AUTUMN TASK: Leaves become a nutrient-rich soil conditioner or mulch once they decay, says Monty Don (Image: Ormskirk Advertiser and Hanna Taniukevich/Getty)
Daylight hours may be waning but many gardens are having one last hurrah before the colder weather sets in. October is a very productive month for gardeners, according to Monty Don, with late blooms to enjoy, the final crops to harvest, and seasonal jobs to attend to.
“There are lots of harvests from squashes, salad leaves, cabbages, sweetcorn, tomatoes, chillies, climbing beans and more,” wrote the gardening expert in his monthly blog. “The flower garden is still blooming with cosmos, helianthus, asters, sunflowers, cannas, gingers, dahlias, echinacaea, heleniums all still going strong – which they will do until the first frosts.”
But it’s also time to start planning and preparing for next spring and summer, as October marks the start of the gardener’s calendar. What you do now can make a huge difference to your garden next year – and top of Monty’s priorities this month is collecting leaves to make leafmould, which he calls ‘garden gold’.
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He says making leafmould requires minimal effort “with no turning or mixing needed” as it naturally transforms into a crumbly, nutrient-rich soil conditioner. Simply collect fallen leaves in bin bags, add a few drainage holes at the bottom, and then ensure the contents stay damp.
Alternatively, you can create a simple bay from four posts and some chicken wire to hold the leaves. Once they have decayed, the leafmould can be used for mulching, as a potting medium for seeds and cuttings, or mixed with soil to boost its organic content.
“I am obsessive about making leafmould, gathering as many of the fallen leaves as possible,” says Monty, but he adds that drifts are left under hedges and trees, along with stacks of logs and piles of prunings, to provide over-wintering cover for wildlife. Plants also need protection during the colder months, and having the right kit to hand can save dealing with problems later.
Ahead of the first frosts, he recommends investing in two essential items: horticultural fleece and cloches. “The point is that these are only useful if you have and employ them before you need them and there is no guarantee that there will not be a hard frost in October,” says the BBC Gardeners World presenter.
Fleece: Horticultural or garden fleece is a lightweight white fabric which helps protect plants when temperatures plunge. “Fleece is the best temporary protection against frost, either laid out over small plants or draped over shrubs and bushes,” said Monty.
Cloches: Cloches are small, portable structures made of glass or rigid, transparent plastic that act like miniature greenhouses and polytunnels. “Cloches are very good for rows of vegetables, keeping them dry as well as warm (although I always leave the ends open – happy to trade some heat for some ventilation),” said the gardening expert.
Protect pots: Monty also advises bringing in terracotta plant pots or wrapping them up in hessian or bubble wrap for insulation. “Terracotta absorbs water, so during a hard frost any wet soil inside will expand and can cause the pot to crack,” he explains.
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Fleece: A 10m roll of Abimars Garden Fleece costs £15.99 on Amazon. Made of 30gsm non-woven polypropylene fabric and 2m wide, although other sizes are available.
Cloches: A pack of 10 vented Latern Transparent PVC Garden Cloches cost £21.99 on Amazon. They measure 26cm x 20cm and come with securing pegs and plant labels.
Garden rake: Save a third on the McGregor Garden Lawn Rake now £8.50 at Argos. Polypropylene handle with 22 springy carbon steel tines, ideal for raking leaves and scarifying the lawn.
Prices correct at the time of publication.
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