October Tips |  |
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With the days rapidly shortening and the nights becoming cooler, many plants are starting to ready themselves for winter. However, with a little planning, you can still achieve plenty of colour from both flowers and leaves. It's an ideal time for planting hardy trees and shrubs so that the roots will have a chance to establish before the winter for an early start in the spring. |
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Borders | |  | • | Plant trees and shrubs since this is an ideal time for these plants to establish themselves before winter. | | • | Bare-root Roses also establish well if planted now. | | • | Winter and spring flowering bulbs such as Daffodils, Narcissi and Crocuses should be planted now in the garden or patio containers. | | • | Shape deciduous trees and shrubs by cutting back crossing and badly placed branches. | | • | Check the supports and ties on young trees and climbing plants. | | • | Begin to tidy beds and borders, then mulch with compost, well-rotted manure or bark. | | • | Cut back old, unsightly perennials to ground level, but leave those with attractive stems or seed heads for wildlife and to provide autumn and winter interest. | | • | Cut down and lift frost blackened dahlia tubers or Gladioli corms, dry them off and then store in a frost-free environment in boxes of dry bark or compost for re-planting early next year. |
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Bedding Plants | | | • | For a groomed garden, remove the last of your summer flowering plants and replace with autumn and winter flowering varieties. | | • | Plan ahead for next year while your summer garden is still fresh in your mind. Make a note of the summer flowering plants that performed well so you will know what to buy again for next spring. Place you orders early to avoid disappointment. |
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Containers | | | • | For a cheery winter garden, re-plant any remaining containers and hanging baskets with autumn and winter flowering plants and spring flowering bulbs. | | • | Containers are just as likely to dry out at this time of year, so remember to check regularly that they have enough water. | | • | As the weather is turning increasingly wet, raise your containers off the ground slightly using small pieces of wood to allow them to drain more freely. | | • | Place any tender plants such as Agapanthus in a sheltered spot or cool greenhouse. | | • | Re-position tender plants into a frost free environment such as a greenhouse or conservatory. |
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Lawns | | | • | This is an ideal time to make new lawns from turf as the turf is unlikely to dry out and moist, warm soils aid root establishment. | | • | If you've not already done so, apply an autumn fertiliser and scarify to remove moss and dead grass (thatch). | | • | Continue to repair damaged patches with grass seed or turf. | | • | Spike the surface of your lawn with a fork or lawn aerator to help drainage. | | • | Reduce mowing frequency and set the blades high. By the end of the month it will be time to stop cutting and the mower should then be serviced in preparation for next year. | | • | Prevent autumn leaves from smothering your grass by raking them up as they fall. |
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Fruit | | | • | Apples and Pears which are ripe should be picked and handled carefully prior to storage in a cool, airy position. | | • | Blackberry, Raspberry and Loganberry canes that have finished cropping should be cut out and new canes can be tied in to support framework. | • | Check that stakes on fruit trees are secure and are not constricting growth. | | • | Plant Strawberries during the middle of the month for cropping next summer. |
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The Vegetable Garden | | | • | Sow cauliflower, lettuce, broad beans and peas under cloches in a sheltered spot. | | • | Harvest and store marrows and pumpkins before the first frosts. | | • | Potatoes, carrots and beetroots can be lifted and stored. | | • | Dig over ground as it becomes vacant. |
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The Greenhouse | | | • | Heating may be required at night if temperatures fall and frost is possible. | | • | Water in the morning only so that the foliage does not remain wet at night. | | • | Clean the glass both inside and out to maximise use of the winter sun. At the same time remove any greenhouse shading. | | • | Sow winter lettuce in the greenhouse border soil. | | • | Ventilate the greenhouse with care in order to keep up air movement and alleviate dampness. |
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Ponds | | | Continue to feed pond fish. | | Generally clean up your pond taking care not to disturb hibernating wildlife. | | Put a net over the pond if not already done to prevent leaves falling in to it. |
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General Tasks | | | • | Tidy up garden shed and clean and sharpen secateurs in preparation for winter pruning. | | • | Wash and sterilise pots and trays and store for use next spring. | | • | Clip hedges if not already done to keep them in shape. |
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