Gardening in November in Ireland | What To Do

What to Sow in November

Plant tulip bulbs now — November is the ideal month for tulips in Ireland, as the cooler soil reduces the risk of tulip fire disease. Sow broad beans outdoors in mild areas. Continue sowing green manures on bare ground. Sow hardy peas under cloches. Plant garlic if not done in October. Very little outdoor sowing is possible in November, but winter salads under cover continue to grow slowly and can be supplemented with new sowings of winter lettuce and lamb's lettuce.

What to Plant in November

November is the best month for planting bare-root trees, hedging, roses and fruit bushes. Plant tulip bulbs. Continue planting spring-flowering bulbs if not completed in October. Plant bare-root fruit trees — apple, pear, plum, cherry, damson. Plant new hedges of beech, hawthorn, hornbeam, privet and holly. Move established deciduous shrubs and trees while dormant. Plant rhubarb crowns and asparagus crowns. Heel in any bare-root plants that cannot be planted immediately.

What to Harvest in November

Harvest Brussels sprouts — they are sweetest after frost. Continue lifting leeks, parsnips, swede, celeriac and winter cabbage. Late apples and pears should be picked and stored. The last of the root vegetables can be lifted and clamped or stored in sand in a cool place. Forced chicory and endive provide winter salad leaves. Chard and kale continue cropping well. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage and bay remain available for fresh picking throughout winter.

Lawn Care in November

The final mow of the year in Ireland is typically in November, weather permitting. Set the mower to its highest setting for this last cut. Clear fallen leaves from the lawn regularly to prevent suffocation and moss development. Avoid walking on waterlogged or frozen grass. Improve drainage in problem areas by spiking with a garden fork. Apply a winter lawn feed if not done in October. Repair lawn edges and fill any remaining hollows.

General Garden Tasks for November

Plant bare-root trees, hedging and roses. Protect tender plants with fleece, straw or bubble wrap. Insulate outdoor taps and drain water from hoses. Clean and store garden furniture. Continue clearing fallen leaves — add to a separate leaf mould cage. Prune tall roses by about one-third to prevent wind rock damage during winter storms. Apply a winter mulch of well-rotted compost to borders. Check tree ties and stakes. Clean out and organise the shed and greenhouse. Service the lawn mower for winter storage.

Ireland-Specific Tips for November

November in Ireland is characterised by short days, frequent rain and increasingly cold nights. Average temperatures drop to 6-9°C, with the first hard frosts becoming common in inland areas. Coastal counties remain milder due to the warming influence of the North Atlantic Current. November storms can be severe, with strong winds and heavy rain causing damage to garden structures and exposed plants. The last of the autumn colour fades, and the garden takes on its winter character. Take time to appreciate evergreen structure and plants like mahonia, viburnum and winter heathers that provide colour during the darkest months.

Frequently Asked Questions

November is the ideal month for planting tulips in Ireland because the cooler soil temperature significantly reduces the risk of tulip fire (Botrytis tulipae), a devastating fungal disease that causes distorted growth and brown spots on leaves and flowers. By waiting until November, the soil has cooled sufficiently to discourage the fungal spores. Plant tulip bulbs 15-20cm deep in well-drained soil, spacing them about 10cm apart. Add a layer of grit at the base of each planting hole if your soil is heavy clay to prevent waterlogging and bulb rot.

November through March is bare-root tree planting season in Ireland. Excellent choices include native trees like oak, birch, rowan, hawthorn, alder and Scots pine. Fruit trees including apple, pear, plum, cherry and damson are widely available bare-root. Hedging species such as beech, hornbeam, privet and holly are far cheaper bought bare-root than in containers. Bare-root roses also offer excellent value. Plant immediately on arrival or heel them into moist soil if planting is delayed. Bare-root trees establish rapidly in Ireland's mild autumn soil.

Strengthen any garden structures that could be damaged by high winds — check fence posts, trellis panels and greenhouse glazing. Stake or tie in tall plants and newly planted trees securely. Move container plants to sheltered positions against walls. Prune tall roses by one-third to reduce wind resistance and prevent root rock. Ensure all greenhouses are properly glazed and ventilated. Secure shed doors and roofing. Move lightweight garden furniture into storage. Check drainage channels are clear to cope with heavy rainfall. Have a supply of horticultural fleece ready to protect plants from sudden severe frost.

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What To Do In Your Irish Garden In November