November in Fayetteville brings cool temperatures and shorter days, signaling it’s time to get your garden ready for winter and lay the groundwork for a vibrant spring. Although it may feel like garden season is winding down, there are plenty of tasks you can tackle this month to keep your landscape looking great and ensure your plants are well-prepped for the colder months ahead. Here’s a November gardening checklist to help Fayetteville gardeners make the most of this season.

1. Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs

November is an ideal time to plant spring bulbs in Fayetteville. Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and crocuses are popular choices that will add beautiful color to your landscape come spring.

  • Tip: For best results, plant bulbs about 3-4 times as deep as the bulb’s height in well-drained soil. Adding a bit of bone meal or bulb fertilizer can also give them a boost.
  • Pro Tip: Try layering bulbs in a technique called “lasagna planting.” Place larger bulbs like daffodils or tulips deeper in the soil and smaller bulbs like crocuses above them for a more layered bloom.

2. Prep Your Lawn for Winter

Keeping your lawn healthy during winter starts with a few maintenance tasks in November:

  • Leaf Cleanup: Rake up fallen leaves regularly, as they can suffocate your grass if left for too long. Alternatively, use a mower with a mulching blade to shred leaves, adding nutrients back to the soil.
  • Last Mowing: Give your lawn one last trim to about 2-3 inches. Leaving grass too long over winter can invite pests and disease.
  • Fertilize Cool-Season Grasses: For those with fescue or other cool-season grasses, apply a winter fertilizer in early November. This feeds the roots, keeping your lawn strong through winter and helping it green up faster in spring.

3. Add a Layer of Mulch

November is a perfect time to add a fresh layer of mulch around garden beds, trees, and shrubs to help insulate roots from the chill.

  • How to Mulch: Spread a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch like pine straw, shredded bark, or leaf mold around plants. Avoid piling mulch directly against the base of trees and shrubs to prevent rot.
  • Bonus Tip: Mulch also suppresses weeds and helps soil retain moisture, so it’s a valuable addition year-round.

4. Protect Tender Plants from Frost

Fayetteville can experience a few light frosts in November, so it’s a good idea to prepare frost-sensitive plants.

  • Use Frost Covers: Have frost blankets, sheets, or even old towels on hand to drape over tender plants on chilly nights. Be sure to remove the covers in the morning to let plants get sunlight.
  • Container Plants: Move any container plants that are frost-sensitive to a more sheltered area or indoors.

5. Divide and Transplant Perennials

Perennials like daylilies, hostas, and irises benefit from being divided every few years, and November’s cooler weather provides the perfect opportunity.

  • How to Divide: Dig up the clump, gently separate it into smaller sections (each with healthy roots and foliage), and replant immediately. This will refresh your plants, encourage new growth, and prevent overcrowding.
  • Transplanting: November is also a great time to transplant trees and shrubs in Fayetteville, as they have time to establish roots without the stress of summer heat.

6. Plant Hardy Cool-Weather Vegetables

Fayetteville’s mild fall means you can still plant cool-weather vegetables that will thrive in the cooler temperatures, especially if you use a protective cover like row covers or a cold frame.

  • What to Plant: Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collard greens grow well in Fayetteville’s fall. Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes are also good choices for late fall planting.
  • Extra Protection: Consider using row covers to protect young plants from unexpected frosts and pests.

7. Prune Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

After the leaves have fallen, it’s easier to see the structure of your deciduous trees and shrubs, making November a great time for pruning.

  • Focus on Dead or Diseased Wood: Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, then thin out crowded areas to allow for better air circulation.
  • Avoid Heavy Pruning: For spring-blooming trees and shrubs like azaleas or dogwoods, avoid heavy pruning now as this can remove the buds that will flower in spring. Instead, do major pruning in late winter or early spring.

8. Clean Up Garden Beds

November is the time to tidy up any leftover annuals, weeds, and debris to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden beds.

  • Remove Spent Plants: Pull up annuals and any dead or dying plants to clear the space for winter.
  • Turn the Soil: Gently turn the soil in vegetable beds to expose any pests to birds and the colder weather, reducing their numbers for next spring.

9. Prepare Your Garden Tools for Winter Storage

With gardening tasks winding down, November is an ideal time to clean, sharpen, and store your tools.

  • Clean: Remove any soil or debris from tools, and sharpen pruners and blades to prevent rust.
  • Oil and Store: Apply a light coating of oil to metal parts to prevent rust, and store your tools in a dry place over winter.

10. Plant Trees and Shrubs

The mild November weather in Fayetteville allows for planting trees and shrubs, giving them time to establish roots before the winter.

  • Why Plant Now? The cooler soil and air temperatures reduce stress on young plants, making fall an ideal season for planting. Plus, they’ll have a head start in spring.
  • Choose Native Varieties: Native trees and shrubs like dogwoods, redbuds, and hollies are adapted to Fayetteville’s climate, making them a hardy and eco-friendly choice.

Bonus: Plan for Next Year

While you may be winding down for the season, November is a great time to reflect on this year’s garden successes and start planning for spring.

  • Take Notes: Make notes on what plants thrived, which areas could use improvement, and any new ideas you want to try.
  • Order Seeds: If you’re eyeing any unique plants or specific varieties for next year, start ordering seeds now. Some of the more popular varieties sell out early.

By tackling these tasks, you’ll not only keep your Fayetteville garden looking great through winter but also set yourself up for a healthier, more productive garden come spring. Enjoy the crisp air, and happy gardening!