October can be one of the busiest and most important months for gardeners, with frostier weather and shorter days on the horizon. Here are the jobs you need to do in your garden this month
Gardening expert shares the jobs you must do in October to prepare for winter(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
While the weather may be getting chillier, it’s not time to put away your gardening gloves just yet.
Contrary to what many believe, October can actually be one of the busiest and most crucial months for gardeners. With frosty weather and shorter days looming, this month is key in preparing your garden to endure the cold snap and flourish again the following spring.
Composite decking brand Trex has collaborated with TrexPro and outdoor living expert Simon Parry, owner of Simon Parry Landscaping and Gardening, to share his essential gardening tasks for October.
Clear up fallen leaves.
Simon advises: “Leaving piles of wet leaves on the lawn can cause patches of yellowing, moss growth, and even fungal disease, while gathered leaves can be transformed into free, nutrient-rich leaf mould that will benefit your garden.”, reports the Mirror.
“To create leaf mould, use a rake or leaf blower to collect leaves into piles, dampen them if they’re dry, then bag them up in bin liners with air holes or store them in a wire bin to decompose over time.
“After two years, they should be well-decomposed and usable as seed-sowing compost, or mixed with equal quantities of sharp sand, garden compost and good quality soil for use as potting compost. If you don’t want to make leaf mould, fallen leaves can simply be added to your usual compost bin as they are.”
Enrich soil with compost or manure
Simon recommends: “Speaking of compost, October is the perfect time to improve your soil by adding organic matter to it that will replenish nutrients, improve its structure and help it retain moisture, setting up your borders and beds for next season’s planting.
“Spread a generous layer (around 5–7cm) of well-rotted manure or garden compost over empty beds and lightly fork it in or leave it as a mulch for worms to work in naturally.”
Keep trimming shrubs and perennials
According to Simon: “If you haven’t already started, October is the time to cut back perennials and prune shrubs to prevent wind damage, maintain their shape and help them conserve energy for winter.
“Use clean, sharp secateurs to remove dead stems and faded flowers. Cut perennials back close to the base but leave some seed heads (like echinacea or teasels) for wildlife interest.”
Shield delicate plants from frost
Simon cautions that the first frosts of winter can arrive in October. Consequently, delicate perennials such as dahlias, cannas and pelargoniums require protection to survive.
He explains: “For dahlias, that means digging up the fleshy tubers they grow from and storing them over winter in a frost-free shed. The same applies to the underground stems – called rhizomes – that cannas grow from.
“Keeping pelargoniums alive over winter involves uprooting them, shaking off excess soil from their roots, pruning the plants to about half their size and letting them dry. You can then wrap them in newspaper, brown paper bags or a cardboard box and store in the shed or any other cool, dark, frost-free place.”
He further advises: “Alternatively, you can pot up individual plants and place them in a cool but bright location such as a greenhouse or conservatory. If you opt for this, keep the compost dry, watering very sparingly (if at all) over winter.”
Revive overgrown perennials
Simon suggests: “Dividing clumps of perennials revitalises plants, encouraging more robust growth and flower production by improving airflow and providing more space for roots and shoots. It’s also a cost-effective method to propagate new plants that can fill any vacant spots in your garden.
“Use a fork to lift the clump, divide it into smaller sections with a spade or knife, and replant immediately in enriched soil. Doing this in October means the soil will still be warm enough to allow the roots to establish before winter.”
Inject autumn colour into your deck or patio
The chillier weather is no reason not to spruce up your outdoor area in the cooler months. Simon recommends that all it takes is some strategic planting.
He explains: “Pansies and violas in pots will provide a strong burst of colour and continue flowering into winter, while foliage plants like heuchera, heathers and ornamental grasses will add texture and colour beyond the colder months into spring.”
Maintain and store gardening equipment
Simon suggests: “With many of the main autumn garden jobs complete, take the time to clean and store your tools properly to prevent rust, stop any diseases spreading and extend their life.
“Wash any mud off tools with water and dry them thoroughly before oiling metal parts with linseed oil or WD-40. Once clean, store tools in a dry shed or garage.”
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