November Gardening Guide for Temperate Australia
November Jobs in the Garden: Embrace the Early Aussie Summer
November in Australia is a time of vibrant growth and abundant sunshine. As we transition into early summer, your garden bursts with colour and life. It's a busy month for gardeners, with plenty to sow, plant, and maintain. Here's your guide to making the most of your garden this November.
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What to Plant in November:
Vegetables: Many vegetables thrive in the warmer weather. Plant heat-loving crops like tomatoes, peppers, capsicum, eggplants, cucumbers, zucchini, and pumpkins. You can also sow seeds for fast-growing greens like lettuce and rocket for continuous harvests.
Herbs: Herbs flourish in the sun. Plant basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and mint. These herbs will add flavour to your summer dishes and attract beneficial insects to your garden.
Flowers: Add a splash of colour with vibrant flowers. Plant sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, and petunias. These flowers will brighten your garden and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Fruit Trees: If you live in an area with mild summers, you can plant citrus trees, mangoes, and avocados. These trees will provide shade and delicious fruit for years to come.
Jobs in the Garden:
Watering: With the warmer weather, your plants will need more water. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulching around your plants can help retain moisture and reduce evaporation.
Weeding: Weeds tend to grow quickly in the warmer months. Stay on top of weeding to prevent them from competing with your plants for water and nutrients. Once a week, get out there and pinch them out.
Fertilising: Feed your plants with a balanced natural fertiliser if it’s required. This will encourage healthy growth and abundant harvests.
Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your plants for pests and diseases. Take action early to prevent infestations from spreading.
Pruning: Prune spring-flowering shrubs and remove any dead or diseased branches from trees before it gets too hot.
Mulching: Apply a fresh layer of mulch to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Other Important Tasks in November:
Prepare for Heatwaves: As temperatures rise, take steps to protect your plants from heat stress. Provide shade during the hottest part of the day and water deeply in the morning.
Harvest Regularly: Harvest your vegetables and herbs regularly to encourage continuous production.
Enjoy Your Garden: Take time to relax and enjoy the beauty of your garden. It's a space to connect with nature and recharge your batteries.
Specific Advice for Western Australia:
Most areas south of Perth enjoy a temperate climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This makes it ideal for growing a wide variety of plants. Here are some specific tips for gardening in Pemberton in November:
Focus on heat-loving crops: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, and melons will all thrive in warm summer weather.
Protect plants from strong winds: We can experience strong winds, especially during the summer months. Provide support for tall plants and consider planting windbreaks to protect more delicate plants.
Conserve water: Water is a precious resource: ese water-wise gardening practices like mulching and drip irrigation to conserve water.
Take advantage of the long daylight hours: Enjoy long daylight hours during the summer, these are ideal for plant growth and some RnR for you too!
Additional Tips:
Visit your local nursery: Local nurseries can provide valuable advice on what to plant in your area and how to care for your plants.
Join a gardening club: Gardening clubs are a great way to connect with other gardeners, share tips and advice, and learn about new gardening techniques.
Don't be afraid to experiment: Gardening is all about learning and experimenting. Try new things and see what works best in your garden.
Gardening is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process of learning and growing, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Happy gardening!
About the Author
I'm passionate about living with resilience and I love sharing my knowledge with others. I believe that everyone can make a difference in the world, no matter how small. I'm excited to be a part of the growing movement of people who are committed to living a more sustainable lifestyle.
I'm also the founder of Eight Acres Permaculture, and I’m a resilient living educator in Western Australia. At Eight Acres, I offer a variety of workshops and courses on topics such as permaculture, growing your own food, and homesteading skills. On our small farm, I grow our own food and raise animals.
I believe that education is key to creating a resilient lifestyle. By sharing my knowledge and experience, I hope to inspire others to make positive changes in their own lives.
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