October Gardening Jobs
Summer might be becoming a distant memory, but that doesn’t mean your garden will take care of itself during the colder months. Autumn is the ideal time for planting trees and shrubs, as well as for gathering and storing seeds from this year’s crops. If you are lucky enough to live in a wooded area, it is also the perfect time to admire the stunning autumn colours. For the rest of us, below are a few tasks to be getting on with this month.
Keep an eye on the weather
October can bless us with an Indian summer or shock us with sharp frosts. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and move any tender plants into shelter if temperatures look set to plunge overnight. Any plants that can’t be moved can be wrapped in fleece to protect against frost damage.
Collect fallen leaves
Blustery weather causes trees to shed their leaves at an alarming rate. If left on the lawn, these leaves can begin to look unsightly, as well as damaging the grass. On flowerbeds they can attract unwanted guests such as slugs and snails. Sweep up as many leaves as possible, and add them onto your compost heap if you have one. In a year or two you will have created leaf mould which is ideal for mulching and as a soil-improver.
Clear ponds
Fallen leaves can also have a detrimental impact on pond hygiene, and can leave the water murky and green. Fish out any fallen leaves, and take the opportunity to trim back any aquatic plants that have begun to take over. If your pond is stocked with fish, now is the time to cut back on feeding.
Lift summer-flowering bulbs
Dahlias and gladioli should be ready to go into storage this month. Dahlias should be cut back to 10cm above ground level and lifted carefully from the soil. Remove as much compost from the tuber as you can, and store in a dry place for several weeks until dried thoroughly. Next, plant the tubers in peat-free compost, ensuring the point where the stem meets the tuber is above the surface of the compost. They can now be left in a shed until they start into growth next spring.
Gladioli can be lifted once the foliage begins to yellow. The corms should be lifted, dried thoroughly, and then stored in pots with dry sand.
Lift and divide perennials
Established perennials often need some care and attention to keep them looking their best, as they tend to die out in the middle, with fresh, green growth around the outside. Their appearance can be improved by lifting and dividing the plants. Lift the plants with a garden fork, and split the clump across the middle using a spade. The two pieces can then be replanted, along with some fresh compost, and plenty of water.
Check forced bulbs
If last month you planted bulbs for Christmas flowering, it is a good idea to check their progress during October. If they have put on new, green growth, it may be time to bring them into the light. If you are unsure, lift them out of their pots to check the root system. If the roots look weak, or there are not many of them, leave the bulbs where they are for a few more weeks.
Refresh hanging baskets
Summer-flowering hanging baskets will have reached their end by now. Empty out the old plants and refresh the compost. The container can now be used for all important winter colour. Dwarf conifers add structure while cyclamen and heather provide interest and brightness.
Keep on top of apples
Maincrop apples should be ripening by the day now. If possible, pick the fruit straight from the tree, rather than waiting for them to fall. If the apples come easily away from the tree, they are ready for picking. If you are blessed with a large tree this may not be possible, so get into the habit of examining the fallers every day, rescuing the healthy fruit for the kitchen, and disposing of any that have suffered bruising or pest damage.
Although many gardens appear sparser during the colder months, the gardeners’ list of jobs is no shorter. Good garden maintenance and keeping a keen eye on the weather forecast is time well spent at this time of year, as it can help to prevent any problems before they occur.