Putting the Garden to Bed: November Gardening in New England

As November settles over the North Shore, our gardens start their quiet transition into winter. The air is crisp, the light softens, and the last of the leaves flutter down — it’s time to “put the garden to bed.” This is one of the most important steps in maintaining a healthy, thriving landscape year after year. With a little care now, you’ll be rewarded with stronger growth and fewer headaches when spring returns.

1. Clean Up, But Don’t Overdo It

It’s tempting to clear everything away, but a balanced approach is best. Remove spent annuals and diseased foliage, and cut back perennials that have fully died back. However, leave some seed heads and grasses standing — they provide texture, winter interest, and valuable habitat for birds and beneficial insects. Think of it as tidying, not sterilizing, your garden.

2. Protect Perennials and Shrubs

A blanket of mulch does wonders for your garden’s root systems. Once the ground begins to freeze, spread a few inches of organic mulch (like shredded leaves or bark) around the base of perennials, shrubs, and young trees. This helps regulate soil temperature and prevents the freeze-thaw cycles that can push roots upward. On the North Shore, where winter winds off the ocean can be harsh, consider burlap wraps for exposed evergreens or boxwoods.

3. Take Care of Your Soil

Fall is an ideal time to feed your soil. Add compost or organic matter to garden beds before the ground freezes. This gives nutrients time to break down and enrich the soil over winter, setting the stage for vigorous spring growth. If you have raised beds, top them off now and cover them with a layer of straw or leaves.

4. Prepare Lawn and Tools for Winter

Give your lawn one last short mowing and remove heavy leaf layers to prevent mold and smothering. Clean and store garden tools, hoses, and pots so they’ll be ready to go in spring. This simple step extends their life and saves you time when the ground thaws.

5. Plan Ahead

While the garden rests, you don’t have to. November is a great month to think about design updates, new plantings, or hardscaping improvements you’d like to make next season. Whether it’s a new patio, walkway, or fresh perennial border, planning now means you’ll be ready to start early when spring arrives.

At Pinebrook Landscaping, we take pride in helping North Shore homeowners care for their landscapes year-round. Whether you need seasonal cleanup, winter prep, or design ideas for next spring, our team can make sure your property is ready for whatever New England weather brings.

Contact us today to schedule your fall cleanup or winter prep service — and give your garden the restful winter it deserves.