As the crisp chill settles over Northern Nevada and the last of the autumn leaves dance away, it’s time to tuck your garden in for the season. November in Northern Nevada is a time of transition — where golden afternoons give way to frosty mornings and we trade watering cans for hot cocoa mugs. But before winter fully sets in, there’s still work (and joy) to be found outdoors.

At Greenhouse Garden Center, we believe that every season has its rhythm. Here are our Top 10 Gardening Tips for November, infused with a little local wisdom to help your yard stay healthy, colorful, and ready for spring.

1. Keep Wildlife at Bay

Rabbits and deer don’t take a winter break. When your plants go dormant, the damage from nibbling wildlife can be even more severe because there’s no active growth to heal the wounds. Products like Liquid Fence and Repellex work well but remember to rotate repellents every few weeks; local critters are smart and will get used to the same scent!
In high-desert neighborhoods like Johnson Lane or Genoa, where open space meets backyard, consider wrapping young trees and larger shrubs to prevent bucks from rubbing their antlers.

2. Watch Out for Borers in Firewood

Those cozy woodpiles by the back porch can carry hidden guests. Borers often overwinter in firewood, then emerge in spring ready to attack freshly planted pines, spruce, cherry, and other trees. Removing bark from firewood helps prevent infestations; a simple habit that protects your landscape. In our dry climate, it’s also wise to stack firewood away from structures for proper airflow and pest control.

3. Give Trees and Shrubs a Deep Drink

Even though your hose may be coiled for the season, your plants still need an occasional good soak. Water all trees and shrubs once or twice this month, especially those planted within the last two years. It’s one of the most important things you can do for winter survival in Northern Nevada’s dry, high-elevation environment. After watering, apply Wilt Stop to your broadleaf evergreens; it acts like a clear moisture shield against cold, dry winds.

4. Protect Pots and Fountains

Clay pots, concrete statuary, and fountains don’t fare well in freeze-thaw cycles. Bring them inside if possible or wrap and cover them before the first hard freeze. Add a layer of burlap inside basins that can’t be turned over to absorb moisture and prevent cracking. And if you’ve invested in those beautiful fountains, drain them now — you’ll thank yourself come spring.

5. Prune with Purpose

Put the pruning shears down for now on grapes, sugar maples, and birch trees; pruning them too early causes sap bleeding that no sealant can stop. Instead, prune these plants in April. For raspberries, though, now is the time to cut back the two-year-old canes that produced berries this season. Removing those tall stalks will make way for an even better crop next summer.

6. Tackle Voles and Mice

When the temperatures drop, voles and mice look for cozy hiding spots, and your garden is prime real estate. Use Kaput Combo Bait Pellet Packs and replace them regularly throughout winter. They’re especially helpful if you’ve noticed trails or tunnels near lawns, garden beds, or sheds.

7. Tie and Support Evergreens

If you’ve ever seen arborvitae bent under heavy snow, you know how heartbreaking it can be. Tie up arborvitae and upright junipers with thick green tape to prevent splitting or splaying. In areas that see the most snow, like the Genoa foothills or up toward Lake Tahoe, light pruning before winter helps reduce surface area for snow buildup.

8. Care for Houseplants and Tools

Indoor plants often struggle during the darker, drier months. Treat them with Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control and wipe their leaves to keep them healthy. It’s also the perfect time to give your garden tools some TLC: clean off rust with steel wool, rub handles with linseed oil, and store everything in a dry spot. Come spring, you’ll be ready to grow.

9. Spray for Pests and Disease

A little prevention now saves a lot of trouble later. Spray fruit trees and roses with dormant oil to kill overwintering insects, eggs, and spores. Follow with Liqui-Cop to stop fungal diseases from taking hold during wet weather. It’s an easy weekend project that pays off with healthier blooms and fruit next year.

10. Get Ready to Gather in Color

And finally — it’s time to celebrate the season! November marks the start of the holidays at Greenhouse Garden Center. Preorder your Christmas tree, grab a few paperwhites and amaryllis bulbs, and take a stroll through our Christmas Wonderland. New treasures arrive all season long, and nothing lifts the spirit like stepping into Greenhouse Garden Center, glowing with color, light, and warmth.

Download our Top 10 November Gardening Tips here!

Final Thoughts

Gardening in northern Nevada is as much about preparation as it is about patience. A little effort now ensures your plants — and your spirit — will thrive through the quiet beauty of winter.

Stop by Greenhouse Garden Center this month for the products, plants, and local expertise that make all the difference. We’re here to help your garden grow strong, season after season.