October marks a significant transition period as autumn sets in. It's the ideal time to prepare your garden for winter and ensure it thrives in spring. Here are some essential tasks to complete this month.

 

Plant Spring Bulbs for Future Blooms

 

October is the perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths. Planting now gives bulbs time to establish roots before winter, ensuring a vibrant display come spring. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and use a sturdy bulb planter to make holes at the correct depth. Remember to plant bulbs with the pointed side up and water them well after planting. Read our article to find out more about bulb planting. 

 

 

                

 

Pruning for Healthy Growth

 

As many shrubs and perennials finish blooming, now is the time to prune them. Cut back faded perennials and remove dead or diseased branches from shrubs. This helps promote healthy growth and prevents pests from overwintering. Use sharp secateurs or loppers to make clean cuts, ensuring your plants are in top condition for the colder months.

 

 

 

Lawn Care and Leaf Maintenance

 

Fallen leaves can suffocate your lawn and encourage the growth of moss. Rake up leaves regularly, using a leaf rake, and either compost them or store them to make leaf mold. After clearing debris, apply a lawn feed high in potassium to strengthen roots for winter. This will help your lawn recover from summer wear and be better prepared for next year.

 

 

 

Protect Delicate Plants from Frost

 

As frost becomes a concern in late October, it's crucial to protect tender plants like fuchsias and dahlias. Move potted plants indoors or into a greenhouse, and use fleece to insulate those that must remain outside. You can also add mulch around the base of plants to insulate their roots. Mulching not only helps protect against frost but also conserves soil moisture and reduces weed growth.

 

Weeding and Mulching

 

Weeds may continue to grow in autumn, so make sure to keep on top of them. Use a weeding tool to remove any weeds that have sprouted. Once the garden is weed free, apply a layer of mulch around plants, especially around perennials and trees. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and provides a layer of insulation to protect roots from the cold.

 

 

Harvest Late Crops

 

October is the time to harvest the last of your summer crops like pumpkins, squashes, and root vegetables. It’s also a good opportunity to plant overwintering crops like garlic, onions, and broad beans, which will be ready to harvest in the spring. Make sure to use a garden fork to lift root vegetables gently from the soil without damaging them.

 

 

 

Tidy Up Borders and Beds

 

Clear away any dead foliage, spent plants, and fallen leaves from flower beds and borders with a shrub rake. Doing this prevents pests from making a home in the decaying material. Add this organic matter to your compost bin to help enrich the soil for next year.

 

 

Clean and Store Garden Tools

 

Finally, October is a good time to give your gardening tools some care. Clean your tools to remove dirt and rust, sharpen blades, and oil any moving parts to keep them in good condition for next season. Read our guide on how to care for your Kent & Stowe tools.