November in the garden: To Do List

Gardening Jobs to Do in New Zealand in November

November marks the full arrival of spring in New Zealand, and the garden is buzzing with life. With longer days and warmer temperatures, it’s an ideal time to focus on planting, maintenance, and preparation for the summer months ahead. Here are some key gardening tasks to tackle in November:

1. Plant Summer Crops
   November is the perfect time to plant your summer vegetable garden. Tomatoes, beans, zucchinis, cucumbers, and peppers thrive in the warmer conditions, so get them into the ground or pots now. You can also sow seeds for lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens for a continued harvest. Be sure to keep sewing seeds too, so you can plant out succession crops over the next few months. 

2. Prune Spring-flowering Shrubs
   After spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs, camellias, and rhododendrons have finished blooming, it’s time to prune them. Cut back spent flowers to promote healthy growth and improve the shape of the plant. Don’t forget to tidy up any deadwood or branches that may have been damaged by winter winds.

3. Mulch Your Garden Beds
   As the temperatures rise, it’s important to keep moisture levels in check. Spread a good layer of wool mulch around plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil temperature.

4. Check for Pests and Diseases
   Warm weather brings more pests and diseases. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of trouble, such as aphids, caterpillars, and mildew. Treat problems early with natural remedies to prevent larger infestations later.

With these tasks in mind, your garden will thrive throughout the summer months ahead!