October Garden Tips & Advice

October is a good time for planting while there is still some warmth in the soil to help things get established before the winter.

Lawn scarifying, aerating and top dressing can all be done now, use a low nitrogen fertilizer to keep the grass looking good without encouraging lush growth that could be damaged in winter.

Plant bulbs for forcing now ready for a Christmas or winter display, 10–12 weeks cool then 2-3 weeks warm.

Clear leaves from the lawn to prevent brown patches, I like to do this with a mower which is less back aching and chops the leaves up making them quicker to compost down and make good mulch for next years borders.

To prevent wind rock damaging the feeder roots of sprouts earth up with a few centimetres of soil and firm down or stake to keep them secure.

Reduce watering for greenhouse plants as the weather cools, opening windows whenever the weather allows to help prevent fungal diseases.

if not already done plant up containers with Wallflowers, Bellis, Pansies and Violas, under plant these with bulbs for a wonderful spring display.

Alliums can be planted now, they establish much better when planted when there is still some warmth in the soil.

Any borderline hardy perennials can be given a good thick mulch now to help protect their crowns throughout the cold winter months.

Yellowing asparagus foliage can be cut back now to around 5cm from ground level, the bed can be weeded at the same time, by hand is best to prevent damaging their shallow roots.

Plant up pots of spring flowering bulbs, these can be used in spring to brighten up dull spots in the garden, or in containers to bring some colour near doorways and paths.

If your greenhouse shading is still in place remove it now to allow the maximum light in over the dull winter months.

Check greenhouse heaters are working properly in case of early frosts.

Borderline hardy plants in the garden can be given a good thick much to help protect them through any severe weather.

Clean and sterilize the greenhouse before bringing tender plants in for the winter, before storing them also check for pests and diseases to prevent problems later.

Clear the pond of any dying foliage from lily’s or marginal plants and then net the pond to keep out autumn leaves.

It’s still not too late to collect seeds from Placing cloches over herbs and salad crops can extend the harvesting season by a few weeks.

Before bringing plants in for the winter sterilize the greenhouse and check plants for any pests or diseases.