Leaves can be used as mulch for winter root crops. Mulch 4 to 6 inches deep to make the crops easier to dig and to protect them from hard frosts. In rural areas, mice can be a problem by eating vegetables under the mulch. If this is your case, store your roots inside in moist sand in a room separated from stored fruits. As they ripen, stored apples and pears in particular release a gas that promotes ripening and will cause root crops to rot.

Don’t be too tidy. Plants that naturally grow under trees can handle autumn leaves—in fact, they like it. Brush the leaves off the crowns of plants and lightly toss them between plants. A leaf mulch protects roots from heavy frosts. Many gardeners claim that raking leaves controls slugs and root weevils. However, significant evidence suggests that raking leaves increases the populations of these pests by eliminating the hiding places of predatory beetles. These beetles need cover, and mulch protects them from hungry birds and cold. Rotting logs and piles of stones are also excellent winter hiding places for beneficial insects.

For plant lists and full details on gardening in November, order your copy of Seattle Tilth's Maritime Northwest Garden Guide, a planning calendar for year-round organic gardening.