While growth slows, November is far from the end of the gardening year. With the right crops and Spear and Jackson tools you can keep beds productive and set yourself up for an early spring harvest. 

Garlic & Onions

Plant garlic cloves and onion sets directly into well-drained soil. The winter chill helps bulbs establish strong roots, ensuring a healthier, more flavourful harvest next summer.

Broad Beans

Sow hardy varieties such as ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ or ‘The Sutton’. These beans tolerate frost and will be among the first crops to appear in spring. Plant in double rows with good spacing to prevent rot during wet spells.

Winter Greens

Kale, chard, and spinach are perfect for cold-weather growing. With a little protection from fleece or a cloche, these hardy greens will keep producing fresh leaves well into winter.

Root Vegetables

Parsnips, beetroot, and carrots can stay in the ground until the first frosts sweeten their flavour. Lift and store any surplus before the soil freezes to enjoy homegrown produce through winter.

Winter Fruit to Harvest and Protect

Even in November, there’s still fruit to enjoy - and important prep to ensure next year’s success.

• Apples & Pears: Pick any remaining fruit and store in a cool, dry place. Check regularly and remove any that begin to soften.
• Raspberries & Blackberries: Prune old canes once they’ve finished fruiting to encourage healthy new growth for next season.
• Strawberries: Move pots under cover or mulch around crowns to protect from frost. Remove dead leaves to prevent disease.

Quick Tips for Winter Garden Care

• Apply a layer of compost or mulch around fruit bushes and vegetable beds to insulate roots.
• Remove weeds before they overwinter and spread in spring.
• Clean, sharpen, and lightly oil tools to protect them from rust.
• Plan crop rotations and make notes for next year’s planting scheme.

November is a time for quiet productivity the chance to plant, protect, and prepare. By growing hardy crops and caring for your soil now, you’ll set the stage for a strong and abundant spring.

With the right Spear and Jackson tools and a little forward planning, winter gardening becomes not just maintenance, but momentum!