November

In November the last of the significant harvesting and preserving is done. The rayburn is now on daily so the Nehu is busy bubbling converting the fruit saved from earlier into shelf stable fruit juice, jams, chutney, leathers etc. Pickling, fermenting, canning are all on going to reap the last of the years efforts.

November Notes

The weather tends to deteriorate bringing the focus indoors.

Our fellow species are getting ready for the winter, so it is vital to finish what is absolutely essential “tidying up”, keeping this to the minimum, so as to leave the most diverse habitat for insects, birds and mammals that we share our land with.

Creating compost is a major activity, laying down bins from whatever vegetable beds that are being cleared, adding storm sent seaweed, dying bracken, old sheep’s wool, 

Put leaves separately as their breakdown product is too valuable to just mix in ordinary compost. Only take leaves from areas where it is essential to move them like slippery paths, or where there is an over abundance that might cause issues with other useful growth, or where there really is “spare”. Leave as much as you can, leaves are such a valuable resource bringing the micronutrients that the trees have deep mined to the surface to feed the soil. They are also direct habitat for so much life to overwinter under.

The wild birds are busy gorging on the natural fruit harvest, this will set them up to survive the winter and be successful next season. The more native fruit trees we grow in our domestic surroundings, as well as farmland and the wider countryside, the better. These are free food for us and nature for years into the future. If there is minor tidying to do, it’s a good time to look at what branches to prune to bring into the house over Yule. Some bigger pruning can be done to add to dry hedges, that will become kindling in the future.

The dry nights are a opportunity to see what moths are flying, still plenty to identify, another change in species, with some very interesting ones to look out for.

What flowers do you have for the late flowering insects to feed on, especially when it is mild, as we are seeing increasingly. Ivy flowers are so prized – droneflies busy buzzing at every opportunity. More ivy is needed. The Mahonia starts to flower with its golden yellow crowns, and gorse will often begin to flush again. It us interesting to record any other species that are flowering “out of season”. Plan for more species, greater distribution next year by taking cuttings of relevant shrubs

This is a perfect time to split up perennials before the real winter weather sets in. Edible perennials that have bulked up over the year can be divided and spread out more. Pot some up to distribute to others in the Spring. A bit of fresh compost to fill in the holes and give the areas a good mulch to protect the plants and the soil biome,  provide next year’s nutrition. The paths can get a last weeding (more compost) and a dressing of woodchip. 

Vegetable beds tend to be cleared and a fresh dressing of compost applied. There are still seeds to sow, and winter hardy varieties that will be waiting to be harvested in the coming months.

In mild months the grass is still growing, the stockpile falls over to create such valuable habitat for so many species that will be food for the predator species, as well as beginning to breakdown into the next geberation of soil, while it waits for a grazing/trampling/dunging pass from livestock through the winter.

Get out and about supporting local community events, look out for where you can volunteer your time, experience, expertise, and labour. This might be a topic you have a passion for : heritage, craft, children, whatever. 

The Winter Festival markets are a perfect way to support local producers, farmers, growers, crafters, artists, community groups whilst keeping your money local to be spent again. Get your festive presents sorted for those you are not making yourself. Take the opportunity to sell your surplus, donate to fundraisers, and enjoy time in your community.