Weeding in November: tackle seedlings, protect the soil
Remove young weeds selectively: identify the plants, check the soil and work shallowly. A practical guide with the BERGER 5630 hand hoe.
Spotted fresh green leaves between the last crops? Mild weather can bring another flush of weeds in November. A targeted check helps you catch unwanted seedlings while they are small. Whether to weed today depends first on the soil.
Three questions before you start
- What is growing here? Identify unfamiliar plants first. Welcome self-sown plants can stay; the cover image is not an identification guide.
- Is it a problem in this spot? Focus on growth that competes with your crops and garden plants. There is no need to clear the whole garden.
- Is the soil workable? Wait if it is sticky, waterlogged or frozen. Choose a dry day when the surface has dried enough for the soil to crumble rather than smear on your tool. Work from a path wherever possible.
Hoe shallowly, then collect the weeds
For small annual weeds, guide the blade just beneath the surface with short, controlled movements. Weed carefully by hand close to vegetables, perennials and places where bulbs are planted. Collect loosened weeds in damp autumn conditions: they can take root again on moist soil.
Preserve shelter for garden wildlife
Keep existing protective soil cover, tussocky grasses, leaf piles and small log heaps as places for wildlife to shelter. Larger patches of newly exposed soil should have suitable cover for winter. Do not put troublesome weed seedheads or perennial weed roots straight onto an ordinary garden compost heap without treating them first.
Before use, check that the tool is secure and working properly. Clean and dry it afterwards, then store it in a sheltered place. On your next round, check for any new seedlings.
