October is not a month for relaxation, but for smart preparation of your yard. With a little effort now, you will ensure that in the spring you will be greeted with a healthy and lush garden full of colors.
Although autumn brings colder days and more frequent rainy spells that encourage people to stay indoors, that doesn’t mean it’s time to put away the gardening tools. On the contrary, October is a crucial month for properly preparing your garden for the upcoming season.
Gardening expert James Evans points out that October is the right month to prepare, writing “Mirror”.
“Thoughtful planting, pruning and feeding during this period lays the foundation for spring. October is also important for protecting wildlife that seek food and shelter during the colder months,” says Evens.
Proper garden care in October not only strengthens the resilience of plants and lawns during the winter, but also helps preserve the natural environment. This maintains the natural balance in the garden, which is crucial for healthy plant growth.
Planting bulbs
If you haven’t already planted your spring bulbs, James advises that now is the ideal time to do so. Popular varieties such as tulips, daffodils and crocuses need plenty of time to establish themselves before winter frosts.
“By planting bulbs in October, the soil will be warm and loose enough to allow the bulbs to take root well before the winter frosts,” explains Evens, and highlights the importance of careful planting planning: crocuses bloom very early, tulips in mid-spring, and daffodils later, towards the end of the season. By combining different species, even in the same flower bed, you can ensure an uninterrupted flow of color throughout the spring,” he explains.
Pruning and cleaning
October is also an ideal time for pruning and cleaning flower beds of fallen leaves and stems.
“Many herbaceous perennials begin to die during this period, and if you don’t tidy them up, the garden will look neglected and favorable conditions will be created for the development of pests and diseases that feed on rotting plant debris,” warns Evens.
However, it is important to note that not all plants need to be pruned.
“Some hardier perennials, such as rudbeckia, survive the winter successfully and provide valuable shelter and food sources for birds. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from pruning plants that birds use, because during the cold months any help is very significant,” Evens points out.
Ways to preserve sensitive plants
“In some areas, the first heavy frost may appear as early as October,” the expert notes.
Potted plants are particularly sensitive to the cold, so it is advisable to move them to sheltered areas closer to the house or protect them with agrotextiles, straw, or bubble wrap.
“It’s best to place potted plants on the south or west side, next to a wall or hedge, where they can crowd together and thus create a warmer microclimate,” he explains.
For plants in flower beds, protection with covering is key. The expert recommends materials such as agrotextiles or jute, which allow ventilation but at the same time protect the plants from the cold.
– An additional layer of mulch helps insulate the soil, retain moisture, and protects the roots from sudden changes in temperature – he concludes.
Turn your garden into a winter haven
Winter is a difficult time for wildlife, so October is the perfect time to turn your garden into a safe haven, providing them with water, food and shelter.
“Something as simple as leaving sunflower heads, planting native trees and shrubs, and placing bird food like energy bars or pellets provides a much-needed food source,” says Evens.
The expert also recommends building a hedgehog house to provide a natural shelter for these beneficial animals.
“A small pond or bowl of water that you regularly keep unfrozen will be an important water source for birds,” he adds.
Time for the last mowing of the lawn
October is often the month when the last lawn mowing of the year is done. As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, grass growth slows down.
“When temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius, grass stops growing. Mowing during very cold days can cause long-term damage to your lawn. On the other hand, stopping mowing too early can result in a patchy appearance and weakening of your grass,” explains expert James Evans.
For the final mowing, it is recommended to adhere to the rule of removing no more than one-third of the grass height.
– It is recommended to adjust the height of the mower blades so that the grass remains somewhat longer, which allows for better soil aeration and contributes to preserving the health of the lawn. Timely and properly performed final mowing is key to maintaining the neat appearance of the lawn during the winter period, as well as for its quick and quality recovery in spring – he advises.
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