Although it is possible that mild spells may occur colder weather is likely to set in this month. There is an increased possibility of frost and gales. By the end of the month any leaves left on trees will have fallen.

There is likely to be fewer opportunities to work outdoors in the garden. If the ground is wet or frozen it is far better to keep off until weather conditions improve.

Planting and sowing:

Harvesting:

• Harvest winter cabbage
• Harvest root vegetables stored in the ground as necessary.
• Harvest leeks
• Harvest parsnips once the frost has sweetened thme.
• Brussels sprouts may be ready to harvest - snap off the lower 'buds' first and leave the smaller buds to grow on.

Jobs:

• If you have debris from the garden which is unsuitable for composting this can be the ideal time to have a garden bonfire if you have the room and bonfires are not restricted in your area. Take all sensible precautions and do not leave any children unattended whilst the bonfire is lit. Also check for sleepy hedgehogs hiding in any piles of debris. Do not just burn the debris in situ move it to make sure. You may wish to use a burner.
• Containers can become waterlogged so if possible raise them up onto 'feet' to improve drainage.
• Clean pots and trays etc.
• You may wish to use something like bubblefilm to insulate your greenhouse from frost.
• If you haven't already done this prune any blackberries or similar fruit. This could be a dangerous job for children so you may wish to have a adult carry out this task.
• Mulch around the base of fruit trees and bushes
• Cover any cauliflower curds by bending over the leaves.
• Weed where necessary if the soil is not too wet or hard.
• Check any stored food and throw away any that are damaged
• Clear away any fallen leaves that have fallen fruit fruit bushes and trees. (This helps remove potential pest hiding places) 
• Place glue bands around apple and pear trees to defend against crawling insects.
• Remove any dead plants
• Remove dead leaves from growing plants such as sprouts
• Empty used grow-bags onto vegetable beds.
• Dig beds if they are neither too dry nor too wet and prepare them for next season’s planting
• Plan what you will grow next year
• Build a compost bin
• If you are starting a new plot click here
• Order seed by post or from seed company sites on the Internet.
• Protect any tender plants by packing them with fleece or straw
• It may be worth covering beds with polythene sheeting to try to prevent waterlogging - this may help you make a quicker start in spring.
• If it has been very windy check tree ties and stakes
• Keep the plot tidy.
• Place nets over brassica plants to keep off the hungry pigeons
• If you need to walk over the soil place boards on top on it on which to walk.

 
Wildlife:

• If you are lucky enough to have had a bird family resident in your nesting boxes, this is an excellent time to clean them out. (Make sure that you wear gloves and take sensible precautions).
• Make a bird nesting box.
• Feed the birds. You may want to make some bird cake
• Keep bird baths and feeders topped up.
• Keep bird baths clean and free from ice.
• Make a hedgehog home or pile up leaves where hedgehogs can over-winter.
• If possible leave flower seed heads especially of plants loved by wildlife such as sunflowers and berries
• Make a log-pile or bee box or other insect home such as an insect tower.
• Look out for fungi and warn the children of the dangers of eating anything that they find.
• Notice leaf colours  and shapes and how they decompose.

   

  Click here for advice on choosing children's gardening tools and make sure you have all the equipment that you need for this months work.

   

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