Top Gardening Tips for October
October Garden To-Do List: Prepare for Winter and Keep the Colour Alive
As autumn paints the landscape in rich hues of gold and crimson, it's time to turn your attention to preparing the garden for the colder months ahead. October is a pivotal month in the gardening calendar — the soil is still warm, allowing for planting, while the encroaching chill reminds us to start winter-proofing. Here’s a roundup of essential tasks to keep your garden healthy, vibrant, and full of life as we move towards winter.
1. Plant Evergreen Shrubs and Conifer Hedges
Take advantage of the residual warmth in the soil to plant evergreen shrubs and conifer hedges. This gives them ample time to establish strong root systems before the ground freezes. Evergreens provide structure and colour throughout the grey winter months, making your garden feel alive even in the depths of winter.
2. Protect Tender Exotics
Wrap banana plants and tree ferns with layers of fleece or straw to shield them from biting frosts. These tender beauties need a little extra care to survive the British winter, and taking the time to cover them now will pay dividends in spring.
3. Brighten Up with Winter Pots
Lift the spirits on gloomy days with cheerful winter pot displays. Combine colourful plants like heathers, cyclamen, and winter pansies for eye-catching arrangements by your front door or on the patio. Their hardy blooms will bring a smile on even the darkest days.
4. Clear Spent Crops from the Veg Patch
Remove old and dying vegetable plants from your plot. These remnants can harbour pests and diseases that may overwinter in the soil. Clearing them now will reduce problems next season and give you a head start on healthier spring growth.
5. Insulate Your Greenhouse
As night-time temperatures begin to dip, line greenhouse glazing with bubble insulation. This simple step helps to retain warmth, protect delicate plants, and cut heating costs. A small investment now can make a big difference through winter.
6. Harvest Rainwater
Install guttering on your greenhouse and set up a water butt to collect autumn rain. Not only does this conserve water, but rainwater is often better for plants than tap water. It’s a win for your garden and the environment.
7. Feed the Lawn
Your lawn may be looking a little worse for wear after the summer heat. Apply an autumn lawn feed to rejuvenate it. These formulas are rich in potassium, helping strengthen roots and build resistance to cold, disease, and wear.
8. Support Garden Wildlife
Help wildlife find safe refuge by creating a log pile at the back of a border. It’s an easy and natural way to offer shelter to beneficial insects, frogs, and even hedgehogs during the colder months.