As November nudges in, autumn swiftly transitions into winter, with shorter, colder and wetter days being the new norm. Some trees are enjoying their last blaze of glory before they shed their leaves, so make sure to take time to bask in these colourful displays, to help offset the dreariness of darker days. Although the weather may seem conducive to hibernation, there are still plenty of garden tasks that need attention.

Tulip mania

November is the perfect time to plant tulip bulbs for a vibrant display next year. The cold weather discourages diseases like tulip fire, which thrives in warmer soil, and planting now ensures the bulbs have time to establish strong roots before the harsher winter months.

Although I do not intend to eat tulip bulbs, I only purchase and plant certified organic bulbs, as they come without the cocktail of pesticides common to conventionally produced bulbs, meaning that no unwanted substances can spread into the soil and environment.

When planting tulips, there are two options – containers or beds. Containers are ideal in a small, kitchen garden scenario, short-cutting any risk of tying up premium bed space when it is most needed next year. Secondly, they can be moved around to brighten up spaces as needed.

Avoid planting bulbs individually, as grouping gives more impact. Choose a large pot with good drainage, and plant the bulbs 15cm deep, with the pointed end facing upwards. Space them approximately 10cm apart, for a dense, showy display.

Choose colours that appeal to your senses and use a mix of good-quality compost and some grit to aid drainage, as tulips do not like soggy roots. Used potting mixes from summer containers can be recycled and added to the mix.

If planting tulips directly in the ground, the approach is similar, as they look fantastic when planted in groups or drifts for a naturalistic effect. Tulips thrive in sunny spots, so avoid overly shaded and water-logged areas.

As conscious kitchen gardeners, we are well aware that bare soil over winter is a no-no and growing green manures to enrich garden soil is the ultimate. However, most winter cover crops require adequate ground temperatures to germinate and establish before winter sets in, with late-September to mid-October being the cut off sowing point.

This is often limiting, especially if root crops are in the ground and only being cleared now. However, the often overlooked cover crop that is field beans, makes a great late green manure option and is ideal for sowing now and even later.

Field beans not only protect the soil from erosion and nutrient loss, but also add nitrogen, improving the soil’s fertility for the next growing season. Field beans can simply be scattered over bare soil, but I prefer to grow them in rows 15cm apart, with 10cm between seeds, that are sown 2cm deep.

Field beans will establish quickly and plants are far more robust than broad beans. As they grow, their roots will help break up compacted soil, and when cut down next spring, the decomposing plant matter will act as a natural fertiliser.

Field beans are also excellent nitrogen fixers, but make sure to cut them down before they start growing actual beans, as this takes the nitrogen away from the soil.

Cutting back and tidying

One of the key principles of nature-friendly gardening is to avoid being too fastidious with tidying up. While it’s tempting to cut back everything to give a neat and orderly appearance, leaving some plants to die back naturally is beneficial for garden wildlife over the colder months.

For example, seedheads from plants like fennel, teasel, and rudbeckia provide a valuable food source for birds over the winter. Leaving stems and seedheads will help protect plants while also creating sheltered spots for overwintering insects, including beneficial pollinators like bees and ladybirds.

Simple strategies like leaving a few log piles or rock heaps can provide valuable shelter for hedgehogs, amphibians, and insects.

Avoid clearing away all the leaf litter, as this creates a habitat for invertebrates, which are a food source for birds and other creatures.

Do you have any advice for growing rhubarb? I’d love to start growing it in my garden.

November is a perfect time for lifting, dividing and planting rhubarb. Mail-ordered crowns are often very dry on arrival, so dip them in water or a weak seaweed tea before planting. Plant crowns at least 90cm apart, into a hole slightly larger than itself, eyes (dormant buds) facing upwards.

For heavy soil, or if buds are enlarged, plant just above ground to prevent rotting, but if the soil is light, plant just below ground.

Patience is required in the first year after planting. Refrain from picking stems to ensure bumper crops for years to come.

Check out giy.ie which educates people to grow their own food. They have a large selection of seeds, including chard seeds, at €3.