November marks the true beginning of the garden’s winter slumber, but it’s a crucial month for preparation. The work you do now will protect your plants through the cold and give them a head start for a spectacular spring.

• Get Planting! Now is the perfect time to plant bare-root trees, hedging, and shrubs. The soil is still warm enough for roots to establish before the ground freezes, but the trees are dormant, which reduces the shock of transplanting. Whether you’re planting a new hedge or a specimen tree, getting it in the ground this month is ideal. 
• The Final Tidy Rake fallen leaves off your lawn to prevent the grass from being smothered and dying back over winter. Don’t throw them away! Add them to a compost bin or pile them in a corner to create valuable leaf mould, which is a fantastic soil conditioner for next year. 
• Time to Prune Apples and Pears Once the leaves have fallen, the tree’s structure is clear, making it the perfect time for winter pruning. Pruning apples and pears during their dormant period (from now until early March) encourages vigorous new growth next year, leading to more fruit. Focus on removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to create an open, goblet shape. Avoid pruning stone fruits like plums and cherries until the summer. 
• Protect Your Pots If you have trees or shrubs in containers, move them to a more sheltered spot, such as against a house wall, to protect the roots from the worst of the frost. Grouping pots together also provides mutual insulation. For very tender plants, consider wrapping the pot in bubble wrap or hessian.