Top 10 jobs this month (October) as the weather is turning
As the calendar flips to October and the air begins to chill, gardeners and homeowners alike find themselves amidst a crucial time for yard and garden maintenance. With the changing seasons, there’s a plethora of tasks to be undertaken to ensure your garden remains healthy and vibrant through the cooler months and is prepared for the spring. Here’s a guide to the top 10 jobs this month as the weather turns:
Clear Up Fallen Autumn Leaves Regularly: Fallen leaves can be both a hazard and a nuisance. While they paint a picturesque autumn scene, they can also smother grass, create slippery walkways, and harbour pests. Regularly raking or blowing leaves from your lawn, paths, and borders can prevent these issues. Additionally, collected leaves can be used to create leaf mould, a fantastic, nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
Cut Back Perennials That Have Died Down: As the growing season ends, many perennials start to die back naturally. Cutting these plants down to ground level not only tidies up your garden but also prevents disease and pest infestation. However, consider leaving some seed heads for birds and insects that rely on them for winter food.
Divide Herbaceous Perennials and Rhubarb Crowns: October is an ideal time to divide overgrown clumps of herbaceous perennials and rhubarb crowns. This not only revitalises the plants by giving them more space and resources but also helps to increase your plant stock. Ensure that each division has several shoots and a portion of the root system.
Move Tender Plants, Including Aquatic Ones, into the Greenhouse: With the first frosts on the horizon, it’s time to protect your tender plants. Move them into a greenhouse, conservatory, or a sheltered spot indoors. Don’t forget about aquatic plants in outdoor ponds; they may need to be moved to prevent them from freezing. Remember to use greenhouse staging to maximise space. If you’re concerned about having a permanent fixture, consider folding staging.
Plant Out Spring Cabbages: For a productive vegetable plot next year, plant out spring cabbages now. These will overwinter and provide you with early greens in spring. Ensure they are well-protected from pests like pigeons and cabbage white butterflies.
Harvest Apples, Pears, Grapes, and Nuts: October is harvest time for many fruit trees and vines. Pick apples, pears, grapes, and nuts as they ripen to avoid over-ripening or decay. This not only provides you with fresh produce but also reduces the burden on the plants.
Prune Climbing Roses: After flowering, climbing roses should be pruned to maintain their shape and encourage new growth for next year. Remove any dead or diseased branches and secure the remaining ones to their supports.
Order Seeds for Next Year: Now is the perfect time to reflect on what plants and vegetables you’d like to grow next year. Ordering seeds now ensures you get the best selection and are well-prepared when the planting season begins.
Last Chance to Mow Lawns and Trim Hedges in Mild Areas: In areas where the climate remains mild, this may be your last chance to mow the lawn and trim hedges before winter sets in. This not only keeps your garden looking neat but also prevents pests from overwintering in long grass and dense hedges.
Renovate Old Lawns or Create New Grass Areas by Laying Turf: If your lawn looks worn out or you wish to create new grassy areas, October is a great time to lay new turf. Cooler temperatures and autumn rains help the new grass to establish without the intense heat or dryness of summer.
Consider covering any wooden garden furniture with a tarpaulin, this will make sure that it doesn’t rot over the wet months.
By keeping on top of these tasks, you can ensure your garden remains healthy, tidy, and beautiful throughout the autumn and is well-prepared for the coming spring. Have a think about your greenhouse layout, as it’s going to make work in there much simpler and easier to operate within, potting benches are going to come in handy too!
