November is the final month of autumn and as the temperature drops and the nights grow longer a quiet period begins on the Allotment. Harvesting your final crops and making your final preparations for deep winter should be your focus this month.  

General 

Make Leaf Mould – bag up fallen leaves in a good quality bin bag. Poke holes in the bag and leave out of sight for two years. Leaf mould  can be used as seed-sowing compost or used to enrich the soil on your allotment

Clear the remains of summer crops – to avoid them rotting and attracting pests and diseases

Clean Your Tools – taking good care of your tools now will prevent them from rusting over winter and needing to be replaced in the summer

Check that all heaters are working properly –  You will need them in the coming months, so check them now so you don’t have to rush and buy new ones when they are needed

Prune fruit bushes –  prune out any dead, dying or diseased wood whilst your fruit trees are dormant to encourage new and good growth in the spring

Net brassicas – to protect them from overwintering birds and pests. Use a fine mesh or a frame that it lifts clear of the plant to stop birds pecking through. You could also consider a polytunnel or cold frame

Begin Digging Over – dig small sections of your garden over the month to get manure, air and compost into the soil.

Harvesting 

• Black Raddish
• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts 
• Cabbage 
• Carrots 
• Cauliflower 
• Celery 
• Chervil
• Chicory
• Collards
• Grapefruit
• Jerusalem artichoke
• Leeks
• Mustard
• Parsnip 
• Quince
• Rutabagas
• Spinach
• Swiss chard

Sowing and Planting 

• Alfalfa
• Asparagus crowns
• Beansprouts
• Blueberry
• Broad beans
• Cress
• Fenugreek
• Garlic
• Gooseberries
• Kale 
• Kale 
• Leek
• Onions
• Peas
• Spring cabbage

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