As temperatures rise and rainfall becomes less predictable, regular deep watering is essential to keep plants healthy and prevent stress.
A layer of mulch helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds and keep plant roots cooler during hot weather.
Apply fertiliser to lawns, beds, and flowering plants to support strong growth, flowering, and overall plant health during the active growing season.
Remove spent flowers and tidy plants to encourage continuous blooming and keep the garden looking neat and productive.
Warmer conditions encourage rapid pest activity, so regular inspection and early treatment help prevent infestations from spreading.
Stay on top of weeds
Warm weather and regular rainfall encourage rapid weed growth. Remove weeds while they are still small to prevent them from competing with your plants for water, nutrients, and space.
Feed actively growing plants
November is a period of strong growth. Apply a balanced fertiliser to lawns, bedding plants, vegetables and ornamentals to support healthy foliage, flowering and root development.
Plant out summer colour and vegetables
This is an ideal time to plant summer annuals and warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and other heat-loving vegetables. Ensure young plants are well watered as they establish.
Mulch garden beds
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. This becomes especially important as the weather heats up.
Deadhead and tidy flowering plants
Remove spent blooms from annuals and perennials to encourage continuous flowering and keep plants looking neat. This also redirects the plant’s energy into producing more flowers.
Monitor for pests and diseases
Warmer, more humid conditions can lead to increased pest activity and fungal issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, whitefly, and mildew, and treat early before problems spread.
Support and train vigorous growth
Many plants grow quickly in November. Stake tall or fast-growing plants, and train climbers to ensure they grow in the desired direction and don’t become tangled or damaged.
Mow and care for lawns regularly
Lawns grow rapidly in warm conditions. Mow frequently (but avoid cutting too short) and keep edges neat. Water lawns deeply rather than lightly and frequently.
Harvest vegetables regularly
Pick crops such as beans, cucumbers and early tomatoes often to encourage continued production and prevent plants from going to seed too quickly.
Aphids and whitefly: These sap-sucking insects multiply rapidly on new growth, weakening plants and spreading disease if not controlled early.
Caterpillars: Warm conditions encourage active feeding on leaves, buds, and vegetables. Check plants regularly and treat before damage becomes severe.
Fungal diseases (powdery mildew, leaf spot and blight): Heat combined with humidity and rain can trigger fungal problems. Ensure good airflow and avoid wetting foliage late in the day.
Lawn pests (armyworms and beetles): Lawns may develop brown patches as pests feed on roots or blades. Early detection is key to preventing widespread damage.
Leaf miner: Larvae tunnel through leaves, leaving visible trails and damaging foliage, especially on vegetables and soft new growth.
Mealybugs: White, cottony insects found on stems and leaves, feeding on sap and weakening plants, especially in warm, sheltered areas.
Red spider mites: Hot, dry conditions can lead to outbreaks, causing speckled, dusty-looking leaves and stressed plants.
Snails and slugs: Increased moisture and garden watering create ideal conditions for these pests, which feed on tender growth and seedlings.
Thrips: Tiny insects that damage flowers and new growth, causing silvery streaks and distorted blooms.
Weeds: Warm temperatures and summer rains encourage rapid weed growth. Remove weeds early before they compete with plants for nutrients and space.
