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Pacific Northwest November Garden Checklist: Putting the Garden to Bed

November is the final month to prepare the Pacific Northwest garden for winter—like tucking in a child after a long day of play. A few hours now ensure both gardener and garden emerge in spring with renewed vigor.

Keep Gathering Leaves

Fall foliage drops over months, so raking is ongoing. Options: add to compost, shred with mower for shrub border mulch, or corral in a wire cage to decompose into rich mulch for next year.

Protect Water Features

Drain small fountains and store in garage or cover to prevent freeze damage. Remove submersible pumps and store indoors. Larger ponds with sufficient water volume may not freeze solid; consult a pond supply company if unsure. Winterize irrigation systems—disconnect battery timers and bring indoors, or hire a service to drain lines.

Rose Care: Mini Prune and Mulch

Traditionally pruned in February, tall roses benefit from a November mini-prune (remove up to ¼ height) to prevent "wind rock" that exposes roots to freezing. No need for precise cuts—proper pruning comes in spring. Apply several inches of compost around bases as a winter blanket.

Add Compost Now

Fall compost application lets rain leach nutrients and worms till the soil while you're indoors. If soil is poor, add compost both fall and spring for three years, then annually. A countertop compost pail reduces trips to the bin.

Grow Hardy Edibles

Leeks, parsnips, cabbage, kohlrabi, and Brussels sprouts withstand winter chills. Add floating row covers or cold frames for carrots, lettuce, and more. At minimum, keep an herb pot by the door for fresh parsley or rosemary.

Create Welcoming Container Gardens

Refresh porch pots with warm-colored foliage: coral bells (Heuchera) in shades from lime to mahogany (like 'Delta Dawn'), autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) with copper fronds, and 'Goshiki' false holly (Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki') with variegated foliage.