Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don has shared his top tips for what to do in the garden this November, including a warning about a ‘dangerous’ area that needs attention
Sophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer
13:44, 05 Nov 2025
Monty said we can perform a task this month that will help us stay safe when out and about(Image: Getty)
Monty Don has encouraged everyone with a garden to make sure they complete one important task this November. The expert, know for presenting BBC’s Gardeners’ World, has warned that a particular part of our gardens can become especially hazardous at this time of year.
He explained: “At this time of year, brick and stone paths can be very slippery and dangerous. This is due to algae that grows on the surface, especially if wet and shaded, and at this time of year, they may stay wet and slippery for months.”
In his blog post, the presenter wrote: “The best way to reduce the slipperiness is to wash off the algae with a pressure hose (which can be hired by the day). When this is done brush in sharpsand. If the path is brick or stone the porous surface will absorb some of the sand.”
Monty Don has an informal moment with his Golden Retriever Ned on the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden at RHS Chelsea on May 19, 2025 in London,(Image: Getty Images)
He added: “A quicker -but still quite laborious – alternative is simply to work sand in with a stiff brush without the washing. Either way you have a very effective way of making a path safe without resorting to chemicals.”
The green-fingered expert also said that there’s a job you will want to do now so you see results when you look out your window on December 25. He said: “Paperwhite daffodils, narcissi papyraceus, will be flowering for Christmas if you plant them at the beginning of November.”
He explained that, unlike most daffodil varieties, this type originates from the Mediterranean and doesn’t require a cold or vernalisation period to thrive. To grow them, simply plant the bulbs just beneath the surface of compost in a container. Ideally, use one with good drainage, though an ordinary bowl will suffice if you add a little charcoal to help keep the soil fresh. Keep the compost consistently mois (but never waterlogged) and place the container in a warm, sunny location.
He added: “The bulbs will grow strongly, and if indoors in the warmth, flower in 4 weeks. To delay and prolong flowering, keep them cool but frost-free.”
And before you put your lawnmower into storage, be sure it’s in proper working condition. Monty Don advised that rather than waiting until next year, you should do the following now:
Wash it down and scrape off any encrusted grassDrain any petrol from the tankCheck all screws and bolts to ensure they are properly tightenedOil the blades and all moving parts and unless it is running and cutting exceptionally well take it for a service and sharpen by a professional rather than wait until next Spring when they will be inundated
He concluded by warning to make sure you put it somewhere dry so that when you take it back out, “it will perform properly at the first asking and throughout the next cutting season.”
Comments are closed.