Top ten gardening jobs for October
October is an ideal month to get your garden ready for winter. As the leaves turn golden and the evenings draw in, there is still plenty to do outdoors, from planting spring bulbs to tidying borders and protecting more delicate plants from frost. If you’re thinking of selling anytime soon, a little autumn preparation can help keep outdoor spaces looking attractive throughout the winter and ready to burst back into life next spring. Whether you have a large country garden, lawns and borders, or a small courtyard, here are the essential gardening jobs to tackle this October:
1. Plant flowering bulbs for spring colour
Get ahead for spring by planting daffodils, crocuses, alliums, and other spring bulbs. Tulips are best planted later in November. Plant bulbs at the depth recommended on the packet for a colourful display next year.
2. Trim the wisteria
Homes clad in wisteria have a picture-perfect feel to them and make an unforgettable first impression on buyers. This is the month to trim it back to ensure a show-stopping floral display in the spring.
3. Sweep away leaves
Keep lawns, paths and patios clear of slippery leaves. Rather than composting them all, collect healthy leaves to make leaf mould, or leave some beneath shrubs and in quiet corners to provide shelter for wildlife.
4. Give the lawn some attention
October is a useful time to repair lawns that suffered during the heatwave. Scarify where necessary and reseed. Mow if the grass is still growing, raising the cutting height slightly. It’s better to leave grass too long than too short. Avoid working on waterlogged or frosty ground.
5. Refresh pots and containers
Replace tired summer bedding with winter pansies, violas, heathers, and other seasonal plants. Check drainage holes and raise pots on feet or bricks to prevent them sitting in water during wet weather, or cracking in freezing temperatures.
6. Mulch flower beds
Add a layer of garden compost or well-rotted organic matter around established plants. This helps improve soil structure, retain moisture, and protect roots. Leave a little space around plant stems to reduce the risk of rot.
7. Protect young plants from frost
Move vulnerable pots into a greenhouse, conservatory, or sheltered positions before a cold snap catches you by surprise. Insulate suitable containers and check plants for pests before bringing them indoors.
8. Plant trees, shrubs, and hedging
Autumn’s warmer soil and increased rainfall can help new plants establish roots. October is a good time to plant many trees, shrubs, roses and climbers, provided the ground is not waterlogged.
9. Don’t forget the wildlife
An autumn garden doesn’t need to be immaculate. Leaving some seed heads, fallen leaves and undisturbed areas can provide food and shelter for birds, insects, and hedgehogs. Keep paths and entrances clear but consider allowing some areas of the garden to remain a little more natural.
10. Final checks
Put away garden tools in sheds or garages, check fences, clear drains, inspect outdoor taps, and water features. Preventative maintenance now can help avoid problems when winter weather sets in.
