The allotment in November

As we move towards winter we can expect colder temperatures, more rain, frost and perhaps even snow. The clocks will have gone back bringing darker evenings so there will be less opportunity to get onto our plots. There will still be some useful tasks that we can do on the allotment in November of course.

If the weather is kind dig over your beds incorporating well-rotted manure or homemade compost if you have it. Remember not to add manure where you intend to grow root crops next year as this will make parsnips and carrots fork.

No-diggers should mulch their beds with an inch or two of well-rotted manure or home-made compost if available.

Some weeds will grow all through the winter so it’s well worth going around with the hoe every week or two to stop them getting established

Continue to add spent crops to your compost bins or heaps as you clear your vegetable beds. Keep your plot free of fallen and decaying crops as these can encourage pests and disease.

Remove lower leaves from Brussels sprouts as they begin to yellow. They will also benefit from staking if you are on a windy site. Consider netting all your brassicas to protect from birds. Pigeons in particular love brassicas and are more likely to be a nuisance as there is less food around.

Keep an eye (and nose!) on any stored crops and discard anything that is rotting or damaged.

Seeds to sow in November

Hardy broad beans like Aquadulce Claudia can be sown in the allotment in October. They are frost hardy but do not like to be too wet. On heavy clay soils consider starting them in small pots for planting out in early spring.

Overwintering onion sets, often called Japanese onions can be planted now. These can also be started in pots or modules. Once rooted they are less likely to rot in cold, wet soil and they are more difficult for birds to pull out. Netting will help too.

Garlic and shallots can be started too.

Plant out in the allotment in November

If you started garlic or overwintering onions in pots or modules last month they can be planted out in the allotment in November.

Broad beans started in pots last month should be ready to plant out now.

Harvest from the allotment in November

From the root bed carrots, celeriac, swede, turnips and beetroot can be harvested. Parsnips’ flavour is enhanced by a frost or two but they should be ready this month.

Early varieties of leeks will be ready this month.

Winter cabbage, late varieties of cauliflower, and brussels sprouts will be ready to use from the allotment in November. Spinach and chard will be available too.

It’s the last chance to harvest winter squashes. They are not hardy and are unlikely to store well if frosted.