seeds from veggies you have already grown have a higher germination rate than store-bought. They have been acclimated to your exact microclimate, soil, and sun levels. Also, they're free! Heirloom seeds are an edible history that you can pass down and share. Learn more about why seed saving is so important at this link!
2. Don't Forget!
If you're anything like us, taking notes is the least fun part of gardening. But if you don't take some time to make notes of what worked in your garden and what you would like to change next year, we promise you you will forget when the holiday season kicks into full swing any minute now. But where to start?
Here are a few tips of things to record:
Location of plants (did everyone get enough sun? drainage?)
Planting and harvest dates
Weed problems
Seasonal weather patterns (how much rain did you get?)
Watering schedule
Pests and/or diseases
Any soil amendments you added
Pollinators you spotted
Failures and successes
Plants you want or don't want to grow next year
3. Fall Planting, cont...
November is still ideal for planting perennials, trees, and shrubs. The cooler temperatures help roots establish before winter sets in, and the damper soil is even more helpful. Also, it's a great time for end-of-season sales in garden centers! Imagine all the gorgeous roses, peonies, and hydrangeas you could be enjoying next spring and summer! It's the prefect time for planting bulbs for spring, too. The staggering variety of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, etc. that exist now is not what your grandmother planted in her front yard. Check out this link for some inspiration.
While you're at it, consider adding native plants that will provide food for local wildlife (and pollinators!) throughout the seasons. Check out this link to search for plants that are native to your area, and that support specific types of wildlife.
What we are doing in the garden in November:
Harvesting: Winter squashes, gourds, pumpkins, kale, roses
Planting: Garlic, roses, blueberries, hydrangeas, spring bulbs, peonies, coneflowers, shrubs, fruit trees
Tasks: Saving seeds, covering garden beds, mulching, choosing seed potatoes for next year, pulling out or cutting down spent plants, taking notes on the season's successes and failures,
Read more about November gardening tasks in your zone here!
“In November, the earth is growing quiet. It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures.”
