Gardeners have been given a crucial reminder about an essential task that will help ensure their plants survive through the winter months. Specialists from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) have outlined their advice on key jobs to complete during November.
Without this vital step, your plants risk becoming waterlogged and perishing. The RHS website advises you "raise pots up off" the ground.
In their compilation of "top gardening jobs this month" it stated: "Raise containers onto pot feet to prevent waterlogging. In wet weather, raise pots up off the ground on 'feet' or similar to keep the bottom of the pot out of standing water."
The RHS cautioned that these plants can easily become oversaturated, and recommended against excessive watering. It explained: "Due to their restricted root area, container plants rely on us to provide the water they need, and to take steps to make sure they aren't getting too wet."
It added: "Overwatering is the most common cause of loss of container plants; watering should aim to keep the compost moist, never soggy and avoid alternating dryness and saturation. Plants grown in containers suffer from many of the same ailments as those grown in beds and borders, such as aphids, algae, liverworts and moss, scale insects and vine weevils."
Should you suspect water isn't draining properly from these containers, you ought to "check the drainage holes for a blockage and assess compost structure".
Basic guidelines for watering container plants during winter include:
Watering may still be required for conifers and other evergreens, particularly if you have relocated them to sheltered spots where they don't receive rainfall Inspect evergreens and conifers at least once weekly and provide water when necessary Watering is rarely required for deciduous or other dormant plants Don't water if frost is predicted
The RHS noted that during winter, the "main danger" is frozen compost, which could prove fatal to plants. Consequently, you should stick to this guidance:
Shield pots using biodegradable fleece or relocate them to temporary shelter During particularly wet spells, move plants to temporary cover if the compost becomes waterlogged, until it has dried somewhat. The "rain shadow" created by walls can provide adequate protection Take away saucers during winter
Additional tasks the RHS recommended for November include:
Remove fallen leaves from ponds and lawns Plant tulip bulbs for next year's spring show Begin winter rose pruning early Sow some sweet peas indoors Protect outdoor containers from frost - hessian sacking or recycled bubble wrap are effective options Put out bird food to attract winter birds to the garden Incorporate winter bedding plants such as heathers and pansies to add colour to pots and containers Protect brassicas with recycled netting if pigeons pose a problem
For further details, visit the RHS website here.