Gardens need care in November too
November in the Bay Area is a transitional month in the garden. Cooler nights, shorter days and seasonal rains create a unique rhythm – and there’s plenty you can do now to keep your landscape healthy, prepare for spring and even add some holiday cheer.
Planting in November
November is a great time to plant winter annuals such as pansies, violas, primroses and cyclamen. These thrive in cool weather and bring vibrant color to garden beds, pots and borders.
November is also still a time to plant shrubs and trees. With cooler temperatures and increased rainfall on the horizon, new plants can establish strong root systems before the summer heat returns.
It’s also a great time to plant winter vegetables. The soil is still workable and cool-weather crops like broccoli, kale, lettuce, spinach and peas do wonderfully when planted now. Be sure to protect tender seedlings from early frost with frost cloths. Protective cloths are good to have on hand now and in winter when you’ll need to also protect your frost-sensitive plants.
Our spring bulbs are here and now is the time to get them into the ground. Tulips, daffodils and hyacinth planted now will give you beautiful spring blooms.
Fall clean-up and soil care
As deciduous trees shed their leaves, rake them up regularly to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden beds. Clear fallen leaves from lawns, paths and gutters, but consider leaving a light layer of leaf mulch in garden beds to enrich the soil.
Most pruning should wait until after plants are fully dormant, but you can still remove dead or diseased wood from fruit trees, roses and shrubs.
It is also time to feed your soil. Add compost or well-aged manure to vegetable beds and ornamental areas to replenish nutrients after the growing season. Avoid heavy fertilizing of trees or shrubs now – they’re preparing for dormancy, not new growth.
Houseplants and indoor greenery
With more time spent indoors during the holiday season, don’t forget your houseplants. Shorter days and dry air from heating systems can stress houseplants. Check them regularly for pests, which thrive in warm indoor conditions. Keeping the leaves clean also helps protect them from insects. Water sparingly, as plants grow more slowly in winter. We use a moisture meter that checks the moisture of the soil deeper in the container. This is a truer indicator of the moisture level and prevents overwatering. To help alleviate the dry air, grouping them together or using a humidifier helps maintain moisture in the air around the plants.
Seasonal touches and nursery offerings
November at the nursery has us preparing for the holidays. We are proud to offer beautiful, fragrant Christmas trees. Whether you’re looking for a large noble fir or a smaller tabletop tree, we’ve got options to suit every space. Pair your tree with a wreath, fresh garland or poinsettias for the perfect holiday touch.
Final thoughts
Gardening in November in California is about balance – tending to what still grows, cleaning up what’s finished and preparing for the months ahead. The cooler weather makes it enjoyable to be outdoors, and the work you do now sets the foundation for a thriving garden in spring. With a little care and planning, your garden can stay beautiful and productive all year long.
Your hometown third-generation McDonnell Nursery knows the area and what to plant, prune or feed. Stop by at 196 Moraga Way, Orinda, call 925.254.3713 or email info@mcdonnellnursery.com.
With the weather changing, November is a month for gardeners to shift gears and start thinking about the next growing season. Daffodil and tulip lovers should definitely be planting those bulbs, as well as preparing plants and soil for the upcoming winter.
