As we step into October, the weather starts to cool, and the ground becomes coated in a crispy layer of warm-toned leaves; we find that the next chapter in the garden begins. Gone are the summer days of tending to fruits and vegetables, deadheading flowers and maintaining a garden bursting with life. Now we move into a time of year where we make changes, clean up and make preparations for the winter months ahead, so here are ten things to be doing in your garden this October.
No. 1 : PLANT YOUR SPRING BULBS
October is the perfect time to plant spring bulbs across your garden, with the winter months providing them with a cold dormant period, bringing you a much-needed splash of colour when winter gives way to spring. Plant crocuses and snowdrops in your lawn, plant tulips in borders and daffodils or hyacinths in pots; the options are endless.
No.2 : CLEAN OUT YOUR GREENHOUSE
The majority of anything grown over the summer in your greenhouse would have gone over by now, leaving an opening for pests and diseases to appear and spread through your remaining plants. Disposing of spent plants and giving the greenhouse a deep clean will not only allow your overwintering plants to stay healthy and thrive, but it will also make your spring clean less of a job. Don’t forget to also clean the windows, inside and out, as any buildup of dirt from the summer will reduce the already weak autumn light, something so crucial if you are looking to prolong the plants inside.
No. 3 : PLANT EVERGREEN SHRUBS
During October, the soil is still relatively warm, giving you the perfect time to start planting some evergreen shrubs in the garden, keeping your autumn and winter garden greener when the leaves have fallen from the other deciduous plants.
No. 4 : MOVE DECIDUOUS SHRUBS THAT HAVE OUTGROWN THEIR CURRENT SPACE
Speaking of deciduous plants, October is a great month to move any of your deciduous shrubs that have become too big for their area. The soil will still be warm, encouraging new root growth quickly, but since they have started to enter their dormant stage for the winter, their energy demands are low, meaning a much smoother transition and stronger growth in the spring.
No. 5 : START COLLECTING RAINWATER
The UK was hit with a record hot summer and consistently high temperatures, putting many Southern areas in a hosepipe ban for most of the summer. With this winter expected to be a wet one, and another record hot, dry summer predicted next year, conserving rainwater for the garden is crucial. By hooking up waterbutts to guttering, you are not only saving money on water bills through the summer, but you are also providing the plants with a more nutritious and chemical-free source of water, giving your plants a proper boost with every watering.
No. 6 : STORE AWAY ANY HOSES LEFT OUTSIDE
As we start to approach the winter months when temperatures start to drop, equipment left outside is at risk of damage, especially hoses. When left outside, the residual water freezes and expands, often causing the hose and any attachments to split and crack under the pressure. Reduce this risk by draining all water and storing them inside a shed or garage over the winter.
No. 7 : RAKE UP LEAVES
The leaves have begun to drop, covering your garden in a layer of warm-toned foliage and a golden opportunity to make a free, natural soil improver. If you don’t already have a leaf mould bin, they are worthwile, as mixing leaf mould into soil or using it as mulch will improve soil structure, an invaluable asset for the Kent clay soils, help retain moisture and encourage garden life.
No. 8 : APPLY AUTUMN LAWN FEED
Autumn is a perfect time to give your lawn a feed, especially in October when more rainy days are in the forecast. Autumn lawn feeds are very different to summer lawn feeds, as they focus more on strengthening their root systems and protecting them from winter frost.
No. 9 : POT UP WINTER DISPLAY PLANTERS
The vibrancy and colourful displays we have been used to over the summer have started to slip away, and it won’t be long before our gardens return to their dormant phase. October is a great opportunity to get a head start and pot up some winter displays filled with cyclamens, pansies, violas and some of the evergreen perennials like heucheras and hellebores. Planting them up now will give them time to set down their roots, and by the time December rolls around, you will be gifted with large displays of winter colour.
No. 10: ORDER IN BARE-ROOT PLANTS
With the bare-root planting season around the corner, October is a great time to decide what exactly you want to plant and get them ordered for a timely delivery in November.