Tasks for November

• Start planting spring bulbs, make certain that you place them at the right depth.

• If you have not prepared your border try planting your bulbs in large pots instead. These bulbs can then be planted later to fill in the gaps.

• By November you will start to notice that your borders are starting to look a little messy. Any perennials past their best can be cut right down, clearing away remains and adding them to the compost heap.

• Plant new hedges Container-grown evergreens and conifers planted now will get a really good start in life, so complete new hedging projects as soon as possible.

• The secret is to divide clumps every second or third year after removing old flowering stems and replant the new sections, watering them in thoroughly.

• Fill gaps in borders with wallflowers for a great blaze of spring colour.

• Try spacing wild flowers so that they will grow into one another.

• For that extra flare, why not try planting tulips with flowers in a contrasting colour between them.

• Finish planting up bowls of spring-flowering bulbs, including narcissi, crocuses, dwarf irises and tulips.

• Place bulbs in a cool area to grow making sure they are protected from heavy rain.

• Cover areas of bare soil with green manure crops, especially in the kitchen garden.

• Prune suckers away with secateurs or a sharp knife as soon as you notice them.