Gardening tips for November

November is the time for tidying up the vegetable garden as the majority of the main harvest is now over, leaving just the winter vegetables.
Removing finished crops not only frees up space but also reduces the number of hiding places for wintering pests.
As the ground is cleared, dig over the area, leaving it rough for the frost to penetrate which will kill pests and break down the soil.
Incorporate the well composted material from your compost bin but return any vegetation that has not broken down.
Protect cauliflower heads by bending over a few leaves around the centre.
Ensure brussel sprout plants are firm in the ground by mounding additional soil around the base of the stem.
This will reduce the chance of the plants rocking in the wind as they mature.
Leeks and parsnips can be left in the ground and harvested as required throughout the winter.
Ensure that your greenhouse is fully cleaned to allow maximum light in as the days shorten.
Continue to sow lettuce and endive to use the young leaves for winter salads.
In the fruit garden prepare the ground with well rotten manure in readiness to plant raspberry canes.
Finally, ensure you place your order for next year's seed catalogues and start to plan what you intend to grow.